Moving to Greece with your family is an exciting adventure. Deciding which furniture to bring along can be quite a challenge. Let www.jcinteriordesign.com guide you through the process with expert advice tailored to the unique aspects of moving to Greece.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Family's Needs
Selecting Essential Family Furniture
Incorporating Sentimental and Valuable Pieces
Adapting to the Greek Climate
Practical Tips for Moving
Navigating the Logistics of Transport
Budgeting Wisely for the Move
Practical Packing Tips
1. Understanding Your Family's Needs
Assessing Your New Home
Size Matters: Obtain floor plans and measurements of your new residence in Greece. This can make the difference between a smooth transition and a lot of stress. If you are planning to bring large items look at transitional spaces such as, entrances, doorways and stairwells, as well as the room the item is destined for. Can your furniture fit through these spaces ?
Anything will fit at a price : In truth, nearly anything can be moved into a home, if you are prepared to pay for it. But the cost of hoists, cranes, and cherry pickers, or removing doors, windows, and in extreme cases a section of wall is very expensive. More so if you have not already requested these services, and your precious furniture is sitting on the pavement. So please spend time on this section to avoid disappointment or spiralling cost. I would STRONGLY advise that you discuss this in detail with your moving team, and get written confirmation of what has been agreed.
Room by Room: Measure each room to determine what fits and what doesn’t. If you want something to be a focal point start by positioning this piece. If you need help with a layout please contact me.
Family Dynamics: Identify essential items each family member needs for daily comfort and routines. This can be surprisingly important when you move to a new country, and helps to provide continuity. Apart from beloved furniture, bedding or toys, I would suggest that you check the availability of “must have” foods and toiletries. There are a huge range of international brands available in Greece, but some items may not be locally available. There is no local Amazon, so it may be best to stock up until you find a local alternative.
2. Selecting Essential Family Furniture
Prioritising Key Pieces: To bring or not to bring, a very thorny question ?
Sleep Well: Comfortable beds or mattresses for everyone. There are many excellent companies here in Greece that offer top quality mattresses and beds. The only problem is trying out a bed when you are several thousand miles away. Many international companies, such as DUX do have stores here so you can specify your bed, and have it delivered to your new home. But do allow for the lead time, unless you want to camp out or rent an airbnb. If you would like more info on this please contact me.
Family Time: Seating arrangements that make your living space inviting. Again this is another catch 22 situation. Few things are more disappointing than a beautiful but uncomfortable sofa or chair. If you are not transporting the seating you love then I would suggest looking at international companies that have outlets in Greece, or are EU based to minimise customs delays and cost. As always if you need any help please contact me directly.
Dining Together: A dining table and chairs perfect for family meals. If you are not bringing yours, you will find a good selection of dining tables and chairs locally, but the more expensive ones often have long lead times, so try and choose them in good time. Again, if you need my help please contact me.
Staying Organised: Wardrobes, dressers, and bookshelves for everyone's belongings.
Unless they are of great sentimental value wardrobes are the one item that I would not suggest bringing to Greece. Check your floor plans, most bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. If they don’t then you can source wide range of wardrobes here. Bedrooms are often quite small even in older properties as traditionally they were just places sleep, space was allocated to entertaining and dining. If you would like help please contact me.
3. Incorporating Sentimental and Valuable Pieces
Treasured Heirlooms
Family Heirlooms: Bring along items with deep sentimental value. Use your old roots to help you grow new ones.
Keepsakes: Small, meaningful pieces like a box from Grandma or a cherished chess set can help the transition. Links with loved ones are very important in a new country.
Memories: Don’t forget photographs, artwork, and other personal memorabilia. They will instantly help to make your new house feel like home.
Protecting Valuables
Art & Antiques: Ensure proper packing, transport and insurance for valuable art and antiques please.
