Thoreau gives an accounting of the basic items that he has in his cabin. He states that his furniture consists of a bed, a table, a desk, and three chairs. He defends having chairs, saying that he does not want to sit on a "pumpkin" and that discarded chairs are easy to come by in people's attics.

In addition to these few pieces of furniture, Thoreau has a small mirror and

a pair of tongs and andirons, a kettle, a skillet, and a frying-pan, a dipper, a wash-bowl, two knives and forks, three plates, one cup, one spoon, a jug for oil, a jug for molasses, and a japanned lamp.

The tongs and andirons will help him build a fire, while the other items, aside from the lamp, are associated with making, storing, and consuming food. He says he has no curtains because there is nobody around to look in at him, and he doesn't have to worry about the sun fading his carpet, because he doesn't have one.

Thoreau brings with him to the cabin some simple clothing, such as pantaloons woven by a farmer's wife. He believes in having a minimum of clothing, well made, and he disregards staying in fashion.

Thoreau describes his cabin itself as light and airy. He is trying to get by in it owning as little as possible while still living a civilized life. It is notable that Thoreau doesn't want to camp outdoors or live in a thin tent. He wishes to live in a way that is still comfortable but very simple and stripped to the essentials.