First Apartment Essentials for Brits Moving to America 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (2026 Guide)

Everything you actually need to set up your first American apartment — without buying everything at once

Moving from the UK to America is exciting, but one of the biggest surprises can come when you finally get the keys to your new apartment and realise just how much an empty home actually needs.

When you’re moving country, there is already so much to think about: immigration paperwork, jobs, schools, driving, health insurance, bank accounts and all the other practicalities of starting over somewhere new.

Then you walk into an empty apartment and suddenly realise you need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, cleaning supplies, storage, furniture and about a hundred other things you hadn’t thought about.

I’ve been there.

And one thing I’ve learned is that you absolutely do not need to buy everything on day one.

The easiest way to approach it is to start with the things you genuinely need to sleep, shower, eat, work and keep your apartment clean, and then gradually turn the space into a home.

I’ve put together this guide to the first apartment essentials I’d prioritise, along with my Amazon First Apartment Essentials list for Brits moving to America.

👉 🏠 Shop My First Apartment Essentials List on Amazon

Inside, you’ll find practical essentials for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, cleaning, living room, home office and storage.

🇺🇸 Before You Buy: A Few Things That Are Different in America

There are a few things worth knowing before you start filling your Amazon basket.

🛏️ American bed sizes are different

Don’t assume your UK bedding will automatically fit an American mattress.

US bed sizes have different dimensions from UK sizes, so it’s worth checking the measurements before buying sheets, mattress protectors, comforters or duvet covers.

And if you’re buying a mattress and bed frame separately, make sure they are designed for the same US mattress size.

🔌 Be careful with electrical appliances

This is particularly important for Brits.

American household electricity is different from the electricity used in the UK, so a simple plug adapter does not convert voltage.

A UK appliance that isn’t designed for US electricity shouldn’t automatically be plugged into an American outlet just because you have the right physical plug adapter.

For anything you’re bringing from Britain, check the appliance’s voltage requirements and manufacturer’s instructions first.

For everyday appliances you’re buying for your new American home, buying a US-compatible version is usually the simplest option.

🪟 Measure before buying curtains and larger furniture

American apartments can have very different window sizes, room layouts and dimensions from the homes many of us are used to in Britain.

I’d resist the temptation to order lots of furniture before you’ve measured the space.

It is surprisingly easy to buy something online that looks perfect in a photograph and then discover it is much bigger than you expected.

🛁 Some bathroom basics may not be included

Depending on the apartment, you may need to provide your own shower curtain, shower liner, bath mat and bathroom storage.

These are the sorts of things that are easy to overlook when you’re concentrating on the bigger purchases.

🏠 What to Buy Before Your First Night

Before you think about decorating, make sure you have the basics that will get you through those first 24 hours.

Your first-night checklist

You don’t need your apartment to look finished.

You just need it to be comfortable enough to live in while you work out what comes next.

🛏️ Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom is probably the first room I’d prioritise.

After an international move, there is nothing better than having a proper bed and a quiet place to sleep.

Mattress & Bed Frame

A good mattress is one of the most worthwhile purchases you’ll make.

You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune, but I’d prioritise comfort and make sure the mattress and frame are the correct US size.

For smaller apartments, a platform bed or storage bed can also be a useful way to create extra storage without taking up more floor space.

👉 Shop mattresses on Amazon

👉 Shop bed frames on Amazon

Storage beds for smaller apartments

Bedding

Don’t forget the basics:

I’d actually buy bedding before a lot of the decorative items.

There’s nothing worse than arriving exhausted after a huge move and realising you don’t have what you need to make the bed.

Blackout Curtains

These are another one of those items that can become important very quickly.

Some American apartments have large windows and can let in much more light than you’re expecting, particularly if you’re not used to the layout of your new bedroom.

👉 Shop blackout curtains on Amazon

Laundry Hamper

It sounds completely unexciting until you realise you’ve got nowhere to put your washing.

A simple laundry hamper or basket is one of those inexpensive purchases that makes a new apartment feel instantly more organised.

🍳 Kitchen Essentials

You don’t need a perfectly stocked kitchen immediately.

Start with the things you’ll actually use.

Pots and Pans

A basic cookware set can be a good starting point if you’re furnishing your kitchen from scratch.

