Helsingborg

1. Understanding Housing in Helsingborg

Before furnishing, it’s important to understand the types of housing available in Helsingborg:

• Rental Apartments (Hyresrätt): These are common and often come unfurnished. You’ll need to provide your own furniture, appliances, and sometimes even light fixtures.
• Owned Apartments (Bostadsrätt): If you purchase an apartment, it will typically be unfurnished but may include basic kitchen appliances.
• Houses (Villa): If you rent or buy a house, it will likely be unfurnished, though some may include built-in wardrobes or kitchen appliances.

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2. Where to Buy Furniture in Helsingborg

Helsingborg offers a variety of options for purchasing furniture, ranging from budget-friendly stores to high-end retailers.

a) New Furniture Stores

1. IKEA Helsingborg

   • Location: Väla Centrum, a short drive from the city center.
   • Overview: IKEA is a Swedish staple for affordable, functional furniture and home goods. It’s a one-stop shop for everything from beds to kitchenware.
   • Services: Delivery and assembly services are available for an additional fee.
   • Website: www.ikea.com

2. JYSK

   • Overview: A budget-friendly option for furniture, bedding, and home accessories.
   • Location: Multiple locations in Helsingborg.
   • Website: www.jysk.se

3. Mio

   • Overview: A mid-range furniture store offering stylish and modern designs.
   • Location: Väla Centrum.
   • Website: www.mio.se

4. Svenssons i Lammhult

   • Overview: A high-end furniture store specializing in Scandinavian design.
   • Location: Helsingborg city center.
   • Website: www.svenssons.se

b) Second-Hand Furniture Stores

1. Erikshjälpen Second Hand

   • Overview: A charity shop offering affordable second-hand furniture, home goods, and decor.
   • Location: Garnisonsgatan 16, Helsingborg.
   • Website: www.erikshjalpen.se

2. Myrorna

   • Overview: Another popular second-hand store with a wide range of furniture and household items.
   • Location: Södergatan 11, Helsingborg.
   • Website: www.myrorna.se

3. Blocket.se

   • Overview: Sweden’s largest online marketplace for buying and selling second-hand items, including furniture.
   • Website: www.blocket.se
   • Tip: Use the Helsingborg filter to find local sellers.

4. Facebook Marketplace

   • Overview: A convenient platform for finding second-hand furniture from local sellers.
   • Tip: Search for groups like “Buy and Sell in Helsingborg” for more options.

c) Rental Furniture Services

If you’re staying in Helsingborg temporarily or don’t want to invest in buying furniture, consider renting:

• Furnlease

  • Overview: A furniture rental service offering packages for short- and long-term stays.
  • Website: www.furnlease.se

• IKEA Rental Services

  • Overview: IKEA offers furniture rental options in Sweden for those who prefer flexibility.
  • Check with the Helsingborg store for availability.

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3. Costs of Furnishing

The cost of furnishing your home in Helsingborg will depend on your preferences and whether you buy new or second-hand items. Below is a rough estimate:

• Basic Furnishing (Second-Hand): 5,000–10,000 SEK
  • Includes essentials like a bed, sofa, dining table, and chairs.
• Basic Furnishing (New, Budget-Friendly): 15,000–25,000 SEK
  • Includes IKEA or JYSK furniture for a small apartment.
• Mid-Range Furnishing (New): 30,000–50,000 SEK
  • Includes higher-quality furniture from stores like Mio.
• High-End Furnishing: 50,000+ SEK
  • Includes designer furniture from stores like Svenssons i Lammhult.

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4. Local Cultural Practices

Swedes have a strong sense of design and functionality when it comes to their homes. Here are some cultural considerations:

• Minimalism: Swedish homes often feature clean, minimalist designs with neutral colors and natural materials like wood.
• DIY Culture: Many Swedes enjoy assembling their own furniture, especially from IKEA. Tools like screwdrivers and hammers are household staples.
• Sustainability: There’s a strong emphasis on sustainability. Buying second-hand or upcycling furniture is common and socially encouraged.
• Shoes Off Indoors: It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering a home, so consider investing in a shoe rack for your hallway.

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5. Practical Tips for Settling In

a) Utilities and Internet

• Electricity (El): You’ll need to sign up for an electricity provider. Popular options include E.ON and Vattenfall.
• Internet: Helsingborg has excellent broadband options. Providers like Telia, Com Hem, and Bahnhof offer competitive packages.
• Water and Heating: These are usually included in your rent if you’re renting an apartment.

b) Recycling and Waste Management

Sweden has a strict recycling system. You’ll need to separate your waste into categories like paper, plastic, metal, and food waste. Recycling stations are located throughout Helsingborg.

c) Home Insurance (Hemförsäkring)

It’s highly recommended (and often required) to get home insurance. Providers like Länsförsäkringar and IF offer comprehensive packages.

d) Registering Your Address

Once you’ve moved in, you must register your new address with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). This is essential for receiving mail and accessing public services.

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6. Resources for Assistance

• Helsingborg Municipality (Helsingborgs Stad): Offers resources for new residents, including housing and settling-in advice.
  • Website: www.helsingborg.se
• New in Sweden (Ny i Sverige): A government initiative to help newcomers adapt to Swedish life.
  • Website: www.nyisverige.se

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to furnish and settle into your new home in Helsingborg. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!