If you don’t yet know when you’ll be moving out, start by listing the appliances that are missing. Then compare buying new, buying second-hand, renting and borrowing, taking into account how long you’ll use each appliance, the costs up to your departure and the effort involved in moving it. Borrowing may work for occasional needs if an appliance is genuinely available. For everyday use, compare buying and renting, bearing in mind the commitment and the terms for ending the arrangement. ADEME lists places where you can borrow, rent and buy second-hand, but you’ll need to confirm that the appliance is available for your dates.
You need to equip a home but don’t know when you’ll be moving out, and want to avoid a long commitment or the hassle of selling appliances. Compare the terms for ending each arrangement before choosing an option.
You want to cover the essentials without spending too much upfront. First, check what’s already available in the property.
You need to check that the appliances you need will fit through the access points, work in the available space and be manageable to move when you leave.
To choose the right way to access appliances for a temporary move, compare your options based on how long you expect to stay and what the property actually needs.
| What matters | What to check before choosing | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay and flexibility when leaving | Estimate how long you’ll use the appliance and check the minimum commitment, the terms for ending a rental or the practical arrangements for borrowing. | If your move-out date could change, you’ll want to avoid an option that ties you in beyond your stay. Around 36 % of consumers put flexibility when leaving first. |
| Total cost up to your move-out date | Compare the amount payable over the same period and include any necessary paid-for services, such as delivery or installation. | If you need to keep to a budget, compare the total cost for your whole stay rather than looking at an upfront payment or monthly instalment in isolation. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise the total cost. |
| Space and moving the appliance | Check which appliances are available, measure the space and access route, then clarify who is responsible for delivery, installation and collection. | If you live in a small home or will need to move the appliance, check how much space it takes up and plan how it will be moved. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise installation and transport. |
| Condition and cover | Note the exact model number, check for any recalls and distinguish the statutory guarantee from any commercial services offered by the seller. | If you’re considering a second-hand appliance, you’ll want to know what condition it’s in and what options you have if something is wrong. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise the appliance’s condition and cover in the event of a breakdown. |
An offer may include a minimum term and exit conditions that don’t suit a short or uncertain stay.
Compare the contract term against several possible move-out dates, and check the return arrangements before you sign up.
Delivery or installation can increase the total amount you’ll need to pay if these services are necessary and chargeable. The Ministry of the Economy says their cost must be provided in writing before purchase when they are offered as paid-for services.
Ask for an itemised breakdown of the services you need, and compare offers that include the same services.
In France, this guarantee applies to purchases from a professional seller, not to private sales. That’s why it’s important to identify the seller and keep proof of purchase in case a fault appears.
Check who the seller is, ask for proof of purchase and test the appliance before making a decision.
ADEME’s map lists locations and ways to access appliances, but doesn’t confirm that a specific appliance will be available on your dates.
Contact the location to check the appliance, dates, collection and return arrangements before ruling out other options.
A large-appliance rental service to consider if you’d like to compare a quote for a temporary stay.
A network selling refurbished appliances to consider if you’d prefer to buy second-hand from a professional seller.
This selection includes appliances for food storage, simple cooking and laundry, to meet household needs in a home with limited equipment. Some options are compact or foldable for certain uses.
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Worth considering if you need to store food in a home with limited appliances and are looking for a compact option.
Stated capacity: 82 L; energy rating E. The product description says it has no freezer compartment.
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Worth considering if you need to store both fresh and frozen food in your home.
Stated capacity: 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer. Low Frost technology; energy rating E.
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Worth considering for reheating or defrosting food in a kitchen where space is limited.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W. The product title lists six pre-set menus and 11 power levels.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a top-loading washing machine for everyday laundry. Remember to plan how you’ll move it when you move home.
Stated capacity: 6 kg; stated spin speed: 1 400 rpm; energy rating B. The title mentions 17 programmes.
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Worth considering for small loads of laundry and if you need to put the appliance away between uses.
Stated capacity: 10 L; timed modes of 2, 5 or 10 minutes. The description says it is intended for small items and isn’t suitable for bulky clothes.
Start by checking what’s already available and what you need for everyday use. Retailers may list fridges, washing machines, ovens and microwaves, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need all of them or that they’ll be available at your address.
Measure the space and access route, check the connections and ask who will set up the appliance. For an item bought with delivery from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy says the delivery cost and the cost of any paid installation must be provided in writing before purchase.
Identify the exact model, check recalls published on RappelConso and ask the seller what checks have been carried out. The term ‘refurbished’ doesn’t mean you can skip checking the appliance or the seller’s service terms.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought by an individual from a professional seller. According to the Ministry of the Economy, you have two years from delivery to claim under it; it does not apply to private sales. Don’t confuse it with a commercial after-sales service.
If it still works and you own it, consider passing it on or donating it. For an appliance that needs to be disposed of, the ministries responsible for the ecological transition list collection points, recycling centres, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations. If you buy an equivalent new product, the DGCCRF reminds retailers of the ‘one-for-one’ free take-back principle; check the practical arrangements they offer.