Apartment Checklist: What You Need to Set Up an Apartment in Kigali
Whether you are moving out of your parents' house, getting an apartment ready for short-stay guests, or just arrived in Kigali for work, the list is mostly the same: the things you need to cook, eat, sleep and clean from the first night. This is the checklist we use at Abby Home to help people set up an apartment, starting with what you can't do without. Everything on it is available at our shop at UTC or online at abby-home.com.
The must-haves
With these ten things, you can move in and live comfortably from day one.
- A gas cooker, 2 or 4 burners
- A non-stick pot set, 3 to 4 pieces (see cookware sets)
- A frying pan and a sauce pan
- An everyday dinner set with plates, bowls and mugs for 6 to 8 people (see dinner sets)
- An everyday cutlery set, 12 of each piece (see cutlery sets)
- One good kitchen knife
- An electric kettle (see kettles)
- Bed sheets, a duvet and 2 pillows
- A mosquito net
- 2 to 4 towels (see bed and bath)
The important things
Add these in the first weeks. They are what make the apartment easy to live in.
- Drinks: 6 to 8 water and juice glasses, 6 mugs or tea cups, a thermos, a glass water jug and a plastic fridge jug
- Cooking: a wooden spatula and umwuko, serving spoons and a ladle, a cutting board, a colander, a peeler and grater, a tea strainer, a can opener and bottle opener, a rice cooker
- Eating: 6 soup bowls
- Kitchen order: a dish rack (see dish racks), a food storage set and fridge boxes, a kitchen bin
- Washing up: a dish brush and sponges, 4 to 6 dish towels, 2 or 3 basins in different sizes
- Cleaning: a bucket, broom, squeegee and dustpan (see cleaning)
- Bathroom: a bath mat, soap dish, toothbrush holder, toilet brush and bin
- Clothes: an iron and ironing board
- Glasses for guests: 4 to 6 wine glasses, 4 to 6 beer glasses, 4 to 6 coffee, latte or milk glasses
Nice to have
- A blender, a teapot and a manual whisk
- 2 serving dishes or trays, a sugar bowl, salt and pepper
- Table mats and coasters, a cutlery holder, a dish towel holder
- 2 mixing bowls and kitchen gloves
- 12 hangers, clothes pegs and a laundry basket
- Champagne flutes, whisky and shot glasses, cocktail glasses
Setting up an apartment for short-stay guests
If you are preparing an apartment for Airbnb or other short-stay guests, the must-have list above is your starting point. Then:
- Stock for the number of beds, plus two. An apartment that sleeps 4 needs at least 6 plates, 6 glasses and 6 sets of cutlery, so guests aren't left with dirty dishes.
- Keep two sets of linen and towels per bed. One set is on the bed while the other is being washed between guests.
- Choose plain white dinnerware. When a plate breaks, it is easy to replace with one that matches.
- Don't forget the small things guests look for: a kettle, a bottle opener, a thermos for tea, a cutting board and a sharp knife. These are what guests notice in reviews.
- Buy everything in one go. We deliver the full order to your apartment anywhere in Kigali, so it is ready the same day.
Questions people ask us
What do I need for a new apartment in Kigali?
Start with a gas cooker, a pot set, a frying pan, a dinner set, cutlery, a kitchen knife, a kettle, bed sheets with a duvet and pillows, a mosquito net and towels. Add glasses, a thermos, a dish rack, food storage and cleaning tools in the first weeks.
Can you deliver everything to my apartment?
Yes, we deliver to every sector of Kigali. Delivery is free for orders above RWF 50,000. Orders placed before 12:00 are delivered the same day. You can also pick up from our shop at UTC, Door 1.1, KN 4 Ave.
I'm furnishing several apartments. Can I buy in bulk?
Yes. Many of our plates, glasses and cutlery come in sets or bulk packs. Call or WhatsApp us on 0790 005 254 and tell us how many apartments you are setting up.
How do I pay?
MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, eKash or cash on delivery. In our shop at UTC we also take debit and credit cards. All prices are in Rwandan Francs.
Can I return something I don't need?
Yes, within 7 days of delivery, if the item is unused and in its original packaging. See our FAQ for the full return rules.
Need help choosing? Call or WhatsApp us on 0790 005 254, or visit us at UTC, Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 20:00.