Moving to Turkey
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Moving Your Belongings
Moving Furniture
to Turkey
Is shipping your furniture to Turkey worth the cost? A practical breakdown of what to bring, what to leave, and what Turkey's local furniture market looks like.
The honest answer
Should You Ship Your Furniture to Turkey?
Most experienced expats ship less furniture than they originally planned — and are glad they did. The economics only work clearly in your favour if you have high-quality, expensive furniture that would cost significantly more to replace in Turkey.
Turkey has a large, mature furniture market. From affordable chains like İstikbal and Bellona to higher-end options and local craftsmen, you can furnish a home at every price point. Turkish-made furniture is also generally well-suited to Turkish apartments — which often have different proportions to Western homes.
The practical rule: ship furniture that has real replacement value or sentimental meaning. Leave behind anything you wouldn't pay to move across the country within your home country.
Ship if you have these
- Solid wood, antique, or designer furniture
- Custom-made pieces that match your taste exactly
- High-quality mattresses (Duxiana, etc.)
- Bookshelves with sentimental value
- Specialist desks or office furniture
- Items with clear sentimental value
Leave behind and buy locally
- IKEA or equivalent flat-pack furniture
- Large appliances (fridge, washing machine)
- Sofas that are bulky but not premium
- Standard beds and wardrobes
- Basic dining tables and chairs
- Anything you were planning to replace soon
Cost breakdown
Approximate Shipping Costs by Item
Furniture shipping costs depend on volume (m³), origin, and shipping method. These are rough guides for LCL sea freight from Western Europe.
| Item | Est. volume (m³) | Shipping cost (EU origin) | Buy new in Turkey | Worth shipping? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-seater sofa | 1.5–2.0 | €150–€350 | €300–€1,200 | Only if high-quality |
| Double bed frame | 1.0–1.5 | €100–€250 | €200–€800 | Only if solid wood |
| Dining table + 6 chairs | 2.0–3.5 | €200–€600 | €400–€2,000 | Yes, if premium |
| Wardrobe (2-door) | 1.5–2.5 | €150–€400 | €250–€1,000 | Rarely |
| Bookshelf (large) | 0.5–1.0 | €50–€150 | €80–€400 | If full of books |
| Washing machine | 0.5 | €50–€100 | €300–€700 | No — buy locally |
| Fridge/freezer | 0.8–1.5 | €80–€200 | €400–€1,000 | No — buy locally |
| Full 3-bedroom household | 30–50 | €2,000–€5,000 | €8,000–€20,000+ | Usually yes |
Costs are rough guides. Actual shipping cost depends on total shipment volume, route, and market rates.
Local alternative
Turkey's Furniture Market
Turkey manufactures a large proportion of its own furniture and exports significantly. Quality and prices across all ranges are competitive.
Budget
€200–€800 for a sofa
Wide coverage, many Turkish cities. Modern designs, decent quality at accessible prices.
Mid-range
€500–€2,000 for a sofa
Good quality, extensive collections. Yataş specialises in mattresses and bedding.
Premium / International
€1,000–€5,000+ for a sofa
Available in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir. Italian and European brands have showrooms in larger cities.
Local craftsmen (marangoz): Many Turkish cities have excellent local carpenters who build custom furniture at very competitive prices. In cities like Antalya, Izmir, and Fethiye, expats often commission custom-built shelving, wardrobes, and kitchen furniture for far less than equivalent European products.
Tips
Practical Tips for Moving Furniture to Turkey
Measure your new apartment first
Turkish apartments often have different proportions to Western homes — narrower corridors, different ceiling heights. Measure before shipping large pieces.
Photograph everything before packing
Document the condition of all furniture before it goes into transit. This is essential for any insurance claims and helps resolve disputes.
Plan for temporary accommodation
Even with good planning, your belongings may not arrive until 2–8 weeks after you do. Arrange a furnished short-term rental to cover the gap.
Get all-risk insurance for valuable pieces
Standard carrier liability is very limited. For antiques or high-value furniture, purchase all-risk insurance and get a professional valuation beforehand.
Check access at the Turkish end
Ask your removal company to confirm vehicle access to your Turkish address. Old town areas may need a shuttle vehicle for the last mile.
Time the move with ikamet approval
Try to ensure your residence permit is approved before the shipment arrives in Turkey. Customs may hold goods without valid residency documentation.
Common questions
FAQ
More guides for your move
Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate your move cost
Shipping Household Goods
Full shipping process guide
Turkey Customs Rules
What you can bring duty-free
Rent an Apartment in Turkey
Find your home before the furniture arrives
Moving to Turkey Guide
Full relocation overview
Plan Your Move
Personalised planning tool