Moving to Houston? Your First-Apartment Appliance Checklist

July 11, 2026

Moving to Houston first-apartment appliance checklist - Home Star Appliances

Moving to Houston? Your First-Apartment Appliance Checklist

Moving to Houston and setting up your first apartment? Between the lease, the deposit, and the movers, appliances are the last thing you want to overspend on, but they’re also the difference between a livable space and a frustrating one. This checklist covers exactly what you need, what your apartment probably already has, and how to fill the gaps without wrecking your budget.

First: find out what your apartment already includes

Before you buy anything, confirm with your landlord or property manager what’s provided. Most Houston apartments include a refrigerator and a range. Many include a dishwasher. Fewer include a washer and dryer, some units have hookups but no machines, and some have neither. Ask specifically:

Is a refrigerator provided, and what size?
Is the range gas or electric?
Is there a dishwasher?
Are there washer and dryer hookups, or a shared laundry room?
Is there a microwave, or just a cabinet gap where one goes?

The answers determine your entire shopping list, so don’t skip this step.

The first-apartment appliance checklist

Essentials (buy these first)

Refrigerator — if not provided. Measure the alcove width, height, and depth. This is your top priority.
Range or stove — if not provided. Confirm gas vs. electric before you buy.
Microwave — a countertop model is cheap and covers most cooking for a first apartment.

High-value additions

Washer and dryer — if you have hookups, buying a used or scratch-and-dent pair often pays for itself quickly compared to a laundromat. Measure your laundry closet depth carefully.
Dishwasher — a portable or standard unit if there’s a spot for one.

Nice to have (later)

Small chest freezer, air fryer, or additional small appliances, once the essentials are handled.

Why used and scratch-and-dent make sense for a first apartment

If you’re not sure how long you’ll be in this unit, spending top dollar on brand-new appliances rarely makes sense. Quality-tested used appliances give you reliable performance at the lowest cost, and scratch-and-dent units give you essentially new machines at a steep discount, with the cosmetic flaw usually hidden once installed. Both are ideal for renters who want to save now and upgrade later.

Don’t forget the logistics

Measure your doorways, hallways, stairs, and elevator, not just the appliance’s final spot.
Check your lease for rules about installation, especially gas connections and washer hookups.
Line up delivery for move-in day so you’re not living out of a cooler.
Ask about installation, a washer that isn’t leveled or connected properly can flood a rental fast.

Frequently asked questions

Do Houston apartments usually come with a washer and dryer?

It varies. Many include hookups but not the machines themselves, so confirm with your landlord before you sign or shop.

Should I buy new appliances for a rental?

Usually not. Quality-tested used and scratch-and-dent appliances give renters the best value, especially if you may move again in a year or two.

Can I get everything delivered at once?

Yes. Buying your appliances from one local store means a single delivery, single installation appointment, and one point of contact.

Get set up fast in Houston

Home Star Appliances helps new Houston residents outfit their first apartment with affordable new, used, and scratch-and-dent appliances, plus same-day and next-day delivery, installation, and financing.

Visit us: 10216 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77075
Call: (713) 568-6088
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sunday by appointment)
Shop appliances or contact us to plan your move-in delivery.

10216 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77075, United States

(713) 568-6088