How to Furnish a Rented Apartment Without Compromise
Renting should not mean giving up style. It should not mean living with furniture you do not love.
Yet many renters fall into a trap. They buy cheap, throw-away furniture. They just put up with it. They do not enjoy it. They are sure that a short-term home does not need real money.
What is the truth? Smart furniture choices go beyond rentals. They go beyond owning a home. They move with you through life's changes. They also build your own collection.
Here is how to furnish your Miami rental. Furnish it with quality. Furnish it with style. Use smart thinking. This thinking helps you now. It helps you in the future.
Shifting Your Mindset
From Temporary to Transitional
The Old Thinking:
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"It's just a rental, so buy cheap"
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"I'll replace everything when I buy"
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"Don't invest in furniture that might not fit next place"
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"Temporary housing = temporary furniture"
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"Save money now, upgrade later"
The New Reality:
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Renting may last years or decades in Miami.
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Quality furniture moves with you anywhere.
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Good pieces adapt to different spaces.
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Time living here deserves quality.
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"Temporary" can mean 5 to 10 years or more.
The Financial Truth:
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5 years of cheap furniture (replaced): $5,000+
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Quality furniture lasting 50 years: $4,000
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Plus: Quality brings daily joy.
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Cheap furniture is a false economy.
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This is an investment mindset. It is not an expense mindset.
Building Your Permanent Collection
Start Now. You are a renter. Even so, you are building a base. It is the base of your permanent furniture collection.
Every quality piece you get now is important. It will serve you. It will serve you through many moves. It will serve you through life stages.
The Strategy:
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Buy less, but buy better.
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Start with the most-important pieces.
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Add to it slowly over time.
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Choose designs that work anywhere. Choose designs that last.
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Build toward a full home. (You will get there.)
Resiklo Miami for Renters:
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We offer quality that is worth the moving costs.
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We have designs that last. They work anywhere.
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We offer custom sizing. This stops awkward fit problems.
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This is an investment in your lifestyle. It is not just an investment in a space.
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This is furniture that grows with you.
Renter-Specific Furniture Selection
Prioritize Versatility
The Principle: Choose furniture. This furniture should work in many spaces. It should work in many setups.
Versatile Furniture Characteristics:
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Neutral Colors:
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They work with any wall color.
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They fit different styles.
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They are easy to add to.
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They have a look that lasts.
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They have good resale value.
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Classic Proportions:
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They are not too big. They are not too small.
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They have standard heights and widths.
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They fit in normal room sizes.
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They can fit in many layouts.
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This is Resiklo Miami's careful approach.
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Simple Lines:
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They are not trendy. They are not one style.
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They work in modern or old-style homes.
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They do not limit your other decor choices.
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This is a design that lasts.
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This is quality, not a trend.
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Multi-Functional:
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Use dining tables that get bigger.
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Use ottomans with storage.
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Use pieces that can change.
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Get the most use from them.
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They are flexible for your changing needs.
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Scale Considerations
The Challenge: Future homes might be larger. They might be smaller. How do you choose furniture? How do you choose items that work in many sizes?
The Solution:
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Modular Approach:
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Get pieces that work alone. Or get pieces that work together.
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You can separate sectionals if you need to.
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Get single chairs, not built-in seats.
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This gives you flex-ability. You can size down. You can size up.
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This is a collection that can change.
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Medium Scale:
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Do not get items that are too large. (They won't fit if you size down.)
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Do not get items that are too small. (They look lost if you size up.)
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Find a comfy middle ground.
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Use standard sizing.
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This is the easiest to adapt.
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Custom-Sized Key Pieces:
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Get a dining table sized for YOUR needs.
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Do not size it for the room's odd shape.
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It will fit any future dining area.
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This area just needs a similar capacity.
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Resiklo Miami custom work makes sure it is the right size.
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It is the right size for its job.
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It travels with you.
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It is always the right fit.
