Starter Cordless Kit for Apartment DIY: The Only 2–3 Tools You Need First
A minimal, practical kit for small spaces: what to buy first, what to skip, and why.
Published: 2026-02-18
- Fewer tools, better decisions.
- Weight and size matter more in small spaces.
- Start with real tasks in your home.
Shopping shortcuts
Look for compact kits with a lightweight battery and fast charger.
Quick Picks
Compact drill + 2Ah
Best for: Adjustments and frequent assembly
- Very lightweight
- Easy to store
- Enough for most tasks
Drill + impact combo
Best for: Users with more consistent projects
- More versatility
- Better for long screws
- Good upgrade path
Brushless compact combo
Best for: Frequent apartment use
- Better efficiency
- Lower heat buildup
- Ready to expand your kit
If you’re in an apartment, your constraints are real: noise, dust, storage, and weight. The best kit is small, flexible, and ecosystem-friendly.
The best 2-tool start (for most people)
- Compact drill/driver kit
- Impact driver (optional but amazing)
Why: drilling makes holes; impact driving makes screwing painless.
Read: Impact Driver vs Drill
If you add a 3rd tool, make it one of these
Pick based on your projects:
- Oscillating multi-tool → trimming, sanding, small cuts, ultra versatile
- Jigsaw → cleaner wood cuts than a grinder
- Inflator → surprisingly useful (bikes, balls, car tires)
Battery plan that avoids regret
- start with 2 batteries if possible
- get one 2Ah (comfort) + one 4Ah (daily)
What to skip early
- Angle grinder (unless you specifically need it)
- Circular saw (unless you’re building lots of wood projects)
- Big “pro kits” that blow your budget before you know your needs
Related guides
- How to Choose a Cordless Tool Ecosystem
- 2Ah vs 4Ah vs 5Ah Batteries
- How to Avoid Counterfeit Tool Listings
Compare again before you buy
Final check: platform compatibility, included batteries, and warranty visibility.
FAQ
Do I need more than 2 tools at the start?
Usually not. A drill and driver (or combo) cover most initial needs.