Home maintenance basics
A starter tool kit and supplies for the small jobs every home needs: hanging, tightening, unclogging, sealing and changing bulbs.
Amounts below are for 2 people. They are planning estimates; change any of them on your list.
Saves the 13 must-haves, 4 easy-to-forget items and 5 things to do to a list on this device. Upgrades are up to you. Then shop the list item by item and tick things off.
At a glance
- 🛒 Basic tool kit1 kit
- 🛒 Cordless drill1 drill
- 🛒 Tape measure1 tape measure
- 🔎 Level1 level
- 🔎 Utility knife1 knife
- 🔎 Stud finder1 finder
- 🔎 Plunger1 plunger
- 🔎 Caulk and sealant1 tube
- 🛒 WD-40 or lubricant1 can
- 🔎 Light bulbs6 bulbs
- 🔎 Work flashlight with magnet1 flashlight
- 🔎 Ladder1 ladder
- 🔎 Safety glasses2 pairs
🛒 4 exact products we picked · 🔎 9 Amazon searches, so you choose the brand and size.
Must-haves (13)
- Our pick
Basic tool kit
CRAFTSMAN 57-piece home tool set
Hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, sockets and a tape in one case.
Good for: First apartment
Get about 1 kit
1 kit for the group
- Upgrade: CRAFTSMAN 102-piece tool kit ↗More sockets and bits, for home and car.
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
- Our pick
Cordless drill
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX drill (LD120VA)
A light drill with a 30-piece bit set.
Good for: Home projects
Get about 1 drill
1 drill for the group
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
- Our pick
Tape measure
STANLEY PowerLock 25-foot tape measure
The classic 25-foot tape.
Good for: Every toolbox
Get about 1 tape measure
1 tape measure for the group
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Level
Get about 1 level
1 level for the group
Utility knife
Get about 1 knife
1 knife for the group
Amazon search: “box cutter”
Stud finder
Get about 1 finder
1 finder for the group
Plunger
Get about 1 plunger
1 plunger for the group
Caulk and sealant
Get about 1 tube
1 tube for the group
- Our pick
WD-40 or lubricant
WD-40 Multi-Use with Smart Straw
Loosens stuck parts and quiets squeaks. The straw flips up.
Good for: Toolbox
Get about 1 can
1 can for the group
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Light bulbs
Get about 6 bulbs (1 × 6-pack)
6 bulbs for the group
Amazon search: “led light bulbs”
Work flashlight with magnet
Get about 1 flashlight
1 flashlight for the group
Amazon search: “magnetic flashlight”
Ladder
Get about 1 ladder
1 ladder for the group
Amazon search: “step ladder”
Safety glasses
Get about 2 pairs
2 adults × 1 = 2 pairs
Easy to forget (4)
9-volt batteries
For smoke alarms that use them.
Get about 2 batteries
2 batteries for the group
Amazon search: “9v batteries”
Superglue
Get about 1 pack
1 pack for the group
Painter's tape
Get about 2 rolls
2 rolls for the group
Zip ties
Get about 1 pack
1 pack for the group
Upgrades (4)
Drain snake
Get about 1 snake
1 snake for the group
Picture hanging kit
Get about 1 kit
1 kit for the group
Wet/dry shop vacuum
Get about 1 vacuum
1 vacuum for the group
Amazon search: “wet dry shop vac”
Smart plug
Get about 2 plugs
2 plugs for the group
Spend less (1)
Instead of cordless drill:
Screwdriver set
Get about 1 set
1 set for the group
Things to do (5)
- ✅ Test smoke and CO alarmsTest monthly; replace batteries as the maker says.
- ✅ Learn how to turn off utilitiesKnow where the water, gas and power shut-offs are. Leave gas to the utility to turn back on.
- ✅ Fuses or breakers labeledLabel your breaker panel so anyone can find the right switch.
- ✅ Service the furnace
- ✅ Clear gutters and drains
General planning information, not professional or medical advice. A list does not guarantee anyone’s safety. In any emergency, call your local emergency number and follow official guidance from local authorities.
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