An odd indicator is the large family furniture heirlooms folks my age can’t give away to their kids like past generations. 

We updated the living room furniture and front porch decor which made a big difference.

(Scuff marks and dents from furniture coming in and out of the unit.)

(Scuff marks and dents from furniture coming in and out of the unit.)

I found most of our furniture on Craigslist or family who were changing out stuff.

(invest in design, furnishings that wont break, and hustle to find second-hand furniture if possible). 

Does anyone use a uniform check/inventory list for supplies/furniture (it is a 1 bed/1 bath) or have any experiences/tips that they have come across furnishing their own unit(s) from scratch. 

A realtor can create your mailing door knocking list and save you postage,mailing costs and shoe leather.

I plan on clearing the clothes, furniture, and other junk then gutting it out to rebuild from the shell.

@Trenton Thorne JrI usually call from craiglist.I've used Kenny a few times, always had good service (link below) , reasonable prices too.https://baltimore.craigslist.org/lbs/d/essex-junk-removal-dump-runs-furniture/6922521704.html