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Measure Everything:
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Write down your current room sizes.
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Learn what sizes work for you.
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Think about normal Miami apartment sizes.
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Think about your next moves.
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Make smart choices.
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Essential First Purchases
The Foundation Five
1. Dining Table
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Why First:
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It is the most useful piece in your home.
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You use it for eating. You use it for working. You use it for gathering. You use it for projects.
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It is the center of daily life.
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It is worth a big investment.
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It is a piece that lasts a lifetime.
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Renter Considerations:
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Get one that gets bigger. This gives you options.
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Get a plain wood color. (It works anywhere.)
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Get quality that is worth moving.
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Get a standard height. (It works with any chairs.)
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Resiklo Miami quality will last.
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Investment Range: $1,500 to $3,500. This is for quality solid wood. It lasts 50 years or more.
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Why It's Worth It:
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You will use it every day for decades.
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It moves to any future home.
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It fits your life changes. (Kids, parties, etc.)
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It is the emotional center of the home.
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It is a true heirloom.
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2. Bed Frame
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Why Priority:
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Better sleep means a better life.
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You use it every single night.
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It affects your health. It affects how you feel.
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It moves easily.
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It is a lifetime investment.
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Renter Considerations:
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Standard sizes move anywhere.
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Quality is key for good support.
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A timeless design always works.
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It is easy to take apart and move.
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Resiklo Miami build is made for moves.
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Investment Range: $1,000 to $2,500. This is for solid wood quality.
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Pair With:
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A quality mattress. (Replace it every 8 to 10 years.)
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Good bedding.
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These things together make a sleep haven.
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This is worth a large investment.
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3. Versatile Seating
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Why Important:
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Your daily comfort is key.
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Guests need a place to sit.
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It sets up your living space.
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It is a big visual piece.
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It is a high-use item.
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Renter Considerations:
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Use a plain color for the fabric.
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Use a classic shape.
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Use a quality build. (It must survive moves.)
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Use standard sizes. (It fits most spaces.)
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Do not get built-in seating. (You need to be flexible.)
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Investment Range: $1,500 to $3,000. This is for a quality sofa or seats.
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Consider:
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Get separate chairs. They are more flexible than a sectional.
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Get quality cushions. (They stay comfy.)
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Get a timeless fabric.
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Get a look that is professional.
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4. Bedroom Storage
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Why Needed:
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Closet space is often small in rentals.
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Being organized is key.
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You use it every day.
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It is easy to move.
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You will need it for a long time.
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Renter Considerations:
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Get a piece that stands on its own. (Not built-in.)
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Get a standard dresser height.
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Get a quality build.
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Get a style that fits anywhere.
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Get Resiklo Miami craftsmanship.
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Investment Range: $1,000 to $2,000. This is for a quality dresser.
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Why Solid Wood:
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It can survive many moves.
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It can be fixed or refinished if it gets hurt.
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It has a timeless design.
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It has quality that lasts for a long time.
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It is worth the cost to transport.
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5. Coffee Table
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Why Essential:
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It anchors the living room.
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You need it for daily use.
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It makes a design statement.
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It is a good investment.
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It has a high visual impact.
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Renter Considerations:
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Get a medium size. (It is not just for one room.)
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Get strong materials. (They move well.)
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Get a timeless design.
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Get a plain finish.
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Get Resiklo Miami quality.
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Investment Range: $800 to $1,500. This is for a quality wood table.
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Benefits:
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It finishes the living space.
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It moves anywhere.
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It has many uses.
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It is beautiful and useful.
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Smart Shopping Strategies
The Three-Year Rule
The Principle: Will you use it for at least three years? If yes, invest in quality. If less, think about cheaper options.
Application:
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Definitely Invest:
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Dining table. (You will use it for decades.)
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Bed frame. (You will use it for life.)
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Dresser. (You will use it for life.)
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Coffee table. (You will use it for decades.)
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Quality seating. (You will use it for decades.)
