Furniture and Basic Household Goods #
Help the Refugee Household establish a comfortable home by providing essential household items that are practical, dignified and responsive to their preferences.
At a glance #
- Plan household items before arrival.
- Prioritise quality, cleanliness and dignity.
- Involve the Household in decisions wherever possible.
- Delay non-essential furniture purchases until preferences can be discussed.
Planning household essentials #
Choosing suitable household items #
Second-hand and donated items should always be clean, safe and in good condition, without stains, tears or obvious damage. A helpful principle is to provide only items that you would be comfortable giving to a friend or family member.
CRSA recommends providing all bedding, including mattress protectors and towels, as new items. Crockery and cutlery should also be new or supplied as complete matching sets. Some Refugee Households, including those with specific dietary requirements such as halal practices, may prefer not to use second-hand kitchen items, so discussing these preferences beforehand is encouraged.
Purchasing furniture #
Apart from essential whitegoods such as a refrigerator and washing machine, it is generally best to wait until the Household has arrived before purchasing furniture. This allows individual preferences, cultural practices and practical needs to guide decisions rather than assumptions.
For example, some households may prefer floor seating with rugs and cushions instead of a dining table, while others may prefer different sleeping arrangements. These choices should be explored through conversation with the Household.
If furniture has already been purchased before arrival, explain that items can be updated if they do not meet the Household’s needs. Creating a welcoming first home while remaining flexible helps support dignity, choice and independence.
Furnished accommodation #
If the Refugee Household moves into furnished accommodation, provide a furniture allowance when formal support concludes after 12 months. This helps ensure they have the opportunity to obtain their own furniture and are not disadvantaged compared with households moving into unfurnished accommodation.
Discounts and additional support #
CSGs can access discounted household goods through The Good Guys partnership. Guidance on accessing these discounts is available in the Community Hub resource below.
Acquiring Household Goods:
https://communityhub.refugeesponsorship.org.au/zcs/manual/preparing-for-month-one/article/acquiring-household-goods
“Orientation works best as a series of ongoing conversations that build confidence, understanding and independence over time.”
