When you move into or build a brand new home, you gain a sense of contentment, knowing you won't likely have to perform makeshift repairs anytime soon. 

But this doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared for little mishaps, or that you won't take on some DIY furniture-building projects or want to hang a family photo.

When you own a home, you also need to own a toolbox, stocked with the common tools you'll be happy to have when they're suddenly necessary. This is especially valuable advice for the first-time buyer who may not have thought about what tools they'll need!

Use our list of must-have tools to start making your shopping list.

Multi-Bit Screwdriver

You’ll probably need a screwdriver for putting together all of the furniture you’re going to buy for your new place. The two main types of screwdrivers are flathead – a single, flat edge – and Phillips head – a cross-shaped edge. However, screws actually come in a variety of sizes, so a single screwdriver won’t always fit. Instead, look for a multi-bit screwdriver. This kind has tips in different shapes and sizes that you can change out when needed. 

Allen Key Tool

An Allen wrench is the style that is L-shaped and fits screws that have a hexagon-shaped hole. This style of screw is often used in bookshelves or bedframes that you put together yourself. While most of the DIY kits you purchase will include the tool, you’re not always able to find it when you want to make adjustments or take the furniture apart. You can get an Allen key set with several sizes of these hex wrenches together so you can always find one that fits.

Level

One of the best things about moving into your own place is being able to hang up your artwork without worrying about what the landlord says. A level will help you determine if you’re hanging those paintings straight. Traditional levels look like a wider, three-dimensional ruler with little tubes of water placed in it. When the ruler is level, there’s a bubble in the water that balances itself in between two markings. Smaller versions are also available, but they may be more difficult to use.

Hammer

If you don’t have a hammer, you won’t be able to put in a nail for those pictures. Even a basic, cheap hammer can suit your purposes. Look for a hammer with a claw grip on the other side to remove nails you no longer need.

Adjustable Wrench

Wrenches are the tools you need to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Those nuts come in a variety of sizes, but you may not want to spend the money on a full wrench kit. Adjustable wrenches open and close to fit several sizes.

Cordless Drill

Drills are not only for making holes, most also have screwdriver attachments that can give you more power when you’re trying to screw something in. You’ll need that power to attach a tall bookshelf to one of the studs in the wall or just to make sure the screws in your furniture are all as secure as possible. Cordless drills are easier to use because you don’t have to worry about the cord getting in the way or having to be next to an electrical outlet while working with it.

Measuring Tape

When you first move into a new place, a measuring tape really comes in handy. You can measure out spaces to be sure that furniture will fit, measure the windows for curtains, and be sure that your wall art is spaced correctly. The square kind with a hard blade that pulls out is especially useful when you have to measure something on your own, but you’ll want a softer measuring tape if you’re measuring curved areas.

Flashlight

It’s smart to have a flashlight in the home. You’ll need it if the power ever goes out during a storm, but a flashlight can also come in handy when you drop something behind the dryer or you want to tell scary stories to your nieces and nephews. Be sure to keep working batteries inside it and to put it in an easily-accessible location, like the linen closet.

Needle-Nose Pliers

You might not use your needle-nose pliers often, but they come in handy at times. Pliers are particularly good for bending wires and other small pieces of metal. However, many people also use them to reach into small spaces where fingers don’t fit. For instance, if you were to drop your earring down the drain, you may be able to get it out with a pair of pliers rather than taking apart the pipes under the sink.

As you move into your new home, you’ll be shopping for a lot of fun, decorative items. However, you don’t want to forget the basics. Common tools are important to consider when buying your first home as they will make your life easier down the line. Stock up now if you don’t already have them, and you'll thank yourself later.

Photo credits: tools, couple , father