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Can Compromise:
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A temporary desk. (Your work might change.)
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Extra seats for parties. (You use it sometimes.)
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Decor for a specific trend.
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Pieces you want to test.
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Items for a very special situation.
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The Math:
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A quality dining table is $2,500. Over 30 years, that is $83 per year.
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A cheap table is $400. Over 3 years, that is $133 per year. (Plus the work of replacing it.)
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Quality is really cheaper for each year you use it.
The Move Test
Before Buying, Ask:
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Would I pay movers to move this?
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Is it worth storing if I get a smaller place?
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Would I sell it or would I take it?
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Does it make moving costs worth it?
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Is the quality worth keeping?
If No: Think about if you should even buy it. Or think if a real short-term fix is better.
If Yes: You should invest in quality. You have found a permanent collection piece.
Moving Costs Context:
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A local Miami move costs $500 to $1,500.
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Moving Resiklo Miami quality pieces is worth it.
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Moving cheap furniture often costs more than replacing it.
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Think about this before you buy.
Rental-Friendly Customization
What You CAN Do
Without asking your landlord:
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Furniture Arrangement:
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You can change a space just by placement.
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You can create zones. You can create new uses.
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You can set it up for your life.
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This is completely changeable.
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This is a free way to transform.
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Removable Items:
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Area rugs can define a space.
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Curtains can be hung and taken down. (You must fix the holes.)
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Furniture is clearly easy to move.
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You can add extras and decor.
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You can add lighting. (Floor lamps and table lamps.)
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Command Strips and Removable Hooks:
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You can hang art. (Lighter pieces.)
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You can hang small shelves.
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You can add hooks for coats or bags.
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They come off without damage.
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They are approved for rentals.
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Furniture Additions:
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This is everything we have talked about.
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You can fill an empty space.
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You can show your personal style.
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It is completely yours.
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It goes with you.
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What Usually Needs Permission
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Structural Changes:
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Building in shelves.
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Custom closet systems fixed to walls.
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Changing the hardwired lights.
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Hanging very heavy items on the wall.
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Any permanent changes.
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Painting:
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You often need to get approval.
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You may need to repaint it when you leave.
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Sometimes it is allowed with rules.
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Write down the original color.
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Check your lease with care.
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Flooring Changes:
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This is usually not allowed.
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It is rarely worth it in a rental.
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Use large rugs instead.
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Cover the floor. Do not change the floor.
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The Strategy: Focus on what you CAN control. This means furniture. This means arrangement. This means decor you can remove. Do not focus on what you CANNOT control. This means the permanent building.
Room-by-Room Rental Approach
Living Room
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Essential:
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A quality sofa or seating. (This is an investment.)
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A coffee table. (Get Resiklo Miami quality.)
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Lighting. (Floor lamps and table lamps.)
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An area rug. (This defines the space.)
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Art and personal items.
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Skip or Save:
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Built-in shelving. (This is not right for a rental.)
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A permanent entertainment center.
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A TV mounted on the wall. (Use a stand.)
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Sizing that only fits one room.
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Resiklo Miami Contributions:
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A coffee table. It is useful. It is moveable. It is a lifetime piece.
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A console table. You can place it anywhere. It gives storage. It gives style.
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Side tables. They are easy to move. They fit anywhere. They are quality.
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Dining Area
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Essential:
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A quality dining table. (This is your TOP priority.)
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Comfortable chairs.
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Lighting. (A hanging light if allowed. Or a lamp on a buffet.)
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A small sideboard or storage.
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Skip or Save:
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A built-in banquette.
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A huge table for a specific space.
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A room-specific chandelier. (It may not fit your next place.)
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Resiklo Miami Advantage:
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A custom table. It is sized for YOUR needs for guests.
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It will work in any future dining space.
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We have chairs that go with any table.
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This is a flexible, quality base.
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Bedroom
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Essential:
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A quality bed frame. (This is an investment.)
