by Laurel Michaels

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

The three magic words you have been waiting weeks to hear have finally been uttered, "We closed escrow!" Now it's time for the exciting task of moving into your first home. If you are moving from a rented room or an apartment you shared with a roommate, filling an entire home with furniture of your own can be a daunting task. However, if you just focus on your basic needs, the ten most necessary furnishings are clear.

Sleep

Your paycheck is more important then ever now that you have a mortgage to pay. Make sure you are well-rested for your hard day at work by investing in a good-quality, comfortable mattress. Buy a queen size or larger because you will never regret having too much room in your bed. You can scrimp and buy a simple metal bed frame if money is tight. You don't need to buy an entire bedroom set right away. When you do buy a headboard, many of them will connect to any metal frame. If not, the headboard will come with its own wooden frame and you can sell your old frame on craigslist. A good mattress is at the top of this top ten furnishings list.

Dressing

Digging your clothes out of boxes every morning will get old fast, so you will need a dresser. If you have the means, shop around and buy the best quality that you can. If you are worried about matching a headboard and nightstand later, buy a simple style in a woodgrain that will be easy to match. The eclectic look is very chic. If you have your heart set on a matching bedroom set, and can't afford one right away, then buy an inexpensive dresser from a garage sale or discount store and just sell it second hand when you are able to upgrade. If you don't want to waste money on something you will only get rid of later, or If money is really tight, buy some shallow plastic storage containers that you can slide under your bed. Voila-cheap drawers!

Bedside convenience

This might not actually be a necessity, but it sure makes life easier. Who wants their alarm clock and bedtime reading on the floor? Buy a nightstand (or two if you are not single). If nothing else, get one of those three legged tables for $15 at any major retail store and throw a table cover on it for ambiance. Don't even think about just turning one of your moving boxes upside down and using that for a nightstand. You're a homeowner now, so show a little class!

Relaxing

Relaxing is a basic need and for this you need a couch or loveseat. An armchair really won't do unless you are single and never have guests. You can buy a couch

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