So you’ve moved into your first place in Red Oak! Congratulations! Owning or renting a home is a huge deal, and you should take a few minutes to be proud. Go ahead; we’ll give you a second.

Ok, time’s up! Now that you’re moved in, it’s time to start thinking about the most important room in that new place - the bathroom.

Here are the seven essential supplies you’ll need to make sure you’re able to keep your bathroom clean, organized, and functional as you settle in to your new home:

1.) Shower Curtain and Liner

One of the first things that you need to consider when you move into a new home is how to protect your new bathroom from mold, mildew, and water damage, which can quickly turn that gleaming new bathroom into an inhospitable money pit. In addition to upgrading any old or out-of-date fixtures and refreshing your bathroom with new caulk and grout, one of the most important steps you can take to prevent unwelcome water is to put up a shower curtain and liner. In addition to being practical, having a fresh curtain in place is also a great way to leave your personal stamp on your new space!

2.) Bath and Toilet Mats

A shower curtain and liner will help keep excess water in your tub; a mat will help prevent all of the water dripping off of you to damage your floor. Look for a few sturdy mats, ready to help prevent spills, slips, and drips around your shower, sink, and toilet. These will keep you and your floors safer, and are well worth the investment.

3.) Trash and Recycling Cans

You’d be surprised how much trash and recycling you generate in the bathroom – and how little of it is OK to simply flush away! Shampoo and soap bottles, old boxes, toilet paper rolls, facial tissues, old toothbrushes, and personal hygiene products all need somewhere to go, so put out two small bins – one for trash, and the other for recycling. The planet – and any future houseguests – will thank you!

4.) Plunger (and Other Plumbing Tools)

We believe that there are a few must-have tools for every household; the most fundamental is the plunger. We advise having at least two in your home – one designed for toilets, and the other for sink and tub drains. For a more complete list of recommended plumbing tools – including drain augurs, wrenches, and more – check out our guide here.

5.) Extra Storage Solutions

Now that you’ve got those plumbing tools, where are you to keep them? What about all of your makeup, hair and skin products, and medicine bottles? Cute decorations? Extra supplies? Make space for all of these essentials by bringing extra storage to your bathroom. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Shelves
• Wall-mounted and over-the-door hooks
• A lazy susan
• Dividers
• Hanging baskets
• Magnets for your medicine cabinet

6.) Green Cleaning Supplies

In addition to preventing mold and mildew from forming in the first place, many first-timers forget that they’ll need some way to fight back in the even that it does crop up. That means having cleaning supplies on hand!

While we strongly advise against stocking up on chemical solutions – particularly chemical drain cleaners – there are a few green cleaning solutions on the market that may be worth your time. For more general use, invest in some of the green supplies that can go a long way toward handling all of your bathroom needs, including vinegar, baking soda, bleach, and lemon juice, all of which have multiple uses around the house.

7.) Towels

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure that you have extra towels. Hand towels make for great decorations, and give you somewhere to dry your hands after using the sink. Bath towels are handy to have around for guests, and a stockpile of old dishtowels or rags are essential to have on hand for when you clean up.

Of course, even a well-stocked bathroom needs service every now and then. That’s where the Combat Plumbing team comes in! Drop us a line with any questions or concerns today.