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A good mattress.
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A dresser or storage.
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Bedside tables.
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Good lighting.
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Skip or Save:
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Built-in closet systems.
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A headboard just for one room.
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Any permanent items.
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Resiklo Miami Pieces:
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A platform bed. It is easy to move. It fits anywhere. It is lifetime quality.
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A dresser. It is freestanding. It is moveable. It lasts for many years.
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Nightstands. They are flexible. They are beautiful. They are useful.
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Home Office
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Flexible Approach:
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You may just use your dining table. (It has many functions.)
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Or, you can get a dedicated desk. Do this if your space and job need it.
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Use solutions you can move.
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Do not use permanent items.
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Make a setup you can change.
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If Dedicated Office:
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Get a quality desk. (If your job need is long-term.)
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Get a comfortable chair.
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Get shelving you can move.
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Get good lighting.
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All this can move to future homes.
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Resiklo Miami Solution:
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A custom desk. It is sized for its job. (Not just for your current space.)
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This is quality worth moving.
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It has a versatile design.
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It is a lifetime piece if you work from home for good.
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Storage Solutions for Renters
Making the Most of Limited Space
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Vertical Storage:
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Get tall bookcases. (They must be freestanding.)
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Use wall-mounted shelves. (If your landlord says yes.)
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Use over-door organizers.
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Use the height of the room.
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This is right for a rental.
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Furniture with Storage:
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Get storage ottomans.
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Get beds with drawers.
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Get coffee tables with shelves.
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Get benches with storage.
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Get pieces that do many jobs.
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Closet Organization:
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Get closet systems you can move.
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Get hanging organizers.
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Get shoe racks.
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This makes the most of the space you have.
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You can take it with you.
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Under-Bed Storage:
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Use clear bins.
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Use bed risers to get more height.
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Store items for other seasons.
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Store extra linens.
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This is hidden storage.
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Resiklo Miami Storage Furniture
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Portable and Adaptable:
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Dressers. They are freestanding. They are moveable.
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Media consoles. You can place them anywhere.
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Bookcases. You can get adaptable sizing.
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Benches with storage. They are versatile.
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All are designed to move easily.
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Quality Worth Moving:
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The solid build survives being moved.
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The timeless design works anywhere.
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They are strong. They are not just for one room.
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This is an investment in being organized.
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The Temporary Solutions
When to Use Short-Term Furniture
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Appropriate Scenarios:
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You have a very short rental. (Under 1 year.)
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You have a space with a very odd need.
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You are testing an experimental style.
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You are in a true in-between home.
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Your budget is very tight at first.
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Smart Temporary Options:
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You can rent furniture. (Miami has these services.)
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You can buy used. Have a plan to resell it.
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You can buy very budget pieces for now.
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You can borrow from family or friends.
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You can use a minimal approach until you are ready to invest.
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The Transition Plan:
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Know what is temporary from the start.
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Set a timeline for your upgrades.
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Save money for the quality pieces.
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Replace pieces one by one.
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Build your permanent collection slowly.
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What Not to Cheap Out On
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Never Compromise:
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Your bed frame and mattress. (This is for your health.)
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Your dining table. (If you eat at home.)
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Your main seating. (If you spend time there.)
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Anything you use every day.
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Items that affect your well-being.
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Why:
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Your quality of life matters now. (It does not just matter in the future.)
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Renting does not mean you have to suffer.
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It is a false economy to buy cheap essentials.
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Some things are worth the debt. Or they are worth saving for.
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This is an investment in yourself.
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Moving Considerations
Planning for Portability
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Furniture Design:
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It should come apart easily.
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It should fit through a standard doorway.
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It should not be too heavy. (But solid wood is okay.)
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It should survive the transport.
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Resiklo Miami pieces are designed well.
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Moving Prep:
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Keep the original hardware.
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Write down how to assemble it.
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Take a photo of the setup.
