Who this decision matters to

Students moving out of the family home into furnished or partly equipped accommodation

Your main priorities are likely to be limiting the upfront cost and avoiding buying appliances that are difficult to move at the end of your studies. In 2023, two-thirds of students lived away from the family home, according to the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Depending on your circumstances, it is worth comparing gradual purchasing, professionally refurbished appliances and rental options that match the length of your stay.

Employees on assignment or households in temporary accommodation

Availability, delivery, collection and a straightforward exit become more important when your departure date could change. Renting can simplify the logistics, provided you read the terms covering commitment, deposits and collection before making your decision.

Households setting up gradually

You can spread your purchases over time, starting with the uses that are not already covered by the accommodation. For appliances intended to stay with you, compare the energy label and, where relevant, the durability or repairability information recommended by ADEME.

Priorities before furnishing your accommodation

The length of your stay is not the only deciding factor: also check what the accommodation provides, the delivery requirements and how you will remove the appliance when you leave.

Priority What to check Your needs and guidance
Overall budget Compare the cost across the entire planned period: purchase price, monthly payments, deposit or initial payment, transport, collection and any potential resale value. Separate the amount paid upfront from anything that may be recovered. I want to avoid paying for an appliance beyond my actual needs. When it comes to running costs, 85% of the 2,000 households surveyed in mainland France in September 2025 felt that their energy bills put a significant strain on their budget, according to the 2025 Energy Information Barometer from the French national energy ombudsman.
Logistics Check the delivery area, access to the accommodation, dimensions, installation, what happens in the event of a breakdown and the collection procedure. For a washing machine, also check the water inlet and drainage connections. I need an appliance that I can get into the property, install and return without disrupting my move. A service offer does not replace reading the terms that apply to my address.
Equipment actually needed Make an inventory of the refrigeration, cooking, laundry and cleaning equipment already available. Check shared facilities, sockets and connections before placing any order. I prefer to start with the use that is genuinely not covered, then add to it after the first few weeks. This avoids buying or renting an appliance that is already provided or rarely used.
Durability and guarantees Distinguish between new, second-hand from a private seller and professionally refurbished. Compare the energy label for appliances with a similar capacity and, for a new washing machine, check the durability index. If the appliance is staying after my time there, I want a more durable choice and clear guarantee terms. Buying from a professional does not provide the same protection as a private sale.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Comparing a rental payment with a purchase price without planning your exit

    A monthly payment may seem manageable, but the commitment period, deposit or initial payment and collection terms all affect the real cost as your departure approaches. For example, BUT offers long-term rental plans of 36, 48 or 60 months, while Orent states that it requires a deposit equivalent to two monthly payments.

    Set a realistic leaving date and ask what would happen if you left on that date, one month earlier or one month later. Treat the deposit separately from the final cost.

    The deposit, initial payment and arrangements for collection can all put pressure on your moving budget.

  • Renting or buying before checking what the accommodation already provides

    Accommodation may already include certain appliances or provide access to shared equipment. An unnecessary purchase ties up money and creates an additional storage, transport or resale issue when you leave.

    Before ordering, make an inventory of the refrigeration, cooking, laundry and cleaning equipment, then check the dimensions, sockets, access and connections. Start with the use that is genuinely not covered.

  • Treating a private second-hand sale and professionally refurbished goods as the same thing

    The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a professional. It does not apply to a second-hand sale between private individuals.

    For an essential fridge or washing machine, choose a professional seller if you need clear protection. When buying from a private seller, test the appliance where possible and check its condition carefully.

    A breakdown could mean an unexpected repair or replacement during your stay.

  • Choosing solely on the initial price of an appliance intended to stay

    The purchase price does not tell you everything about energy consumption or how easy the appliance will be to repair. ADEME recommends using the energy label to compare appliances; for new washing machines, the durability index has been compulsory since April 2025.

    Compare appliances with the same capacity and intended use by looking at the energy label, dimensions and available durability information. Do not draw conclusions from a single class or rating in isolation.

A guide to the brands and services mentioned

Orent

A furniture and home appliance rental provider delivering notably in France, with advertised rental periods ranging from short-term agreements to 36 months.

  • Orent states that it offers delivery, installation in the chosen room and a guarantee throughout the contract.
  • The provider's FAQ states that a deposit equivalent to two monthly payments is required; the terms for the selected offer should still be checked.

