7 Furniture Tips for a Stylish and Sustainable Summer Abroad

Summer abroad on the horizon? Whether you’re heading to a new city for work, an internship, to study, or to satisfy that wanderlust, creating a stylish and familiar space to call home—albeit temporarily—can make a world of difference to your stay. 

But furnishing a short-term rental can be tricky, and sustainability often takes a back seat to convenience. We know—sourcing second-hand furniture can be time consuming, which isn’t ideal when you need a bed frame before you can hit the pillow. It can be a little pricier than easy-peasy flatpack, too. But with a little intention, you can create a space that feels like yours without having to resort to disposable furniture and compromising on style.

Source: Unsplash

So, here are seven smart tips on doing just that. 

Borrow over buying

Before you hit the shops and decide to invest, consider borrowing or renting furniture. Look to furniture rental platforms and person-to-person lending groups like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Rentomojo as they can be a goldmine of solutions for short-term stays. You’ll save money, avoid being wasteful, and you won't have to deal with the stress of reselling before you return home—one less thing to think about. 

Shop pre-loved furniture

Just because it’s second-hand, doesn’t mean it has to be second-rate. Charity shops, online marketplaces, vintage shops, and flea markets often stock well-made furniture full of character at a reasonable price, so you can kit out your home without contributing to the carbon footprint of new production. Because furniture deserves a second chance, too. 

Source: Unsplash

Go for flat-pack or foldable furniture

If you’ve fallen in love with your furniture and plan on keeping it, flat-pack or foldable furniture is your best friend, so opt for pieces that can move with you. Flat-pack, lightweight, and modular furniture is perfect for transporting at the end of your stay, whilst also being great for compact spaces and repurposing around the house. Split that modular sofa between two rooms or pull out the extendable dining table when you have guests, the possibilities are endless.

Prioritise multi-use designs

If your space is limited, flexibility is key. Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose: A coffee table with storage, a sofa bed or daybed so your living space can double up as a bedroom. Maybe even a dining bench that tucks away when not in use, taking your table from desk to dinner in seconds. The less you need, the lighter your footprint, and less stress when hunting for new furniture. 

Keep it local

We’ll shout about it ‘til the cows come home: Support local businesses. Not only is it easier for you to transport if it’s local (lots of shops offer transport for a small fee, or if it’s safe to carry and within walking distance—even better), but locally sourced furniture carries a smaller carbon footprint and doesn’t skimp out on craftsmanship and design integrity. 

Source: Pexels

Embrace minimalism

You don’t need to fully kit out your place and bring absolutely everything with you for it to feel like home. A few well-functioning pieces create a clutter-free, calming space where you can enjoy all your home comforts. Focus on quality and usability over quantity, using each piece as a canvas to decorate the space to how you want it: Decorate your dining table with a summer tablescape, use the sofa bed to show off your favourite throws, and add a pop of colour to the room with scatter cushions. You’ll feel at home in no time.

Plan for the end of summer

As your summer adventure winds down, it’s worth thinking ahead about what comes next for the space you’ve called home for the last few months. Whether you're moving out of student housing, a short-term let, or an Airbnb, planning your exit early can make the process much smoother.

Furniture can take time to resell, so list items a few weeks in advance with a set collection date—giving you flexibility to hold onto them until you leave (or let them go sooner if it suits you). You could also check with your landlord and/or housemates to see if they’re interested in buying any pieces from you. And if you’ve invested in easy-to-disassemble furniture, even better—it’s ready to come with you wherever you’re going next.

Style your summer space with intention and ease. Smart, sustainable choices make all the difference, even for short stays. Discover our easy-assemble and assembly-free furniture here.