Moving to Finland soon? - congrats!

Whether you’re staying for a few months or settling into a longer-term rental in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, or beyond, one of your first tasks will be stocking up on groceries, household items, and everyday essentials. This guide will help you find exactly what you need.

🥦 1. Groceries:

Finland has a strong network of grocery chains. Most stores are well-stocked, clean, and offer good-quality local and international items.

🛍 Major Grocery Stores:

The K-chain (K-market, K-citymarket etc.) -> Wide selection, high quality.

The S-chain (S-market, Prisma, Alepa, Sale etc.) -> This is the more affordable option.

Lidl: Budget-friendly with good quality. Fewer Finnish brands, more European imports.

Tokmanni -> A discount store offering snacks, drinks, cleaning supplies, and seasonal food items.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tip: Many stores carry ready-to-eat meals, including warm lunches, salads, and soups. You can also find vegan, gluten-free, and organic sections in larger stores.

🧻 2. Household Essentials:

Tokmanni -> The go-to for cheap basics: cleaning products, kitchen tools, lightbulbs, batteries, and even small furniture.

Clas Ohlson -> Swedish chain that offers home tech, tools, cleaning gadgets, and kitchenware.

Jysk -> For pillows, bedding, curtains, laundry baskets, etc.

IKEA -> For anything your apartment might not have; extra cookware, utensils, rugs, lamps, or bathroom storage.

🧼 3. Pharmacy & Personal Hygiene

You’ll find Apteekki (pharmacy) signs across Finland. They stock: prescription medicine, basic over-the-counter products, some skincare and hygiene items

🕒 4. Opening Hours & Tips

Most stores are open Mon–Sat from 7-8 am to 9-10 pm

Sundays: often open from 10 am–6 pm (check local listings)

Stores are cashless-friendly—most people pay by card or mobile

Bring your own reusable shopping bag (plastic bags cost extra)

Ask your landlord, host, or neighbors—Finns are helpful even if shy at first!

If you’re still looking for a place to stay, browse available furnished rentals at flatta.fi — all curated for comfort, convenience, and short/long-term flexibility.