The First-Time Mover’s DIY Tool Kit: Essentials for Turning a House (or Apartment!) into a Home
Moving into a new place is exciting—fresh walls, big dreams, and maybe a little chaos mixed in (I’ve moved at LEAST 7 times since becoming an “adult”). Whether you just signed a lease on your first apartment or you’re finally unpacking boxes in your forever home, one thing is true: you’re going to need a few tools to make your space feel like yours.
No, I’m not saying you need to start building furniture from scratch on day one (unless that sounds like fun... in which case, welcome to the club). But having a small collection of the right tools will give you the power (literally) to hang your curtains, assemble your IKEA haul, and fix that wobbly kitchen drawer without calling in reinforcements.
So, here’s what I consider the starter pack for new homeowners and renters—tools that’ll make your life easier, your projects quicker, and your space feel like home sweet home. (Links to the products are underlined in pink in this article - so you don’t even have to think about what to purchase!)
🛠 1. A Cordless Drill + Good Bit Set
This is your ride-or-die tool—don’t move without it.
Whether you’re hanging curtain rods, anchoring shelves, or putting together furniture, a cordless drill will save your wrists and your sanity.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for one with a lithium-ion battery and don’t forget to grab a set that includes both drill bits and screwdriver bits so you’re ready for anything.
🔨 2. A Good Hammer
There’s something deeply satisfying about a solid hammer—especially when you’re knocking nails into a wall for that first gallery setup. You’ll use it for picture frames, light repairs, and any time you need to gently “persuade” something into place.
🧰 3. A 15-in-1 Painter’s Tool
This one’s a secret weapon most people overlook.
It opens paint cans, scrapes gunk, cleans rollers, spackles holes, and wedges open stuck windows.
Basically? It’s the Swiss Army knife of DIY. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
📡 4. A Stud Finder
Please don’t rely on the ol’ “knock and guess” method.
If you’re hanging anything heavy—like a mirror, TV mount, or big shelves—you need to find a stud in the wall (the wooden kind, not your partner 😘).
While you can always opt for a trusty ol’ magnetic stud finder battery-powered stud finder is inexpensive and will save you from a patching nightmare.
This one is my favorite!
This one is great as well.
✏️ 5. A Tape Measure
If I had a dollar for every time someone tried to "eyeball" a measurement and ended up with wonky wall art...
Get a sturdy, lockable tape measure. Whether you’re measuring a rug, deciding if that new dresser will fit, or hanging art at the right height, this tool is essential.
🔧 6. A Basic Level
Nothing says “DIY fail” like a crooked floating shelf.
A small torpedo level (like THIS ONE) is perfect for making sure everything hangs straight. Your eyeballs will thank you.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to spend just a little extra money to get a laser level, I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s so helpful for anything from hanging a gallery wall, installing TV mounts, tiling a backdrop, installing shelf brackets for shelving, leveling a paver patio, installing board and batten walls, and the list goes on and on!
🧼 7. Unscented Baby Wipes (Seriously)
These are my ride-or-die clean-up crew.
Wipe down dusty baseboards, clean up scuff marks, spot-clean furniture legs, or give your tools a quick swipe. I keep a pack in my tool tote and under the kitchen sink. Life-changing.
🪛 8. A Screwdriver Set (Manual or Ratcheting)
Not every task needs a power drill.
Having a set of screwdrivers—flathead and Phillips—is super handy for smaller jobs like tightening cabinet pulls, updating outlet covers, hanging smaller light fixtures, or opening battery compartments on kids’ toys.
💡 Pro Tip: Aside from (my favorite) 9-in-1 screwdriver, (or even the 15-in-1 Version!) buying a small rechargeable screwdriver (LIKE THIS ONE) is so worth it!
🛒 Bonus: What to Keep in Your Starter Tool Box
A flashlight or headlamp (for dark corners or under the sink fixes)
A wrench set or adjustable spanner
Painter’s tape (it’s not just for painting—it’s great for layout planning too!)
Command hooks or strips for no-damage hanging in rentals
Monkey hooks! (another renter friendly tool for hanging heavy items)
Final Thoughts:
Moving into a new place is full of possibilities—and a little prep goes a long way.
Grab these tools early, keep them handy, and you’ll feel confident taking on whatever project (or random repair) pops up. Whether you’re hanging art or fixing a drawer, you’ve got this.
Want more DIY tips, easy tutorials, and budget-friendly project ideas?
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I was named an expert in a recent Redfin article all about tools that every home owner needs.
Read the full article here: DIY Tools You Need to Get the Job Done Right| Rent | ApartmentGuide
