One of the biggest surprises when renting abroad is how flexible the word “furnished” can be.

Sometimes it means: bed, couch, table, washing machine, kitchen basics.

Other times it means: technically there is furniture… but no sheets, towels, pillows, coffee maker, decent pans, or anything you actually need to function during week one.

Before signing, I’m starting to think it’s worth asking for a real inventory list, not just “yes, it’s furnished.”

What’s the strangest thing missing from a furnished rental you moved into?