One of the most difficult decisions when moving to a new country is what home furnishings to bring (or to bring any at all). Furniture is a large expense and hassle regardless of whether assignees ship their own or purchase new items locally. A few key factors can affect the decision:
Climate
Humidity, sun, and dryness can affect furniture, especially anything wooden. While this can typically be mitigated with local products such as dehumidifying packets or furniture oils, in some cases it’s better to avoid the potential damage and purchase locally. On the other hand, if the climate is similar, it may make more sense to take furniture that is already known to be suitable.
Time
If housing has already been picked out, there may be a time crunch when it comes to furnishings. Shippers should be able to provide estimates of when belongings may arrive and provide information on port regulations at the destination; some countries impose minimum and maximum times for shipments to clear port.
Cost
The cost of shipping vs the cost of buying can vary greatly depending on location. While there is nowhere in the world without home furnishings, for some the comfort of what they are used to can outweigh the shipping costs, or VAT may make purchasing new furnishings prohibitive. On the other hand, if moving to an area with a lower cost of living, it may be much cheaper to buy locally.
Sustainability
In our modern world, we’re ever more aware of the impact our actions have on the climate. When looking at furnishings, sustainability has two primary aspects: the carbon footprint of shipping vs the material use of purchase (and the accompanying rubbish at the end of an assignment). Purchasing used furniture or choosing a pre-furnished apartment can be sustainable ways to make a comfortable home. Many expatriate communities have their own versions of “buy-nothing” groups or listings for those departing to rehome items.
Living Abroad has resources to support transferees through all the aspects of their decision with information on the local climate, applicable duties and customs, and information on sustainable local options. Whether it’s high-level advice and resources as found in our Relocation Essentials and Reference Pro sections or country-specific details, we can ensure that everyone’s house abroad can become a home.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
