Furnishing your Dutch apartment: complete expat strategy guide 2026
€1,500-€8,000 budgets | IKEA vs Marktplaats | Eerste drempel fees | Kringloop shops
Quick summary
Furnishing a Dutch apartment costs €1,500-€8,000 depending on quality and timeline. IKEA delivery costs €59-€145 with eerste drempel (upstairs carrying) fees adding €15-€25. Marktplaats offers 60% savings but requires careful inspection. Kringloop shops are 30-50% cheaper than Marktplaats. EU bed sizes don't match US/UK sizes. July 2026 import fees: €3-€5 per item.
Bottom line: Most expats use a hybrid approach (IKEA for essentials, Marktplaats/Kringloop for savings). Budget €1,500 minimum for 6-month comfort, €3,000 for 12-month quality. Don't ship furniture from abroad unless high-value or irreplaceable (shipping costs exceed local replacement). Eerste drempel fees surprise many expats, always ask before ordering delivery.
The complete furniture acquisition strategy
The challenge: speed + budget + logistics
When you arrive in Netherlands, you face three competing pressures:
- Speed: You need furniture NOW. Most apartments are empty. You can't sleep on the floor for 6 weeks.
- Budget: Furnishing costs €3,000-€8,000 minimum. Most expats don't have unlimited budgets.
- Logistics: Getting furniture upstairs without paying €500+ eerste drempel fees requires strategy.
Three-phase approach
Phase 1: First 2 weeks (temporary/secondhand)
- • Sleep: Air mattress or cheap IKEA bed (€100-€200)
- • Seating: Used sofa from Marktplaats (€150-€300)
- • Eating: Folding table + used chairs (€50-€150)
- • Storage: Basic shelves (€20-€50)
Cost: €320-€700 | Purpose: Livability while planning Phase 2
Phase 2: Weeks 2-4 (strategic IKEA + selective purchases)
- • Invest in quality pieces you'll keep: Bed frame (€400-€800), sofa (€500-€1,500)
- • Fill gaps with IKEA basics: Dining table (€200-€400), shelves (€100-€300)
- • Continue Marktplaats for bulky items to avoid eerste drempel costs
Cost: €1,500-€3,500 | Purpose: Comfortable, functional living space
Phase 3: Weeks 4-8 (refinement + container arrival)
- • Once container arrives, integrate shipped items
- • Replace temporary pieces with quality furniture
- • Adjust layout based on what actually fits
Cost: €0-€2,000 (depending on what shipped)
Decision point: ship or buy?
✓ Ship if:
- • You have 4+ weeks before needing to move in
- • Your home country furniture equals high quality (Scandinavian, German brands)
- • You're shipping a container anyway (household goods, clothes)
- • You have budget for July 2026 import fees (€3 per item; €2 processing pending)
✗ Buy locally if:
- • You're arriving within 2 weeks
- • You need furniture immediately
- • You're uncertain what size/style fits your space
- • Shipping costs exceed replacement value
IKEA: the obvious choice (but not always best)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bed frame (MALM) | €150-€200 | Basic, sturdy, drawers available |
| Mattress | €200-€400 | Budget to mid-range |
| Sofa (KIVIK) | €300-€600 | 2-3 seater, good value |
| Dining table | €300-€500 | Solid wood, durable |
| Delivery | €20-€150 | Depends on weight/distance |
| Eerste drempel charge | €59-€145 | If upstairs without lift ⚠️ |
IKEA delivery costs (2026 actual pricing)
- • Ground floor delivery: €59.99-€144.98 (depending on weight)
- • Floor + room of choice (upstairs): €74.98-€144.98
- • Eerste drempel premium: €15-€25 added to upstairs delivery
✓ Advantages:
- • Fastest delivery (1-3 weeks typical)
- • No negotiation needed
- • Easy assembly (YouTube tutorials)
- • Returns/exchanges straightforward
- • Financing options available
✗ Disadvantages:
- • Eerste drempel fees can surprise you
- • Not highest quality (cheap particle board)
- • Some items require 2+ people assembly
- • Returns hassle if already assembled
- • Delivery slots fill quickly peak season
Best for: First furniture, budget-conscious expats, matching sets, quick solutions
Marktplaats: the best deals (if you're careful)
Typical prices (60-75% savings)
| Item | Used price | New price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofa (good condition) | €200-€400 | €800-€1,500 | 60% savings |
| Bed frame (solid wood) | €100-€250 | €400-€800 | 70% savings |
| Dining table | €100-€300 | €400-€600 | 60% savings |
| Desk | €50-€150 | €200-€400 | 70% savings |
| Bookshelves | €20-€80 | €100-€300 | 75% savings |
⚠️ Safety risks
- • Fake listings (photos from online stores, scams)
- • Bed bugs (especially in upholstered furniture)
- • Structural damage (unseen due to photos)
- • No-show sellers or price haggling at viewing
- • Transport logistics (seller won't deliver; you arrange)
How to buy safely
- Research comparable pricing on 5+ similar items
- Meet in person (always, no exceptions)
- Inspect thoroughly: Check for bed bugs, test drawers, flip mattresses, look for damage
- Negotiate price (€50-€100 off is normal)
- Arrange transport immediately after purchase (same day if possible)
- Pay cash only at viewing (no transfers before inspection)
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, specific items you want, those with time to browse and inspect
Kringloop winkels: the hidden gem
What they are
Charity secondhand shops (literally recycling stores). Similar to Goodwill in the US, operated by nonprofits. ALL furniture is charity/donated.
