The unglamorous stuff that saves you later
New homeowners buy paint, curtains, and a couch — then discover they own no flashlight, no plunger, and nothing to hang a picture with. This is the practical starter kit: ten finds that cost little now and prevent expensive headaches later.
All prices in Canadian dollars. Use code WELCOME10 at zvoxo.com for 10% off your order — shipping is a flat $4.95 on orders under $35, free on orders $35 and up.
1. Compact home tool kit
Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, tape measure, level — one case, every basic fix covered. You will reach for it within the first week, guaranteed.
2. Rechargeable LED flashlight
Power outages, breaker boxes, crawl spaces. A bright rechargeable flashlight beats a dying phone battery every time.
3. Stud finder
Mounting a TV or heavy shelf into drywall alone is how walls get destroyed. A stud finder is the difference between “secure” and “sorry.”
4. Door draft stoppers
Canadian winters punish leaky doors. Draft stoppers cut the cold seeping under exterior doors and trim the heating bill.
5. Heavy-duty adhesive hooks
Hang pictures, keys, and organizers with no holes — perfect for renters and for anyone who does not want to patch drywall later.
6. Extra smoke detector
Bedrooms need them too, not just hallways. A spare detector with a 10-year sealed battery is cheap insurance.
7. Compact fire extinguisher
Kitchen fires double every thirty seconds. A small ABC-rated extinguisher under the sink is the most important item on this list.
8. Long measuring tape (7.5m)
Furniture shopping without measurements is gambling. A proper tape measure fits in a pocket and ends the guesswork.
9. Surge protector power bar
New place, new electronics, old wiring. A surge protector with USB ports guards your gear and adds outlets where you need them.
10. Basic first-aid kit
Moving day injuries are practically a tradition. Bandages, antiseptic, and pain relief in one box — put it in the bathroom cabinet on day one.
Where to buy in Canada without the markup
We started ZVOXO because Canadians kept overpaying for exactly this kind of stuff. Our catalogue has thousands of home and hardware finds at honest prices — browse the full shop or search for exactly what you need.
Quick links to get you started:
Use WELCOME10 for 10% off, and stack items to hit $35 for free shipping. Future-you, mid-blizzard, says thanks.