Where to Get Furniture

1. Friends, family friends, relatives

2. Ikea – If you are in one of the 32 countries where there is an Ikea store, then you are in luck. The Swedish company really lives up to its “affordable solutions for better living” tagline. The furniture is reasonably-priced and fashionably modern. However, if you are planning to stay a little while longer after you graduate, you might want to go to a regular furniture store for cabinets and chairs. From our experience, some Ikea furniture hinges come loose through constant wear and tear.

3. Second hand stores/ consignment shops/ thrift shops – In the US, try checking out the Salvation Army. You may be surprised. You may find a lot of interesting and (re)usable furniture. In the UK, try checking out the Red Cross and Scope. In Sydney, our sources point to the Salvation Army and Tempe Tip.

4. Trash – Yes, we’re not kidding. On certain days of the week in many affluent neighborhoods in Tokyo and New York City, residents put their unwanted furniture on the sidewalk for garbage men or resourceful neighbors to pick up. Walk around the wealthy neighborhoods near your apartment, you could probably pick up a chair or two.

Wise Words: We salvaged our TV from an electronics store that was going to throw it away.—Alpi Bacani, Sophia University, Tokyo

5. Furniture chain stores

Our last tip for apartment hunting: Have a housewarming party after you’ve moved in! It’s a good excuse to make more friends and a chance get to know your classmates and neighbors better. They can also bring housewarming gifts which might prove useful and help you settle in.