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Now that you’re a homeowner (or about to be one), you’ll need to lay in some important items that you may not have considered when you either lived with roommates who handled the day-to-day workings of the household or with your family. There are so many things that you would just reach for, never thinking about where they came from or how they got there. In this series of blog posts, we’re going to talk about some of the everyday things you use all the time, but won’t be provided when you purchase a new home. You’ll need to put aside some additional cash around closing time – not just to get through the closing process itself, but also to outfit your new place. Today we’re going to talk about one of the smallest rooms in most houses…the bathroom. Since there’s often more than one of them, and it’s rarely simple to “go get something” when you need it right that minute, you need to be prepared. Here’s what you need to outfit a new bathroom!

• Shower curtain (and rings…don’t forget the rings!!!)
• Non-slip bathtub mat
• Comfy, absorbent rug or mat for outside the tub
• Shower radio or Bluetooth speakers that work with mp3 players or other device
• Toothbrush holder/toothbrush sanitizer
• A few sets of nice towels (This is the bathroom item where you’ll want to splurge a bit…nothing is more welcoming than a soft, thick, thirsty towel after a bath or shower!)
• Extendable wall-mounted mirror (One with a magnifying mirror is a morning makeup essential!)
• Razors and shaving supplies (for both men and women)
• Toiletry caddies (for both inside and outside of your shower stall or bathtub area)
• Plunger
• Spare roll holder (Nothing’s worse than running out of T.P. at that “certain time”…)
• Toilet cleaning brush with holder
• Cleaning supplies
• Deodorizing spray or scented candles
• Organizers, creative shelving or storage baskets
• Trash can
• Blinds or curtains for any windows
• Hair dryer
• Magazine rack with magazines (No explanation needed…)
• Hooks for bathrobes
• Liquid soap dispenser for easy hand-washing
• Small guest soaps for visitors
• An interesting piece of wall art

Extra lighting in your bathroom is also a plus. Hang additional lights, use tall floor lamps or have a local handyman wire gooseneck lamps right into your wall to provide extra illumination exactly where you need it. Most bathrooms come equipped with towel racks, but you can also invest in some extra ones that hook over the back of the door to give you extra drying space. This is truly handy if you or members of your family take more than one shower a day or like to reuse towels before washing them. Did you know that the average person uses a bath towel for a week before washing it? Of course, some prefer a fresh towel for every wash, but in any case, you should have plenty of places to hang your towels while they dry thoroughly between uses or before going into the laundry basket. (By the way, if you were curious, most experts from consumer and environmental health agencies recommend washing a towel after 3 to 4 uses.) Now that you’re all set, light a candle, add some bubbles or soothing oil to your tub, grab a good book and enjoy a long, luxurious soak! With a little thought and planning, your bathroom can become a sanctuary – and one of your favorite rooms!