I think a Shovel, as well as a Spade, is a worthwhile addition to your tool collection for your new home.
You should be able to buy a ‘Concreters’ Shovel like this for $25 dollars, or less, so it shouldn’t break the bank!
As well as concreting it’s a good shovel for loading bark. topsoil, or any other loose material into a Wheelbarrow.
If your partners is helping you having both of you shoveling, one with the shovel, and one with a spade, will get the job done a lot faster.
The same goes for cleaning, as with a spade, make sure you clean it after every use.
The Settling In Section contains lots of advice on what
to do after you have moved in your new house