Bathroom Setup for a New Home: Everything You Need
A full guide to setting up your bathroom in a new home. Covers towels, shower essentials, toiletry storage, cleaning supplies, bath mats, medicine cabinet must-haves, and plumbing basics.
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Towels and Linens
Buy bath towels (3 per person in the household)
Three towels per person keeps one in use, one in the hamper, and one clean and ready. 100% cotton in 600-700 GSM is the best balance of absorbency and drying speed.
Get at least 2 extra towels for guests
Choose a color that hides stains (gray, navy, or charcoal)
Get hand towels (2 per bathroom)
Hand towels should be replaced every 1-2 days in high-use bathrooms. Buy 4-6 total so you always have clean ones in the rotation. Matching your bath towel color keeps things looking unified.
Buy washcloths (4-6 per person)
Washcloths should be used once then washed—they harbor bacteria quickly in wet environments. A pack of 6 in a neutral color costs $8-$12 and lasts 2-3 years of regular washing.
Shower and Tub Essentials
Buy a shower curtain, waterproof liner, and hooks
A fabric shower curtain plus a separate PEVA or polyester liner ($5-$10) looks better than an all-in-one and is easier to clean. Replace plastic liners every 6 months when mildew builds up.
Get a shower caddy or in-shower storage
Tension-pole caddies hold the most products and fit any shower without drilling. They support 10-15 pounds across 3-4 shelves. Suction cup models fail in high-humidity—avoid them for daily use.
Consider upgrading the showerhead
A new showerhead takes 10 minutes to install with no tools beyond an adjustable wrench. A 2.0 GPM model saves 20% water over standard 2.5 GPM heads while maintaining strong pressure.
Buy a non-slip bath mat or tub stickers for the shower floor
Bathtub falls send 230,000 people to emergency rooms annually. Non-slip adhesive strips ($8-$12) or a rubber bath mat inside the tub prevents slipping on wet surfaces.
Toiletries Storage and Organization
Set up under-sink storage with bins or a shelf organizer
Stackable clear bins ($10-$15 for a 3-pack) let you see everything without digging. A two-tier expandable shelf doubles the usable space under most bathroom sinks.
Group items by category (hair, skin, dental, first aid)
Add a small bin for backstock items like extra soap and toothpaste
Install or organize the medicine cabinet
If your bathroom has no medicine cabinet, a wall-mounted mirror cabinet ($40-$80) adds 3-4 shelves of hidden storage. Keep daily-use items at eye level and less-used items on top and bottom shelves.
Add an over-the-toilet storage unit if space is limited
An over-the-toilet shelf unit adds 6-8 square feet of storage space for $30-$50. It holds towels, extra toilet paper, and toiletries without taking up any floor space.
Get a toothbrush holder and soap dispenser
A wall-mounted toothbrush holder keeps bristles upright and off the counter where they collect bacteria. Matching your soap dispenser and toothbrush holder makes the vanity look intentional for under $20 total.
Bath Mat and Floor
Buy a bath mat with non-slip backing
A bath mat outside the shower or tub catches drips and prevents slipping on tile. Machine-washable mats with rubber backing cost $15-$25 and should be washed every 1-2 weeks to prevent mildew.
Get a rug or mat for in front of the vanity
A small runner (20x32 inches) in front of the sink catches water splashes and keeps your feet warm on cold tile. Choose one that matches or complements your bath mat for a pulled-together look.
Buy a bathroom scale if desired
Place the scale on a hard, flat surface—carpet throws off readings by 5-10 pounds. A digital scale with 0.2-pound accuracy costs $20-$30 and is more reliable than analog dial models.
Medicine Cabinet Essentials
Stock pain relievers (acetaminophen and ibuprofen)
Keep both types on hand since they work differently—ibuprofen reduces inflammation while acetaminophen reduces pain and fever. Check expiration dates every 6 months and replace expired bottles.
Get bandages, antiseptic, and basic first aid supplies
A box of assorted bandages, triple antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, and medical tape handle most minor cuts and scrapes. Keep tweezers in the kit for splinters—they are needed more often than you expect.
Stock allergy and cold medicines
Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are the three categories to have on hand. Buy 24-hour versions to minimize doses. Store all medications above 59 degrees F and away from shower humidity.
Add a thermometer and nail clippers
A digital thermometer gives readings in 10-30 seconds and costs $8-$12. Store it in the medicine cabinet, not a drawer where it gets buried. Replace the battery annually.
Cleaning and Plumbing Supplies
Buy a toilet plunger (flange style)
A flange plunger has an extended rubber lip that seals inside the toilet drain. Cup plungers (flat bottom) are for sinks and tubs only. Buy the plunger before you need it—every bathroom should have one.
Get a toilet brush and holder
Clean the toilet bowl weekly with the brush and a toilet bowl cleaner. Replace the brush every 6 months when bristles flatten. A holder with a drip tray ($10-$15) keeps the floor dry.
Buy bathroom cleaning supplies
You need a toilet bowl cleaner, tub and tile spray, glass cleaner for mirrors, and disinfecting wipes for quick daily cleanups. Separate products work better than one all-purpose cleaner in bathrooms.
Get toilet bowl cleaner and tub/tile spray
Buy glass cleaner and disinfecting wipes
Get a small trash can with a lid
A 2-3 gallon can with a step pedal lid keeps odors contained and looks neat. Empty it weekly at minimum. Line it with small trash bags (4-gallon size) for easy disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bathroom essentials do I need for the first week in a new home?
Pack a "first week" bathroom kit: shower curtain with rings and a liner ($15-$25), two bath towels and two hand towels per person, a bath mat, toilet brush, plunger, toilet paper (at least a 12-pack), hand soap, shampoo, toothbrush holder, and a basic first aid kit. A tension-rod shower caddy ($15-$30) gives you immediate storage without drilling into tile walls you may not want to damage. Bring your own shower head if you prefer specific water pressure or features — standard shower heads swap out in under 5 minutes with no tools beyond pliers.
How much does it cost to set up a bathroom from scratch?
Budget $300-$800 per bathroom for a complete setup including towels, bath mat, shower curtain, storage organizers, waste basket, toilet accessories, and basic toiletries. The primary bedroom's bathroom typically costs more ($500-$1,000) due to double vanity accessories, a larger bath mat, and higher-quality towels for daily use. Over-the-toilet storage shelving ($30-$80) and adhesive wall hooks ($10-$20 per pack) instantly create storage in bathrooms that lack built-in cabinets.
How do I prevent mold in a new bathroom?
Run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after every shower to remove moisture — if the bathroom lacks a fan, open the window or install a humidity-activated fan ($150-$300 including installation). Squeegee shower walls after each use to remove 75% of the moisture that feeds mold growth, and wash or replace the shower curtain liner every 3-6 months. A humidity monitor ($10-$15) placed on the bathroom counter alerts you when humidity exceeds 60%, the threshold where mold growth accelerates.
Should I replace the toilet seat in a new home?
Replacing the toilet seat is a common move-in preference that costs $15-$40 for a standard seat and takes 10 minutes to install with a wrench. Slow-close seats ($25-$50) prevent slamming and are worth the small upgrade, especially in households with children. While existing toilet seats are sanitary after a thorough cleaning with bleach-based disinfectant, many new homeowners and renters feel more comfortable starting fresh, and the low cost makes it an easy comfort upgrade.