You don’t need ten different pans immediately. A few versatile pieces will usually get you much further.

Plates, Bowls & Cutlery

A simple dinnerware set, silverware set and knife set are enough to get started.

I’d prioritise:

🇬🇧 An Electric Kettle

For many British expats, this is not optional.

One of the little culture shocks when moving to America is discovering that electric kettles simply aren’t as common in American homes as they are in Britain.

For a Brit, though, an electric kettle can make your new kitchen feel considerably more like home.

And yes — you absolutely can still have a proper cup of tea in America.

👉 Shop electric kettles on Amazon

Air Fryer

An air fryer can be handy when you’re still getting settled and don’t want to spend ages cooking.

It’s particularly useful for quick meals, reheating leftovers and those evenings when you’ve had enough of unpacking boxes.

👉 Shop air fryers on Amazon

Food Storage Containers

These are another small purchase that you’ll appreciate surprisingly quickly.

They’re useful for leftovers, meal prep and keeping your new kitchen organised.

🚿 Bathroom Essentials

Your bathroom is another room where a few inexpensive essentials can make a huge difference.

Towels

I’d recommend having at least two sets per person if you can.

Think about:

👉 Shop towels on Amazon

Shower Curtain & Liner

Don’t assume these will already be there.

Depending on your apartment, you may need to provide your own.

👉 Shop shower curtains and liners on Amazon

Bathroom Storage

If your bathroom doesn’t have much built-in storage, baskets, organisers and small shelving units can make a big difference.

But I’d wait until you’ve actually lived in the space before buying too many.

You may discover that you need much less storage than you thought — or that a completely different solution works better.

Toiletries

This is also where your British habits may start showing.

Moving to America doesn’t mean you have to give up all the familiar products you used at home.

I’ve put together a separate guide to British beauty and personal care products you can buy on Amazon USA, including toiletries, skincare, haircare and other familiar favourites.

👉 Read: British Beauty Products You Can Buy on Amazon USA

🧺 Cleaning & Laundry Essentials

This is one of the areas people often forget when they’re concentrating on furniture.

Your apartment might be empty, but it still needs cleaning.

I’d start with:

You don’t need to buy every cleaning product under the sun on your first trip.

Start with the basics and build from there.

And for any Brits who have strong opinions about which cleaning products belong in the cupboard, I’ve also put together a guide to British cleaning and laundry products you can buy in the USA.

👉 Read: British Cleaning Products You Can Buy in the USA

🛋️ Living Room Essentials

This is probably where the temptation to overspend kicks in.

An empty living room can make you feel like you need to furnish the whole space immediately.

You don’t.

Sofa

A comfortable sofa is one of the first larger purchases I’d prioritise.

If you’re in a smaller apartment, look at compact sofas or sleeper sofas that give you flexibility without taking over the room.

Smart TV

A Smart TV can be a useful addition once you’re settled, particularly if you’re keen to stream your favourite shows, watch sports or keep up with entertainment from both the UK and US.

But I’d personally treat this as a nice-to-have rather than a first-night essential.

TV Stand

A TV stand can provide useful storage and help make the room feel more finished.

Coffee Table

Again, this isn’t urgent.

Live in the space first and work out how you actually use the room.

Area Rug

A rug can make a huge difference to an apartment that initially feels a little bare.

But I’d wait until you’ve decided where your furniture is going.

💻 Home Office Essentials

For many expats, working from home becomes part of everyday life very quickly.

A dedicated workspace doesn’t have to be elaborate.

Desk

A simple desk can be enough for working, job applications, paperwork or managing everything that comes with settling into your new life.

Ergonomic Office Chair

This is one purchase where I wouldn’t focus purely on price.

If you’re going to spend hours sitting at your desk, comfort matters.

Monitor

A separate monitor can make a big difference if you’re working from a laptop every day.

Desk Lamp

Apartment lighting isn’t always ideal for working, so a simple desk lamp can be surprisingly useful.

📦 Storage & Organisation

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from moving is that storage is something you understand better after you actually live somewhere.

I’d avoid buying dozens of storage boxes before you’ve unpacked.

Instead, start with a few useful pieces such as:

Then see what you actually need.

💰 Things You Don’t Need to Buy on Day One

This is probably my biggest piece of advice.

