Your Stress-Free Checklist for Furnishing a Home in Santiago
Moving to Santiago means starting fresh, and for many expats that includes furnishing an entire apartment from scratch. We arrived with only three suitcases and spent our first months learning which stores were affordable, which items to buy first, and how to avoid surprise delivery fees. Whether you just moved to Chile or you are preparing for your arrival, this checklist will help you stay organized, save money, and avoid the trial and error we went through. Use it to plan your budget, compare stores, and make sure you do not forget any essentials.
📝 Ultimate Santiago Home Setup Checklist
Before You Shop
☐ Decide your total budget
☐ Measure your apartment (doors, elevator, living room, bedroom)
☐ Confirm what the rental includes (i.e., most do not include fridge)
☐ Check delivery fees and timelines for each store
☐ Plan a car rental or friend with a car for big items
☐ If possible, time purchases for Black Friday or Cyber Monday
Big Items to Buy First
☐ Refrigerator
☐ Washer and dryer combo or standalone washer
☐ Bed frame and mattress
☐ Couch
☐ Kitchen table and chairs
☐ TV
Essential Home Goods
☐ Towels and bath mats
☐ Bedsheets and duvets
☐ Pillows
☐ Basic kitchen set (plates, cups, utensils)
☐ Pots and pans
☐ Kettle, toaster, blender
☐ Trash cans
☐ Cleaning supplies (mop, broom, cloths, detergents)
Nice to Have Items
☐ Indoor plants and pots
☐ Throw blankets and cushions
☐ Organizers for bathroom and kitchen
☐ Mirrors
☐ Outdoor furniture (if you have a balcony)
☐ Desk and office chair
Where to Shop (Quick Guide)
☐ Falabella: appliances, furniture, electronics
☐ IKEA: essentials, decor, lighting, couches
☐ Sodimac: tools, outdoor items, home basics
☐ Casa Ideas: cute and colorful decor, kitchen accessories
☐ Fabrics: linens, textiles, premium home goods
➡️ Where to Buy Affordable Home Goods in Santiago: An Expat Friendly Guide
Payment and Logistics
☐ Test if your US credit card works online; if not, plan in-store purchases
☐ Compare online and in-store prices
☐ Consider asking a Chilean friend to purchase with their local card if needed
☐ Track all deliveries and confirm they include installation when applicable
