How to furnish an apartment after moving to Serbia

Many apartments in Serbia are rented furnished (namešten), but something is usually missing: a desk, a decent mattress, a washing machine or a cot. Here is how to furnish your place without overpaying.

Start with a list

• Walk through the apartment and write down what is missing. Measure as you go: alcoves, ceiling height, the width of doors and the lift.
• Ask your landlord: many allow you to replace old furniture or store what you do not need in the basement.
• Decide what to buy new (mattress, bedding) and what can be second-hand (wardrobes, tables, chairs, appliances).

Buying new

• Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities have large furniture and home stores: IKEA, JYSK, Lesnina, Emmezeta, Forma Ideale. Delivery and assembly usually cost extra, so ask for the price in advance.
• Compare appliances across several shops: discounts are frequent, especially seasonal ones.

Second-hand is much cheaper

• People move all the time and sell furniture, appliances and kids' things cheaply, sometimes for free. Check Home goods, Electronics and Free stuff.
• Looking for something specific, such as a wardrobe under 10,000 dinars in Belgrade? Search on the website and press «Get new listings»: the bot will send you new listings as soon as they appear.
• Before buying, ask for photos with measurements, and test appliances when you meet.

Delivery

• Small items fit in a taxi with a large boot.
• For furniture, look for a moving service (prevoz, selidbe); there are private movers in every city. Agree in advance whether things need to be carried down the stairs, as that often costs more.
• Flat-pack furniture is easier and cheaper to move, so ask the seller whether it can be taken apart.

When you leave

• You do not have to throw away what you no longer need: post a listing and sell it or give it away to someone who has just arrived.

Enjoy your new home!