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Measure before you buy. (Will it fit in the elevator or stairs?)
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Plan ahead.
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Professional Movers:
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Quality furniture makes the cost worth it.
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Get price quotes before you move.
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Get insurance for your valuable pieces.
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Make sure they are handled properly.
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Protect your investment.
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DIY Moving:
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Rent the right size of truck.
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Get the proper packing materials.
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Get enough help.
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Get furniture pads or blankets.
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Take your time.
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Miami-Specific Moving Challenges
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High-Rise Buildings:
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You must reserve the elevator in advance.
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You must check the size restrictions.
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You must measure everything.
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The busy season (summer) is harder.
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You must plan ahead.
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Building Rules:
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You must know the moving restrictions.
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A certificate of insurance is sometimes required.
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You can only move at specific hours.
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There may be deposits or fees.
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Following the rules is important.
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Weather:
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Summer rain can make things hard.
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Hurricane season is challenging.
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You must protect furniture from the weather.
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Indoor parking is best.
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Timing matters.
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Building Long-Term Value
The Permanent Collection Approach
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Phase 1: Foundation (Years 1-2)
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Dining table (Resiklo Miami): $2,500
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Bed frame: $1,500
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Basic seating: $2,000
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Coffee table: $1,000
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Total: $7,000
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Phase 2: Expansion (Years 3-4)
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Quality sofa upgrade: $2,500
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Dresser: $1,500
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Bedroom side tables: $800
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Additional seating: $1,000
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Total: $5,800
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Phase 3: Completion (Years 5+)
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Dining chairs upgrade: $1,200
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Office desk: $1,500
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Additional storage: $1,000
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Accent pieces: $1,000
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Total: $4,700
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Total Investment Over 5+ Years: $17,500. This is for quality furniture. It lasts 30 to 50 years or more.
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vs. Cheap Furniture Cycle:
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Initial cheap set: $3,000
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Replace after 3 years: $3,000
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Replace again: $3,000
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Replace again: $3,000
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In 12 years, you bought 4 sets. This costs $12,000. (And it keeps costing more.)
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Plus: It is a constant hassle. It never feels right. It fills up the landfill.
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Investment Mindset
Quality Furniture Is:
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It is an asset. It is not an expense.
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It gains value (or keeps its value).
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It serves you for decades.
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It is a good choice for the earth.
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It gives you a better quality of life every day.
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It is the foundation for your future home.
Resiklo Miami Investment:
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It can be refinished. (This makes it last forever.)
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The timeless design does not go out of style.
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The solid build survives anything.
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It has resale value if you need it.
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It can be passed down to your family.
Financial Strategies
Making It Affordable
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Save First Approach:
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Live with very little for a short time.
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Save for one quality piece.
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Buy it right the first time.
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Do not buy cheap in-between pieces.
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Be patient. Build your collection.
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Gradual Building:
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Buy one piece every few months.
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Spread the cost over time.
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Build as your budget allows.
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There is no rush.
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This is a thoughtful collection.
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Priority System:
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Buy the most-used things first. (Dining table, bed.)
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Buy the high-impact pieces early.
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Buy the "nice-to-have" things later.
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Get essentials before luxuries.
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This is a smart order.
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Financing Options:
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Quality pieces sometimes offer payment plans.
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You can use a credit card with 0% interest. (Only if you can pay it off.)
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You can get a personal loan for big purchases.
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Factor this into your budget.
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It is worth borrowing for quality. It is not worth wasting on cheap.
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When to Splurge vs. Save
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Always Splurge:
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On the dining table.
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On the bed frame.
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On your main seating.
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On high-use items.
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On Resiklo Miami quality pieces.
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Can Save:
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On a temporary desk. (If your job is changing.)
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On guest room items. (They are used sometimes.)
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On decorative extras.
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On trend-specific items.
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On short-term fixes.