Typical prices (30-50% cheaper than Marktplaats)
| Item | Kringloop | Marktplaats | IKEA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used sofa | €100-€250 | €200-€400 | €300-€600 |
| Bed frame | €50-€150 | €100-€250 | €150-€200 |
| Dining table | €50-€150 | €100-€300 | €300-€500 |
| Shelves | €10-€40 | €20-€80 | €40-€100 |
✓ Advantages:
- • Cheapest prices (almost everything under €200)
- • Quality vintage/solid wood pieces
- • Support charity (guilt-free!)
- • Easy to inspect (walk around shop)
- • No haggling, no scams (fixed prices)
✗ Disadvantages:
- • No online browsing (inventory surprise)
- • Transport still your responsibility
- • Selection random (what's donated)
- • Return/exchange policy minimal
- • May need to visit multiple shops
Where to find: Google "kringloop [your city]" - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht all have 5-15+ options. Most don't have online inventory; you must browse in person.
The eerste drempel trap: hidden delivery costs
What is eerste drempel?
Eerste drempel literally means "first threshold" (Dutch term for extra fee charged when delivery requires carrying furniture upstairs with no elevator).
The shocking costs
| Scenario | IKEA cost | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor, no stairs | €0 | Furniture delivered to door |
| 1 floor up (stairs) | €50-€100 | Delivery person carries 1-2 items upstairs |
| 2+ floors, multiple items | €150-€300 | Full-service carrying, assembling |
| Heavy items (sofa, bed) | €100-€200 | Per item if requires 2+ people |
How to avoid or minimize
- Option 1: Ask before ordering (best) - Call IKEA delivery team, ask: What's the eerste drempel cost for 2nd floor, no lift, [your city]?
- Option 2: Negotiate at delivery - If quote seems high, negotiate with delivery person. Offer to help carry items.
- Option 3: Use Marktplaats instead - Private sellers often negotiate on eerste drempel (less formal)
- Option 4: Buy components, not whole pieces - Armchair (smaller, lighter) instead of full sofa
- Option 5: Disassemble at store - Some stores will disassemble to make lighter (requires reassembly)
Budget breakdowns: complete apartment by price range
€1,500 total: basic comfort (6-month living)
Realistic for those arriving with nothing, needing functional living space.
Best for: Most expats arriving with nothing; sustainable 6+ months
€3,000 total: comfortable living (12-month)
Realistic for those wanting actual comfort without overspending.
Best for: Those with moderate budget; comfortable living 12+ months
€5,000 total: quality investment (3-year living)
For those willing to invest in furniture quality; furniture will last 5-10 years.
Best for: Those staying 3+ years; furniture is investment, not consumable
Shipping furniture from abroad vs buying locally
Cost analysis example: Complete bedroom
Option A: Ship from USA
- • Current furniture value (used): $1,500
- • International shipping (container): €3,000-€5,000
- • July 2026 import fees (3 items): €9-€15
- • Shipping timeline: 4-6 weeks
Total cost: €3,500-€5,500
Option B: Buy locally
- • Used bed frame: €250
- • New mattress (IKEA): €350
- • Used dresser: €150
- • Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Total cost: €750
Result: Shipping costs €3,000-€4,750 MORE than buying locally. Only ship if furniture is significantly higher quality (€5,000+ value) or irreplaceable.
July 2026 EU import fees: what changed
- • €3 fixed customs duty per tariff heading (CONFIRMED)
- • €2 administrative processing fee per declaration line (PENDING - may start Feb 2026 Netherlands, Nov 2026 EU-wide)
- • Applies to all items from outside EU
- • Impact: For single item: €3-€5 minimal. For large shipment (40+ items): €120-€200+ total
Bed size compatibility and common incompatibilities
The problem: EU bed sizes ≠ other countries
If you're shipping a bed or mattress from outside Europe, sizing is critical. Wrong size equals unusable furniture plus return costs.
EU vs international bed sizes
| Size | EU metric | US/UK equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90cm × 200cm | Twin (38" × 75") | Tight for adults |
| Double | 140cm × 200cm | Full (54" × 75") | Standard EU double |
| King | 160cm × 200cm | Queen (60" × 80") | EU King smaller than US Queen |
| Super King | 180cm × 200cm | King (76" × 80") | Rare in Netherlands |
⚠️ Recommendation: don't ship beds
Unless bed is irreplaceable antique/custom piece, or mattress is extremely high-quality (€2,000+ memory foam ortho).