High-Value Items: Assess the cost and practicality of moving high-value items. It will be time well spent. For the cost of items in Greece contact me
4. Adapting to the Greek Climate
Understanding the Climate
Mediterranean Climate: Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Which are becoming hotter and more humid every year due to climate change.
Humidity and Heat: Consider how humidity and heat might affect your furniture. Valuable Antique furniture and Art need climate controlled conditions, so make sure these are in place before you ship. If you need help please contact me.
Choosing Climate-Appropriate Furniture
Upholstered Furniture : Greece is very warm for more than 6 months of the year so if to want to bring upholstered furniture, where possible choose natural, durable, easy-to-clean fabrics for upholstery to withstand the summer heat and dust. If you are buying new I would recommend choosing upholstery with removable washable covers if they are available. If you need advice please contact me.
Consider Slip covers : If you plan to bring furniture with heavy plush or silk upholstery, or your furniture does not have removable covers, consider making slip covers from washable fabrics to protect it during the summer months from bright sunlight and dust. If you need help with these please contact me
Non Upholstered Furniture: most non upholstered pieces should be fine, but do try to position valuable antiques or wooden furniture that can be fade or be damaged by strong light away from direct sunlight.
Outdoor Living: Invest in quality outdoor furniture to make the most of Greece’s beautiful weather. If you need advice please contact me
Check your electrical goods are compatible : Voltage:Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage. Frequency: The standard frequency is 50 Hz. Plug Types: The types of plugs used are type C and type F.
5. Navigating the Logistics of Transport
Moving Your Furniture
Cost Comparison: Weigh the costs of shipping your furniture versus purchasing new pieces locally. If you need help with the cost of purchasing locally please contact me.
Check that your moving company will deliver to your home: Not just to the customs shed, and who is responsible for clearing customs and paying the duty. confirm these details in writing clearly and simply, with no ifs or buts .
Customs Check: Familiarise yourself with Greek customs regulations to avoid surprises. Check out our helpful guides, that give you an overview. Moving to Greece from an EU country and Moving to Greece from a non EU country. Please contact me for a free copy.
Durability: Ensure your furniture is properly packed and can handle the journey without getting damaged. It’s heartbreaking to see treasured possessions arrive broken, and it can put a real damper on your new start.
Don’t forget to insure everything : Self explanatory
6. Practical Tips for Moving
Preparing for the Move
Declutter: Take the opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need.
Timeline: Plan your moving timeline carefully, allowing for any potential delays.
Arrival Plan: Have a plan for unpacking and settling into your new home upon arrival in Greece.
7. Budgeting Wisely for the Move
Smart Spending
Cost Analysis: Compare moving costs with the cost of buying new in Greece. If you need help with the cost of buying new in Greece please contact me
Resale Value: Consider the potential resale value of your furniture if you choose not to take it.
Financial Planning
Budget Allocation: Set a budget for moving and new purchases.
Hidden Costs: Plan for hidden costs like assembly fees or delivery charges.
8. Practical Packing Tips
Preparing for the Move
Disassembly Required ? : Take apart large pieces to ease transport ONLY where appropriate. Don't let Uncle Jo who's a whizz at DIY persuade you to take everything to pieces, unless he is going to be with you to put them back together. A new home with furniture in pieces is stressful at the best of times. In a foreign country, with limited language skills, little back up, and some tools missing it's a nightmare. No way to start your new journey.
Packing Like a Pro: Use the right materials to protect your furniture. there are some great packing guides on-line, but do make sure their advice is for international shipping. Or call in a professional if you can for less stress.
Label Everything: Clearly label EVERYTHING. Even the parts and screws for furniture that you have dismantled for less stressful reassembly.
Non-Essentials
Storage Solutions: Consider storage options for items you leave behind.
Sell or Donate: Lighten your load by selling or donating non-essential furniture.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best decisions about which furniture to take when moving to Greece with your family. Careful planning will help create a beautiful and functional home in your new country, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable transition for everyone. If you need my help or advice please contact me.
Safe travels and enjoy your new home in Greece
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