Question
HELP! My company is relocating us from the US to Spain. Which one would you choose: Option #1: Get $15k to buy furniture in Spain or Option #2: Get all my furniture moved to Spain.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Unless you are attached to it, buy new stuff. Many houses are smaller in Europe, so much so that you may not be able to get it in the house or even through the door or up the stairs.”
“Having just gone through a move myself I do miss my furniture and if you like your stuff and it’s good quality, have them move it for you. I would say normally no, but I’ve had a hard time finding what I want here.
And it’s been very costly. But also know our stuff might not have fit here, and it has taken our boxes months to arrive!.”
“Take your absolute essentials like keepsakes and clothes, and buy furniture new in Spain. It’s a fresh start, and you’ll be able to get items that fit Spanish spaces better.”
“Spaces are smaller, and closet space isn’t common here. We brought a few family heirlooms, but you can find nice furniture here that fits better.”
“My wife and I curated our items to just the essentials and things we love. I’m not convinced we could replace them for less than the cost of shipping.”
“Furnish your home in Spain. You can find great options near towns known for furniture, and $15k can go far, depending on the area.”
“We live in a rural area in a decent sized house. I am glad everyday that we brought our stuff. Lots of comfort inn having familiar things in a new location. Many people comment on how homey the house is because of our furniture we collected over many years.”
“It really depends on the quality of your current furniture. In general, American furniture is bulkier, which could make it harder to fit in a Spanish home. Also, the apartments here tend to be smaller than in the U.S.”
“If you’re renting, many apartments come furnished. That might save you from needing a full set of furniture right away.”
“I’d buy new here. Keep what’s sentimental or small, but starting fresh in Spain is easier than trying to fit oversized furniture into a smaller space.”
“Take the $15k and maybe consider shipping just your most treasured items yourself, which might cost around $5k.”
“Many of us found that $15k goes a long way for furniture in Spain, especially if you buy smartly or look for deals in popular furniture areas like Yecla.”
“Spanish homes and apartments are often different in layout, and some items may not fit. I’d suggest taking the cash option and seeing what works best for your new home.”
Conclusion
The general consensus among expats is to take the $15k to buy new furniture in Spain rather than shipping furniture from the U.S. With smaller living spaces and narrower entryways common in Spanish homes, U.S. furniture may not fit well.
Additionally, renting furnished apartments or purchasing furniture locally allows for better sizing and style alignment with Spanish homes.
For those with cherished items, a mixed approach—buying essentials locally and shipping select sentimental pieces—may provide the best balance of familiarity and convenience.
