Editor’s Note: This is a guest post, written by Allie Shaw, a freelance writer.
Whether you’re renting your first apartment or migrating downtown from the suburbs, moving into a big city is sure to be an experience. You’ll gain the benefit of an entire city in your backyard, but big-city apartments are mythically sparse and often small.
This could be because nearly half the world’s population now live in cities, and the number grows every day – some experts believe the urban population will rise rapidly from 2010’s 3.6 billion to 9.8 billion in 2210.
Luckily, there are lots of tricks and amenities that can make any city apartment feel like a hip, sophisticated penthouse. If you’re ready to make your move to the big city, these are must-have items.
1. Lighting
Many older apartments don’t have overhead lighting, and if you’re renting, you probably can’t install new fixtures. But your new city apartment may need lighting in every corner of every room, which means you’ll need lots of floor and table lamps.
If you’re on a budget, investing in some inexpensive string lights can help brighten up dark areas of your apartment. LED bulbs are the best choice if your utilities are separate from your rent, and they’ll last much longer than your lease.
2. Blackout and Insulated 
Most big cities never sleep, but you’ll still need to. Blackout curtains are an essential investment for big city apartments. These curtains cost a bit more than regular curtains, but their opaque backing blocks out lights from neighboring buildings and passing cars.
If you’re having a hard time staying warm in the winter, insulated curtains can help prevent the loss of heat through your windows. This can significantly reduce your heating bill, which can take the bite out of most cities’ high utility costs.
3. Fire Extinguishers
Few items are more essential than a working fire extinguisher, yet not all cities require them as part of their fire safety regulations. In New York City, for example, landlords are required to provide working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors but not fire extinguishers. Extinguishers may be available in common areas like hallways, but your best bet for fire safety is to get your own.
Portable fire extinguishers are relatively inexpensive and can quite literally save your life (or at least your belongings) in the event of a fire. For small apartments, a fire extinguisher classified as A:B:C is ideal, since these extinguishers are designed to put out fires caused by household combustibles, flammable liquids, and electricity.
4. Kitchen Supplies
When you’re working with a few hundred square feet, every inch counts. Your apartment may have only a kitchenette, which can make cooking mac and cheese difficult. Making your kitchen space feel larger might require a creative use of space, but it’ll pay dividends when you’re hosting a guest.
A rolling kitchen cart can provide ample workspace for food preparation and help with storage for common kitchen utensils, and these portable countertops roll out of sight when you don’t need them. If you’re lacking the room for kitchen appliances, a large toaster oven works with almost every meal short of a Thanksgiving turkey, and it takes up a fraction of the space of a full-sized oven.
5. Renters Insurance
For the disasters you can’t plan for, renters insurance is essential for city apartments. Many city apartment buildings are old, and water issues or fires are surprisingly common. Renters insurance covers damage from these events, along with weather-related damage, theft, vandalism, and even falling objects.
If someone visits your apartment, trips over a power cord, and sustains an injury, you could be liable for their medical expenses. Renters insurance covers these liabilities. Many policies can even protect your belongings while you’re traveling; if your car is robbed while you’re on a trip, you’ll be glad you paid your monthly insurance bill.
6. Air Conditioners and Electric Fans
City apartments can be brutally hot in the summer, especially in warmer climates. Most older buildings are built without the ductwork necessary for central air, and landlords aren’t quick to install them.
A small air conditioner window unit can be enough for a 300-square-foot apartment, and these are among the most popular options for city dwellers. If your landlord doesn’t allow window units, a freestanding unit that sits entirely indoors may do the trick, although these models are much less efficient. If your apartment has a light fixture in the ceiling, you may be able to convince your landlord to install a ceiling fan, or put one in yourself.
7. Home Security System
Living in close proximity to a few million strangers is enough to put anyone on edge. Installing a home security system in your apartment can provide peace of mind for first-time city folk. Home security systems range in price and protection, from small DIY alarm systems to round-the-clock monitoring services, so you can tailor a system to your individual needs.
Beyond a security system, a simple lock and deadbolt can prevent a break-in altogether. In many major cities, tenants don’t need to ask their landlord before installing a new door lock, and your landlord can’t change the locks on you unless they go through the formal eviction process.
With a few simple amenities, your city apartment can feel cozy, rather than claustrophobic. These essentials can help you join the club of city-living experts so you can make the most of your amazing big city experience.
Still looking for the perfect place? Make sure to check our apartments for rent.
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