Better option: Sell bed/mattress in home country, buy EU-sized bed in Netherlands. Cost difference: Often break-even (sell $1,000, buy €1,000).
Frequently asked questions
Where should I buy furniture in Netherlands: IKEA or Marktplaats?
IKEA if you need fast delivery (2-4 weeks), want guaranteed quality, prefer no negotiation hassle. Marktplaats if budget is tight, you have time to search, willing to haggle and inspect used items. Most expats do both: IKEA for bed/desk (can't compromise on sleep), Marktplaats for sofa/table (save 50-70%).
Can I furnish a complete apartment for €500?
Technically yes, but you'll live uncomfortably for 4-8 weeks (air mattress, floor seating, minimal storage). Better target: €1,000-€1,500 for comfortable living.
What's eerste drempel and how do I avoid it?
Eerste drempel is a fee charged when carrying furniture upstairs (no elevator). Cost: €50-€200 per item. IKEA 2026 pricing: Ground floor €59.99-€144.98; upstairs delivery €74.98-€144.98; eerste drempel premium €15-€25. Avoid by asking about fees before ordering, negotiating at delivery, using Marktplaats (less formal), or buying modular/smaller pieces.
Are kringloop winkels really cheaper than Marktplaats?
Yes, typically 30-50% cheaper than Marktplaats for same items. But selection is random (you get what's donated). Best strategy: Visit multiple kringloops, you'll find deals.
Is it worth buying IKEA if I'm only staying 1 year?
Yes. IKEA furniture resells for 30-50% value on Marktplaats. If you spend €1,500, you'll recover €500-€750 when leaving (net cost: €750-€1,000 for 1 year).
Should I buy quality furniture or budget furniture?
Quality furniture (€2,000-€3,000 for sofa, bed) equals better value if staying 3+ years. Budget furniture (€500-€800) equals better if uncertain or short-term.
How do I avoid bed bugs when buying used furniture?
Inspect seams, underside, and back carefully for brown spots or shells. Ask seller: Have you ever had bed bugs? If even slightly hesitant or defensive, walk away.
Is it safe to buy furniture on Marktplaats?
Mostly yes, but you assume risk. Meet in person (never wire transfer first), inspect thoroughly, and expect some wear on used items. If anything feels off, there are more sofas.
What payment method should I use on Marktplaats?
Cash only at viewing. Never transfer money before seeing item in person. If seller insists on payment first, it's a scam.
Should I ship furniture from my home country?
Only if it's high-quality (€2,000+ value) or irreplaceable. Shipping cost (€5,000-€8,000) + import fees usually exceed replacement cost locally. Exception: Shipping full household (depreciated cost).
What's the impact of July 2026 EU import fees?
€3 customs duty per tariff heading (confirmed). €2 processing fee per declaration line (pending). For single item: €3-€5 fee is minimal. For large shipment (40+ items): €120-€200+ total. Not a game-changer, but adds up.
Can I avoid EU import fees on furniture?
Not really. Any furniture entering EU from outside pays fee. Plan for it.
My container arrives in 6 weeks. What do I do for furniture now?
Phase 1: Buy/rent temporary pieces (€150-€300). Phase 2: When container arrives, integrate your shipped furniture and sell temporary items (recover 30-50%).
How long does IKEA delivery take in Netherlands?
2-4 weeks typical. Can be longer during summer (July-August are slowest). Order early if you want guaranteed delivery by specific date.
Can I return IKEA furniture if I change my mind?
Yes, within 365 days (even if assembled). But once assembled, you're paying €80+ if you want them to reassemble during return. Better to be sure before ordering.
How much does furniture assembly cost in Netherlands?
DIY equals free but time-consuming (1-3 hours). Hire service equals €80-€200 per item. Worth hiring for: Heavy items, complex assembly, or if your time is valuable.
Can I fit IKEA furniture through Dutch apartment doors?
Usually yes, but measure first. Doorways are standard (around 85 cm width), so disassembly often needed for large items (sofas, dressers). IKEA furniture is designed for this.
What are EU bed sizes compared to US sizes?
EU Single: 90×200cm (vs US Twin 38×75in). EU Double: 140×200cm (vs US Full 54×75in). EU King: 160×200cm (smaller than US Queen 60×80in). EU Super King: 180×200cm (vs US King 76×80in). Sizes don't match, so don't ship beds from non-EU countries.
What furniture should I ship from abroad?
Only ship: High-quality pieces (€2,000+ value), irreplaceable antiques/custom furniture, items you're shipping in a container anyway. Don't ship: IKEA/budget furniture, beds (sizing issues), heavy bulky items where shipping exceeds replacement cost.
How do I transport furniture from Marktplaats?
Rental van (€50-€80 for 2-4 hours), hire handyman/mover (€80-€150), friends with a car (free or coffee), cargo bike rental (€20-€30 for small items).
What's a realistic budget for furnishing a Dutch apartment?
€1,500 for basic comfort (6-month living), €3,000 for comfortable living (12-month), €5,000 for quality investment (3+ years). Budget includes bed, sofa, dining, kitchen, storage, lighting.
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