What tools should every apartment renter own?

When renting an apartment, you do not need a garage full of heavy-duty power tools, but a small, reliable set of essentials will save you time, money, and hassle. The primary goal for apartment renters is having tools that are compact, versatile, and useful for furniture assembly, hanging decor, and making minor, damage-free adjustments.

The Essential Apartment Tool List

1. Multi-Bit Screwdriver: Instead of buying a dozen different screwdrivers, a single handle with interchangeable bits (Phillips, flathead, and Torx/star bits) will handle almost any cabinet hardware, battery compartment, or flat-pack furniture assembly.
2. 16-Foot Tape Measure: Essential for measuring rooms before buying furniture, checking doorway clearances, and ensuring your layout fits.
3. Claw Hammer (12 or 16 oz): A lighter-weight hammer is perfect for tapping in small picture-hanging nails, while the claw end easily removes them when it is time to move out.
4. Torpedo Level: Essential for making sure floating shelves, heavy mirrors, and picture frames are perfectly straight rather than tilted.
5. Slip-Joint Pliers: Offers a firm grip for twisting stubborn bolts, holding nuts in place, or pulling out stubborn nails.
6. Adjustable Wrench (6 or 8-inch): Perfect for tightening loose plumbing fixtures (like upgrading a basic landlord-grade showerhead) or assembling metal bed frames.
7. Utility Knife: Safer and more effective than kitchen scissors for breaking down cardboard moving boxes, opening heavy plastic packaging, or trimming adhesive liners.
8. Damage-Free Hanging Supplies: Keep a stock of adhesive strips, adhesive hooks, and plaster-friendly picture hangers to decorate your walls without risking your security deposit.