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The Calculation: Cost per use over a lifetime equals the true value. A $2,000 table used daily for 30 years costs pennies per use. A $200 table replaced every 3 years is much more expensive over time.
Styling Your Rental
Creating Home Without Permanent Changes
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Removable Décor:
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Lean art on furniture. Do not hang it.
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Use plants. (They have a major impact. They are easy to move.)
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Use textiles. (Rugs, curtains, throws.)
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Use books and personal objects.
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Use lighting. (Lamps, not hardwired lights.)
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Furniture as Décor:
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Resiklo Miami furniture is beautiful by itself.
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The natural wood adds warmth.
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Quality pieces make a statement.
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You need less decoration.
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The furniture IS the design.
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Color Through Accessories:
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Use throw pillows.
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Use artwork.
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Use books and objects.
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Use flowers and plants.
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These are easy to change. You take them with you.
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Temporary But Stylish:
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It looks good now.
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It is easy to change.
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It is portable when you move.
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It expresses your personality.
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There is no compromise on style.
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The Resiklo Miami Renter Program
Designed for Your Situation
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Custom Sizing:
-
We size it for your needs. Not just for your current space.
-
It will work in your future homes.
-
We find the best dimensions.
-
It is useful first.
-
-
Quality Worth Moving:
-
It has solid wood construction.
-
It survives multiple moves.
-
It has traditional joinery. (This can be tightened.)
-
It is built to last.
-
This protects your investment.
-
-
Timeless Design:
-
It works in any space.
-
It adapts to your style changes.
-
It never looks dated.
-
These are permanent collection pieces.
-
You can be confident in your purchase.
-
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Support:
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We give moving guidance.
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We give care instructions.
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We offer refinishing services. (If you need it after many years.)
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This is a long-term relationship.
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This is a partnership approach.
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Consultation Service
We Help You:
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Measure your current space.
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Plan for future flexibility.
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Choose the right pieces.
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Prioritize your purchases.
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Build your collection in a smart way.
Understanding:
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Your budget limits.
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Your rental limits.
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How often you move.
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Your life stage and your path.
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We find custom solutions.
Success Stories
Case Study: Young Professional
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Situation: A first Miami apartment. Plans to rent for 3 to 5 years.
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Investment: A Resiklo Miami dining table ($2,200). A bed frame ($1,400).
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Result: Used them through 3 apartment moves. Now in a condo they bought. They are still perfect.
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Savings: vs. 3 cheap replacements. They saved $2,000+. They gained quality.
Case Study: Growing Family
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Situation: Renting while saving for a house.
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Investment: A Resiklo Miami extendable dining table ($2,800).
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Result: It worked in the rental. It is now in their purchased home. It fits their growing family.
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Value: It will serve them for 50+ years. It will work through all life stages.
Your Rental Furnishing Plan
Immediate (Month 1)
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☐ Check what you absolutely need.
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☐ Measure your space very well.
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☐ Set your furniture budget.
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☐ Research Resiklo Miami options.
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☐ Plan your first purchase. (Likely the dining table or bed.)
Short-Term (Months 2-6)
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☐ Get your foundation pieces.
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☐ Live with little, on purpose.
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☐ Save for your next purchases.
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☐ Resist cheap, fast buys.
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☐ Build with thought.
Medium-Term (Year 1-2)
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☐ Get all your essential furniture.
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☐ Add comfort pieces. Add style pieces.
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☐ Set up your personal style.
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☐ Enjoy your quality pieces every day.
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☐ Appreciate your investment.
Long-Term (Years 2+)
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☐ Make your collection better.
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☐ Upgrade any temporary pieces.
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☐ Add the final touches.
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☐ Prepare for your next move. (With your quality pieces.)
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☐ In the end: Move your quality pieces to a home you buy.
Renting does not mean you have to compromise. Build your permanent furniture collection now. Build it with pieces that move through life with you. Explore renter-friendly quality at resiklomiami.com. Invest in your lifestyle. Do not invest in just your space.