Homeowners got a lot to deal with, but that can be part of the fun! It can be satisfying to stock up on all the useful tools you may need to tackle small issues in the home. From repairing a leak to patching drywall, there’s a whole bunch of fixes involved in regular upkeep and home maintenance.

I’ve compiled a list of the top 12 helpful tools new homeowners should own to make their lives a lot easier. Be sure to set a drawer aside in your home, as you’ll want to fill it with these useful gadgets:

1. Flashlight

Dropped something behind the fridge? Neighborhood power outage? I can’t recommend equipping yourself with a flashlight (and a pack of batteries) enough.

2. Tape Measure

Any time you want to add something to the house, you’ll have to measure the space – and the new arrival. From a new couch to a painting on the wall, this is a tool you’re sure to use on a weekly basis.

3. Extension Cord

Every time you move something that requires power, you have to consider position and space. But you also need to remember something else – something that often gets lost in the shuffle: how far are you from a socket? An extension cord can easily remedy this problem, without having to do any rewiring. These can also be useful when vacuuming or under desks for multiple devices.

4. Step Stool

Need to reach something on the top shelf in the house? Sure, you could climb on the stove or stack a couple of chairs, but this strategy can be both inconvenient and unsafe. I highly recommend a step stool. It is also helpful because it allows you to utilize more space, such as high cabinets.

This tool, like the many others above, is totally essential for many small-scale home improvements. I have all sorts of recommendations on our website to get you started.

5. Hurricane Kit

A hurricane kit is a many-in-one tool. It could include matches, flashlights, a whistle, batteries, and more. A hurricane kit is an essential reality of living by the water.

6. The Big Three: Hammer, Wrench, Screwdriver

Make sure you have one – or, ideally, all – of the big three in stock: a hammer, wrench, and screwdriver. You never know when you may need one.

7. Power Drill

If you ever plan on going above and beyond the very basics of home improvement and care, you should get a power drill. It saves you tons of time once you get the hang of it.

8. Misc. Landscaping Tools

Depending on the size of your yard, you may need to come equipped with all the right tools for the job. I recommend a round nose shovel and a pick. If you plan on planting a garden, grab a few garden tools. Some of the best gardening and landscaping tools include gloves and a rake. (We’re in Florida, so you can skip the snow shovel!)

9. Tape

Every homeowner should have tape. Do you go with electrical tape or duct tape? Get both! They have very different uses, and both can come in handy in a pickle.

10. Vacuum

Even if you have all wooden floors, a vacuum is extremely helpful. Make your life easier by getting some kind of vacuum, even if it is just a handheld device.

11. Outlet Tester

An outlet tester can help you determine the status of an electrical outlet. It can detect any wiring issue, and reduce risk of electrical spikes, which can cause fires, physical harm, and damage to computers and other devices.

12. A Toolbox

A toolbox is also a tool! It is definitely something which can help you consolidate all your tools so that you can find them quickly and easily. When you are stressed and trying to resolve an issue, you don’t want to run around the house thinking, “where did I put that wrench?” A toolbox is especially handy if you hate the idea of a junk drawer.

A hurricane survival kit may not be necessary for all parts of the country, but if you are moving to Sarasota, it’s important to have one accessible.

For more information on the Sarasota real estate market, look over my current listings. It gives you a perfect idea of what the market looks like now as you prepare for the big move.