Moving into a furnished apartment in Czechia? Swap out these items for better comfort

Whether relocating to Czechia for the first time or moving apartments between leases, most expats understand the beauty and value of a furnished flat. Starting fresh in a place where you don’t have to drag a couch or washing machine up several flights of stairs is ideal, not to mention the cash it saves on filling your new space.

However, anyone who has ever moved into a furnished apartment knows they must ultimately grapple with the history of the stuff they’re inheriting. You can deep clean these items all you want but sometimes, what's really needed for a fresh start is some fresh, new furnishings.

Yes, international moves can be expensive, and these days we are all trying to save money wherever we can, but there are a few household items you definitely don’t want to use second- or third- (or fourth-) hand.

Let’s talk about those. 

First, have a conversation with your landlord. The current furnishings may be part of their property, so tossing them in the bin could cause issues down the line. 

It’s a fair conversation to have, as many furnished apartments reuse items across several tenants. Raise the issue during the move-in inspection and include any agreement in the property protocol; some landlords will remove worn items or arrange storage if asked. 

Once permission is granted, a specialist can help you find new bedding that works for your body as well as your budget. We turned to Anastasia Tlapáková from Dorelan to find out what key things all expats should invest in, no matter how long or short they plan to stay in Czechia.

At the top of her list? A mattress that hasn’t already lived nine lives. 

Even if you’re planning to stay in Czechia for only a few years, investing in supportive furniture, especially a quality, ergonomic mattress, can have a significant impact on your daily comfort and overall well-being, Tlapáková points out. 

Put another way: your spine doesn’t care about your visa timeline, so don’t risk it.

You’ll also likely need fresh bedding and pillows. “These pieces may seem small at first, but they make a lasting difference in how ‘at home’ you feel, wherever you live,” says Tlapáková.

Soft, breathable materials and pillows that suit your preferred sleeping position can make a huge difference in how well you rest. They also add a personal touch to a furnished apartment, helping you create a cozy, familiar space that feels like your own.

Lastly, don’t forget about bath towels. These are a bit easier to sanitize than other items, but if you’re squeamish about their past lives, consider picking up a new set just in case.

A used mattress might save you a little now, but it can cost you more later. Poor support often leads to back and neck problems that require treatment, making a worn mattress an expensive compromise over time.

Tomáš Rychnovský, Dorelan’s in-house physiotherapist, lays out the stark reality: “The potential risks of an unsuitable mattress are clear: spinal blockages, muscle overload, back and neck pain, or even herniated discs.” 

He also reiterates that a good mattress plays a significant role in spinal regeneration during sleep. Bedding down on a mattress that's sagging under your weight prevents the spine from aligning and distributing pressure evenly throughout the night.

To avoid chronic trips to the chiropractor (or the operating room), investing in a firm new mattress is your best bet. 

So how do you make sure you pick the right one? Simple: test a few models out firsthand before making a decision. This is definitely one purchase you don’t want to make by browsing e-shops.  

You’ll be able to gauge comfort, support, and motion transfer in a way online descriptions can’t match. Even small differences in firmness can affect sleep quality, so testing several models before purchasing is usually the most reliable approach.

The Dorelan showroom in Karlín lets you roll around on different mattresses until you find the perfect balance between comfort and support. Tlapáková notes that mattress models like Evoke, ReActive, Tresor, and Stylus are especially popular.

Ready to upgrade? A good mattress, along with fresh bedding, will instantly make your fully furnished apartment feel more like home. A quick visit to their showroom will help you compare options in person and choose what best supports your comfort and daily routine.