Must-Have Items to Make Your Home Search Easier

Searching for the right home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Between touring multiple properties, comparing features, and keeping track of important details, being prepared makes all the difference. To help, I’ve pulled together a list of helpful items—some small, some a bit more of an investment—that will make your home search smoother and less stressful.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or experienced homeowner, these tools will keep you organized, comfortable, and confident while you shop for your next place.

1. Laser Measuring Device

Ever wonder if that gorgeous sectional or dining table will actually fit in the new space? A compact laser measuring device gives you precise room dimensions in seconds—much faster than a tape measure. Essential for buyers with furniture to move or renovation plans in mind.

• • BOSCH GLM100-23 100 Ft Blaze Laser Distance Measure https://amzn.to/4gKYk9O
    
    

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes

Touring multiple homes in one day means lots of walking, stairs, and uneven driveways. Comfortable but stylish shoes are a must—you’ll thank yourself later. 

• • Adidas Unisex-Adult Samba Indoor https://amzn.to/3KCsGPu
    
    

3. Sturdy Notebook & Pens

Photos and listings only tell part of the story. Having a designated notebook for notes, pros/cons, and floor plan sketches helps keep your thoughts organized. Bonus: it’s nice to look back at your early impressions when narrowing down your choices.

• • Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled, Black, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25) https://amzn.to/46RHAtP

4. Portable File Folder or Accordion Organizer

Between pre-approval letters, flyers, and contracts, paperwork adds up quickly. A slim file folder or accordion organizer helps you keep everything in one place so nothing gets lost.

• • Accordion File Organizer with Labels, 8 Pocket Expanding File Folder, Portable Folders for Document https://amzn.to/46Qy3mS
    
    

5. Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated while you’re on the go is a simple but overlooked step. A durable, insulated reusable water bottle keeps you refreshed as you move from property to property.

• • YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with Chug Cap, Navy https://amzn.to/42ObPzs
    
    

6. Phone Charger or Power Bank

Taking photos, videos, and notes on your phone drains battery life fast. A portable power bank ensures your phone won’t die in the middle of a showing.

• • Anker Power Bank(PowerCore 10K), Compact Travel-Ready Phone Charger https://amzn.to/4nQHsAI
    
    

7. Tote Bag or Backpack

Carrying flyers, notebooks, snacks, and personal items can get heavy. A sleek tote bag or backpack keeps everything organized and easy to access.

• • Fjällräven High Coast Totepack Bag https://amzn.to/3KczByZ
    
    

8. Small Flashlight

Not every space you tour will be perfectly lit. A compact flashlight helps you check out basements, attics, or crawl spaces without relying on your phone light.

• • Flashlight 1060 Lumens Built-in a Fast Charging Rechargeable LED Handheld Flashlight https://amzn.to/4myH3lk
    
    

9. Hand Sanitizer & Wipes

Touring homes means touching doorknobs, railings, and light switches all day long. A small bottle of hand sanitizer or a pack of wipes is both practical and polite.

• • Antibacterial Hand Sanitizing Individual Hand Wipe Packets https://amzn.to/42OcWPE
    
    

10. Tape Measure (Old School)

While a laser is amazing, sometimes nothing beats a trusty tape measure for quick checks on furniture fit. Keep one handy in your bag or car.

• • STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure, 25-Foot https://amzn.to/48zPMQP

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and being organized helps reduce stress so you can focus on finding the place that feels right. Whether you splurge on high-tech tools like a laser measurer or just grab a comfy pair of shoes and a notebook, these small investments will pay off throughout the search process.

Pro tip: Keep a dedicated “house hunting kit” in your car with these essentials. You’ll never have to scramble when the perfect listing pops up. Happy house hunting!