Hey friends, it’s Maria — and if you’re a regular on the Almost Local podcast, you already know I’m all about the charming chaos of living abroad (and the equally fascinating experience of moving back).
Today’s post — and this week’s episode — is a real treat, aptly named “No IKEA, No Problem.”
And yes, the question mark is intentional. Because honestly… is it ever that simple?
Listen to the Episode here, on Spotify or Apple, or continue reading!
The IKEA Stage: A Universal Experience
When you move, there’s this universally acknowledged phase I like to call the IKEA Stage.
Picture it: the first zero-to-three months of excitement and endless lists. You’re buzzing with the idea that this new place will finally reflect the organized, cozy version of yourself.
For me, IKEA was always the starting line of a new life chapter — new apartment, new beginnings at IKEA, and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a soft spot for Swedish meatballs?
But after returning to New Zealand, our adopted home after years abroad, the tradition took a twist.
IKEA hasn’t quite graced our shores yet (though I’ve been stalking their Instagram, hoping they’d open before December).
Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
Cue momentary panic.
No flat-packs. No multi-flavored lingonberry jams.
What was I supposed to do?
Arriving at an empty house!
Lesson 1: Embrace Local Creativity When You Move Abroad
Here’s where adaptability comes in.
Instead of Swedish efficiency, I dove into Trade Me, local shops, and Facebook Marketplace — it’s all about the community hustle!
It’s a bit slower, a tad more adventurous, and definitely more human.
Who knew shopping could smell like glue and still feel like connection?
Lesson 2: Inherited Memories Over Flat-Packs
Here’s the heartwarming twist: we didn’t start with empty cupboards.
A dear family we know from Argentina left us a treasure chest of household basics when they moved back home — everything from kitchen essentials to a Christmas tree.
A house full of “surprises”.. these boxes were gifted to us from a dear family…
It was like Santa had delivered boxes of stories and memories that weren’t quite ours but somehow became a part of us.
Suddenly, our days were filled with the joy of discovery — not the kind that comes from neatly packaged furniture, but the messy joy that arises from unearthing someone else’s cherished keepsakes.
Lesson 3: Home Is a Patchwork Quilt
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that home isn’t always built from scratch.
Often, it’s constructed from the stories others pass along to you.
Our house now is this beautiful patchwork of mismatched chairs, borrowed mugs, and memories from continents away.
Nothing matches, yet everything connects.
Isn’t that what being Almost Local really means?
Creating a home from what’s already here and piecing it together one cup of tea and borrowed chair at a time.
In Closing
For anyone currently in your own IKEA Stage — hang in there.
This phase is just a pit stop on your extraordinary journey.
And as always, life continues… one story, and one coffee at a time. ☕💛
🎧 Listen to the full story on the Almost Local Podcast — Episode 10: “No IKEA? No Problem?”
Follow along on Instagram @almostlocal for more stories, reflections, and cozy chaos from life abroad.
Thanks for sticking around — and remember to cherish every piece of your own patchwork home.
Until next time!