The New Heirloom Homeowner Checklist
For those just moving in — or simply seeing their old home with new eyes.
Some beginnings come with cardboard boxes and creaky floorboards under hurried footsteps.
Others arrive quietly — a sudden softening, a deepened noticing of the home you thought you already knew.
Whether you are unpacking in a new place or simply falling back in love with the one you have, this is the start of something lasting.
Inspired by The Heirloom Homekeeper, this getting-started checklist was created to help you step into your role as caretaker and storyteller — with patience, with pride, and with joy.
1. Build Your Starter Homekeeping Toolkit
HEPA vacuum cleaner with soft bristle attachments (for floors, walls, woodwork, upholstery)
High-quality microfiber cloths (300 GSM or higher)
Microfiber spin mop (such as O-Cedar) with extra mop heads
Soft-bristle cleaning brushes (natural bristle for delicate surfaces, synthetic for grout and outdoor use)
Extendable microfiber duster (for ceilings, molding, light fixtures)
Mild all-purpose cleaner (like Dr. Bronner’s SAL Suds)
Howard’s Orange Oil (for nourishing historic wood)
Howard’s Feed-N-Wax (for deep conditioning of wood)
Bon Ami powder cleanser (safe for vintage sinks, tubs, and tile)
Plain vodka in a spray bottle (for natural deodorizing)
White vinegar and baking soda (used separately and with care)
Natural toilet bowl cleaner (like Mrs. Meyer’s)
Pumice stone (for vintage porcelain)
A copy of The Heirloom Homekeeper for reference
2. Gather Joyful Extras
Citrus peels for stovetop simmer pots
Personalized homekeeping playlist
Beautiful caddy, basket, or shelf to organize supplies
A simple vase or jar for foraged flowers and garden herbs
Soft lighting or a favorite candle to create a welcoming environment
3. Your First Gentle Tasks as a New Homeowner
Open windows for 5–10 minutes to refresh the air and energy inside your home
Gently dust crown moldings, ceilings, light fixtures, and door frames from the top down
Walk slowly through every room to notice creaks, drafts, sticky doors, and the natural rhythm of your home
Inspect the exterior foundation, porches, and basement for moisture, soft spots, or peeling paint
Locate your water shutoff valve and circuit breaker box
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Check the stability of stair railings and basement entryways
Start a simple Home Stewardship Journal to document seasonal rhythms, quirks, and early care priorities