What Do You Need

Different types of housing offer different levels of furnishing. From an apartment to a private home, each situation can be different. It is important to get all the information on what is included before making a housing agreement.

Generally, the following is common for apartment rentals in this area:

• Most apartments do offer basic kitchen appliances (stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator)
• Most apartments do not offer furniture like a bed or couch (unless it is advertised as "fully-furnished")
• Most apartments do not have clothes washers and dryers inside the apartment, but they may have laundry facilities on site. It is important to know if these are on the premises or if you will have to travel to do your laundry as a laundry mat. 

Generally, the following is common for home rentals in this area:

• Most rental homes do offer basic kitchen appliances (stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator)
• Most apartments do not offer furniture like a bed or couch (unless it is advertised as "fully-furnished")
• Most apartments do have clothes washers and dryers on site.

Please note that if you are renting a room in a home, the homeowner may have basic furniture available in the room, such as a bed, desk and dresser/closet in your room, and you would likely have some access to shared furnishings, such as the television, kitchen appliances, couch, clothes washer, etc. 

Buying Furniture or Supplies

If you’re moving into residence halls or on-campus housing, they often come fully furnished, so you may not need to buy
furniture, but you may need bedding or bathroom products. 

If you are living off campus, you will probably need to furnish your own living space. Many different types of stores carry furniture, housing supplies, electronics, and other items you might need for your new home. Some retailers keep store availability updated online, so you can see what is in stock
before you go or order it for delivery.

Find inexpensive furniture and housewares are available at some area stores, or browse a local thrift stores for lightly used items, including couches, tableware and much more.

Some Common Home Goods Retailers

• Target (Davis, Woodland, Sacramento)
• TJ Maxx (Davis, Sacramento)
• Best Buy (Woodland, Sacramento)
• HomeGoods (Woodland, Sacramento)
• Walmart (Dixon, Woodland, Sacramento)
• Marshall’s (Woodland, Sacramento)
• IKEA (Sacramento)

Getting It Home

Furniture and supplies are heavy! Do not plan to get everything back to your housing on a bicycle. Some retailers
may offer delivery for a fee. Moving furniture is easier if you are able to rent a car or truck, but there are strict requirements for driving in California.

There are companies that rent furniture (search for “furniture rentals”), as well as moving vans.