Lund

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Furnishing and Moving In

Guidance on furnishing a new home, second-hand furniture options, and tips for settling into your accommodation.

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Comprehensive Guide to Furnishing and Moving In When Settling in Lund, Sweden

Moving to Lund, Sweden, is an exciting experience, but settling into your new home requires careful planning, especially when it comes to furnishing and moving in. Below is a detailed guide tailored to the local context, covering everything from where to buy furniture to cultural considerations.

1. Where to Buy or Acquire Furniture in Lund

New Furniture Stores

Lund has several options for purchasing new furniture, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. Here are some popular stores:

  • IKEA (Malmö or Helsingborg)

    • The closest IKEA stores are in Malmö (20 minutes by train) and Helsingborg (40 minutes by train). IKEA is a go-to option for affordable, functional furniture and home essentials.
    • Cost: A basic bed frame starts at around 1,000 SEK, while a sofa can range from 2,000–6,000 SEK.
    • Tip: IKEA offers delivery services for a fee, which is convenient if you don’t have a car.

  • JYSK (Lund)

    • Located in Lund, JYSK is a smaller-scale alternative to IKEA, offering affordable furniture and home goods.
    • Cost: A dining table starts at around 800 SEK, and bedding sets are available for 200–500 SEK.

  • Mio (Malmö)

    • Mio is a mid-range furniture store with stylish and durable options. It’s located in Malmö, a short train ride from Lund.
    • Cost: A sofa typically costs 5,000–15,000 SEK.

  • Åhléns (Malmö)

    • A department store offering home décor and smaller furniture items.
    • Cost: Slightly higher than IKEA but with a focus on Scandinavian design.

Second-Hand Furniture Options

Second-hand shopping is very popular in Sweden, both for sustainability and affordability. Lund has several options:

  • Blocket.se

    • A Swedish online marketplace where locals sell used furniture and household items.
    • Cost: Prices vary widely, but you can find items like a used sofa for 500–2,000 SEK.
    • Tip: Use Google Translate if you’re not fluent in Swedish, and always meet sellers in public places.

  • Facebook Marketplace

    • A convenient platform for finding second-hand furniture in Lund. Many students and expats sell items when they move out.

  • Second-Hand Stores in Lund

    • Myrorna: A charity shop offering affordable second-hand furniture, home goods, and décor.
    • Erikshjälpen: Another charity shop with a good selection of furniture and household items.
    • Cost: A second-hand dining table might cost 300–800 SEK, and chairs around 100–200 SEK each.

  • Loppis (Flea Markets)

    • Flea markets are common in Sweden, especially during spring and summer. Check local Facebook groups or community boards for announcements.

Rental Furniture Services

If you’re staying in Lund temporarily, renting furniture might be a practical option:

  • Furnlease
    • A company specializing in furniture rental for expats and students. They offer packages for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
    • Cost: Packages start at around 1,500 SEK/month.
    • Tip: This is a great option if you’re on a short-term lease or don’t want to invest in buying furniture.

2. Moving Procedures in Lund

Transporting Furniture

  • Hiring a Moving Company

    • Local moving companies like Flyttfirma Lund or Malmö Flyttjänst can help transport furniture.
    • Cost: Expect to pay around 800–1,200 SEK/hour for a small move.
    • Tip: Book in advance, especially during the summer when many people move.

  • Renting a Van

    • Companies like Hertz or Europcar offer van rentals.
    • Cost: A small van rental starts at around 500 SEK/day.
    • Tip: Check if your driver’s license is valid in Sweden for van rentals.

  • Public Transport for Small Items

    • If you’re buying smaller furniture or home goods, Lund’s public transport system (Skånetrafiken) is reliable. However, avoid peak hours to make carrying items easier.

Assembling Furniture

  • DIY Assembly

    • Many furniture items from IKEA and JYSK require self-assembly. Tools are often included, but having a basic toolkit is helpful.
    • Tip: If you’re not confident in assembling furniture, consider hiring help through platforms like TaskRunner or Blocket.

  • Hiring Assembly Services

    • IKEA offers assembly services for an additional fee. Alternatively, local handymen can be hired for around 300–500 SEK/hour.

3. Local Regulations and Practical Considerations

Recycling and Disposal of Packaging

Sweden has strict recycling regulations, and you’ll need to dispose of packaging materials responsibly:

  • Recycling Stations: Lund has several recycling stations (återvinningsstationer) where you can drop off cardboard, plastic, and other materials.
  • Bulky Waste: For large items like old furniture, visit the local recycling center (Sysav in Gastelyckan).
  • Tip: Check with your landlord or housing association for specific recycling rules in your area.

Insurance

  • Home Insurance (Hemförsäkring)
    • It’s common and highly recommended to get home insurance when moving into a new place. Companies like Folksam, Länsförsäkringar, and If offer affordable plans.
    • Cost: Around 100–200 SEK/month.
    • Tip: Some insurance plans also cover moving-related damages.

4. Cultural and Practical Tips

Minimalist and Sustainable Living

  • Swedes value minimalism and sustainability. When furnishing your home, consider buying only what you need and opting for eco-friendly or second-hand items.

Student Housing Considerations

  • If you’re a student, many student accommodations in Lund come partially furnished. Check with your housing provider (e.g., LU Accommodation or AF Bostäder) before buying furniture.

Seasonal Adjustments

  • Lighting: Winters in Sweden are dark, so investing in good lighting (e.g., floor lamps or LED lights) is essential.
  • Rugs and Curtains: These can help insulate your home during the colder months.

Community Resources

  • Join local Facebook groups like “Lund Buy and Sell” or “Lund Expats” to find furniture deals and moving tips.
  • Attend community events or flea markets to meet locals and find unique items for your home.

5. Typical Costs for Furnishing a Small Apartment in Lund

| Item | New (SEK) | Second-Hand (SEK) | |-------------------------|---------------|-----------------------| | Bed (frame + mattress) | 2,000–5,000 | 500–2,000 | | Sofa | 2,000–6,000 | 500–2,000 | | Dining Table + Chairs | 1,500–4,000 | 500–1,500 | | Kitchenware (basic set) | 500–1,500 | 200–500 | | Lighting (lamps) | 300–1,000 | 100–300 | | Curtains/Rugs | 500–2,000 | 200–800 |

Final Thoughts

Furnishing and moving into your new home in Lund can be a smooth process with the right planning. Take advantage of the city’s second-hand culture, sustainable practices, and efficient services to make your transition as seamless as possible. By understanding local regulations and cultural norms, you’ll be well-prepared to settle into your new home in this charming Swedish city.