BUT Location Longue Durée

A long-term rental service for home appliances, with advertised terms of 36, 48 or 60 months.

  • BUT advertises cover in the event of a breakdown during the rental period.
  • The advertised minimum term of 36 months may not suit a placement, work assignment or tenancy lasting just a few months.

Envie

A reuse network offering refurbished large and small appliances that have been renovated, tested and guaranteed, subject to availability at local shops.

  • The Envie network states that its appliances are cleaned, repaired where necessary and tested before being put on sale.
  • Dimensions, availability, delivery and services should be confirmed with the shop for the specific appliance.

Kazoo

A subscription or rental service mainly focused on refurbished equipment, with an advertised option to buy.

  • Kazoo states that dispatch is free and specifies that a security deposit is required when ordering.
  • The visible range mainly covers small appliances and cleaning equipment rather than every large-appliance need.

Joybuy products for gradually furnishing your accommodation

These Joybuy options are suited to gradually equipping a small home for simple cooking, refrigeration, occasional laundry and everyday cleaning.

IAGREEA DF200-14V10 portable induction hob

IAGREEA DF200-14V10 2000 W portable induction hob

A straightforward cooking option for a studio or partly equipped accommodation.

Adjustable power from 100 to 2000 W, temperature from 60 to 270 °C, seven programmes, a timer of up to 3 hours and an ultra-slim 44.5 mm design are specified.

Use cookware with a magnetic base measuring 12 to 26 cm and check that your electrical installation is compatible with the stated 220 V~50 Hz power supply.

View on Joybuy
TCL RF60DWE0FR 45 L mini fridge

TCL RF60DWE0FR 45 L mini fridge

This tabletop format meets limited refrigeration needs in a studio or office.

The stated specifications include 42 L of fridge space, a 3 L freezer compartment, a tempered-glass shelf and dimensions of 449 × 485 × 512 mm.

Energy class E and manual defrost are specified; check ventilation clearances, delivery access and the space actually available.

View on Joybuy
10 L portable foldable mini washing machine

10 L portable foldable mini washing machine

A compact solution for occasional washing when space is at a premium.

Advertised features include a 10 L capacity, three cycle times of 2, 5 or 10 minutes, a 40 W motor, a spin-drying basket and suction cups.

Before buying, check how it is filled, how water is drained, the suitable laundry load and the installation requirements. The spin-drying basket alone does not confirm a full spin-drying function.

View on Joybuy
Aspiron AS-CA038 cordless handheld vacuum cleaner

Aspiron AS-CA038 cordless handheld vacuum cleaner

A practical everyday cleaning option for small areas, furniture and tight spaces.

Two power levels, a 500 ml dust container, washable filter, charging station and advertised battery life of 13 to 25 minutes depending on the mode.

For dry use only: do not vacuum liquids, flammable materials, hot ash or sharp objects. The stated suction power varies between model information sources; check the details for the product selected.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is renting automatically cheaper than buying for a few months?

No. Compare the cost over your actual period, including monthly payments, deposit or initial payment, delivery, collection and, for a purchase, transport or resale value. Terms vary between providers: Orent states that it requires a deposit equal to two monthly payments, while BUT advertises long-term rental periods of 36 to 60 months for home appliances.

What should I check before renting a washing machine or fridge?

First check that the accommodation is not already equipped, then check the dimensions, access, sockets and, for a washing machine, the water inlet and drainage. Also read the terms covering delivery, installation, breakdown cover, deposit, rental period and collection that apply to your chosen offer.

Is a second-hand appliance covered by the legal guarantee of conformity?

Yes, when it is bought from a professional seller: the French Ministry of the Economy states that this guarantee applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. It does not apply to a second-hand sale between private individuals.

How should I assess an appliance described as refurbished?

Ask for details matching the appliance actually being sold, including its condition, accessories, guarantee, after-sales service and delivery arrangements. The Envie network states that it cleans, tests and, where necessary, repairs its appliances before putting them on sale. Check the services offered for the shop and product you choose.

What should I look for in a washing machine intended to stay in the accommodation?

Compare models with the same capacity by looking at the energy label, dimensions and the features you genuinely need. For a new washing machine sold in France, the durability index has been compulsory since April 2025, according to ADEME.