When you first moved into your home, you probably trekked over to Target or logged onto Amazon and stocked up on all of the obvious stuff like light bulbs, a hammer and a few cleaning supplies.

But moving into a new space can be chaotic, and in that chaos, there are always a few things that don’t make it into the shopping cart. And a month later when you’re hanging art, you really wish you’d bought that level.

That’s okay. You’re not alone!  Here are 13 things almost every homeowner forgets to buy:

1. Level

Have you ever seen a painting or photo in someone’s home that’s just crooked enough to be noticeable? Yeah. That’s really annoying. A level doesn’t just make sure your artwork is straight; you can also use it for hanging shelves, mirrors or sconces.

2. Guest Towels

You may have purchased a new, plushy set of towels for you and your partner, but chances are you weren’t thinking about towels for your first house guests. Grab a new set of guest towels so no one is left using your old beach towels to dry off.

Hosting house guests soon? Check out these five tips for making your guests feel at home.

3. Oven Mitt

What’s worse than an oven mitt that does a poor job of keeping heat from your hands? Not having an oven mitt at all. No, really – using a dishtowel puts you at risk for serious burns 99.9 percent of the time.

4. Plunger

It only takes one traumatic bathroom experience before you realize you forgot to buy one of the most important bathroom tools: a plunger. Pro Tip: Hide your plunger with this chic storage idea.

5. Fire Extinguisher

If you remembered to purchase a fire extinguisher, cheers to you! (They’re really important.) However, there is a common misconception that “one kind fits all.” Not true! You actually need a specific kind of extinguisher depending on the type of fire you need to put out. Use this guide to make sure your home is stocked up with the right fire extinguishers.

6. Mixing Bowls

They may not be as sexy as a mandolin slicer or a new set of knives, but when it comes to your kitchen, mixing bowls are a must-have part of cooking, especially if they’re durable and easy to store.

7. Coasters

Save yourself the stress of finding drink rings on your new coffee table by purchasing some coasters. There are a lot of options out there, so we suggest going with some that are practical and sturdy without sacrificing style (like this set or this collection).

If you do find yourself with drink rings, don’t panic! Here’s how to take care of the problem.  

8. Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is not just for perfecting a pot roast or an egg-based dessert – it’s important for food safety, too. A food thermometer is essential to making sure your dinner has been cooked (or re-heated) to the correct temperature to prevent illness or contamination.

9. Paper Towel Holder

Okay, a paper towel holder may not be something that will make or break your kitchen, but we still think it’s nice to have, especially if it’s durable (read: not plastic). After all, you’re likely to use this every day.

10. Welcome Mat

Think of your entryway as your home’s first impression: it’s the first thing guests will see as they enter your home. All the more reason to deck out your front porch or entryway with a fun, stylish welcome mat!

11. Salt and Pepper Shakers

You could just use the containers that your salt and pepper came in from the grocery store, but let’s be honest: those are ugly. Salt and pepper shakers are an inexpensive way to show off your decorating personality without sacrificing functionality.

12. Watering Can

You may have filled your home with houseplants, but how are you going to water them? That’s where a small, easily storeable watering can comes in handy. Tip: If you don’t have the storage space for a watering can, snag one of these watering bulbs, instead.  

13. Tea Kettle

No kitchen is complete without a way to boil water for tea and coffee. When it comes to tea kettles, it’s worth it to spend a little more to get a little more – any kettle under $25 can chip or worse, rust! We’ve tested and approved this one from KitchenAid. 

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

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When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.