Don’t feel like your apartment has to be finished immediately.

You have just moved country. You’ve probably spent a huge amount of money already, and there will be plenty of unexpected expenses along the way.

You can absolutely live without:

Start with the essentials.

Then live in the apartment for a few weeks.

You’ll quickly discover what is missing.

🛍️ Big-Ticket Purchases Worth Budgeting For

Once you’ve got the basics sorted, there are a few larger purchases that can make your apartment feel much more comfortable.

🛏️ Mattress & Bed Frame

Probably the first major purchase I’d prioritise.

Good sleep matters, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of an international move.

🛋️ Sofa

A comfortable sofa can make an empty apartment feel like home surprisingly quickly.

📺 Smart TV

Useful once you’re settled, but definitely something you can delay while you prioritise more important purchases.

🍽️ Dining Table & Chairs

This can also double as a workspace in smaller apartments, particularly if you work from home.

💻 Home Office Setup

If you work remotely, investing in a decent desk, chair and monitor can make everyday life considerably more comfortable.

🧹 Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum is another purchase that can easily get forgotten until you’ve moved in and suddenly realise you have a whole apartment to clean.

🏡 Make Your New American Apartment Feel Like Home

Setting up a home isn’t just about buying furniture.

For many British expats, there can also be a strange feeling that comes with creating a home on the other side of the Atlantic.

Everything is new.

The apartment is different.

The shops are different.

Even the small everyday things can take a little getting used to.

That’s why I think it’s worth bringing some familiar touches into your home.

For me, that might mean having a proper electric kettle, keeping familiar British foods in the cupboard, or simply having a few things around that remind you of home.

You don’t need to recreate your old house.

You’re creating something new.

But adding a few familiar comforts can make the transition feel much easier.

💡 My Best Tip: Don’t Buy Everything at Once

This is the advice I’d give anyone moving from the UK to America for the first time.

You do not need to furnish your whole apartment in a weekend.

Start with the essentials.

Sleep comfortably.

Get the kitchen working.

Make sure you can shower, wash your clothes and keep the apartment clean.

Set up your workspace if you need one.

Then take your time.

Once you’ve lived in the apartment for a few weeks, you’ll have a much better idea of how you actually use the space.

You’ll know which room needs more storage.

You’ll know whether you really need that coffee table.

You’ll know where the rug should go.

And you’ll probably have a much better idea of your decorating style too.

🛒 Shop My First Apartment Essentials List

To make the process easier, I’ve put together an Amazon First Apartment Essentials list with many of the practical products I recommend for setting up a new American home.

You’ll find everything from bedroom and kitchen basics to bathroom essentials, cleaning supplies, storage and home-office items.

👉 🏠 Shop My First Apartment Essentials List on Amazon

Prices and availability can change, so check the individual Amazon listings for the latest details.

🇬🇧 More Helpful Guides for Brits Moving to America

Setting up your apartment is just one part of starting life in America.

You might also find these helpful:

🇬🇧➡️🇺🇸 Moving to America Checklist

A practical checklist to help you work through the things you need to organise before and after your move.

Read the Moving to America Checklist →

🇬🇧 British Beauty Products You Can Buy in the USA

Missing Radox, Soap & Glory, No7, Simple and other familiar British beauty and personal care products?

Read the British Beauty Guide →

🧺 British Cleaning Products You Can Buy in the USA

From The Pink Stuff and Astonish to Fairy, Cif and Dr. Beckmann.

Read the British Cleaning Guide →

🇬🇧 British Things Americans Don’t Understand

Because sometimes the little things you miss most aren’t the big ones.

Read: 12 Signs You’re Secretly British →

✨ Final Thoughts

Setting up your first American apartment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re starting from scratch.

But you don’t need to have everything figured out immediately.

Start with the basics.

Get yourself a comfortable bed.

Stock the kitchen with enough to make a cup of tea and a simple meal.

Make sure you have towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

Create somewhere comfortable to sit.

Set up a workspace if you need one.

Then give yourself time.

Moving from Britain to America is a huge life change, and your first apartment doesn’t need to look perfect straight away.

It just needs to start feeling like home. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

👉 🏠 Shop My First Apartment Essentials List on Amazon

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