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For a family making aliyah, the first rental sets the tone. It’s where children start new schools, where parents navigate new systems and where everyone adjusts to a new way of life. It’s also, very often, smaller than the home they left behind.
That gap between expectation and reality catches many families off guard. The good news, in Reuven Jacob’s experience, is that it’s manageable, as long as you plan for it rather than discover it on moving day.
Start by resetting expectations
Israel is not America. In the cities that attract most English-speaking buyers, the vast majority of people live in apartments rather than houses (Buyitinisrael). Those apartments are often smaller than North American homes, and doorways or stairwells may not take oversized furniture. For children and teenagers used to having their own rooms, the change can be significant.
Acknowledging that early, as a family, helps. A smaller home is not a failure of the move. It’s part of it.
Should you ship your furniture?
It’s one of the first questions families ask, and Reuven’s answer is usually no. Shipping costs depend on volume, route, packing and current charges, so get an itemized quote before deciding. Too often, families discover that the sofa doesn’t fit through the door or the dining table swallows the room. Nefesh B’Nefesh’s guidance is to weigh the actual home, measurements and total cost before shipping. Check your personal customs entitlement separately; tax relief does not remove freight or handling costs.
Buying locally, with the actual apartment’s dimensions in hand, is usually the better investment.
When paying a little more for space is worth it
While expectations should be adjusted, there’s a case for stretching the budget slightly on arrival. The move is already a major cultural transition for parents and children alike. A little extra space, an additional room or a larger living area, can make that transition noticeably easier for everyone.
If the budget permits, look for something slightly larger than the minimum. Comfort in the first year pays dividends.
Why the machsan should be on your list
Israeli apartments are often short on storage, which makes a machsan (a private storage room, usually in the basement or parking level) especially valuable for a large family (Buyitinisrael). If a machsan comes with the apartment, it should appear in the property’s registration documents, so ask to see them.
Think about everything that only comes out once or twice a year: the s’chach (the covering for the sukkah), the Pesach pots and pans, seasonal clothing and suitcases. Without a machsan, these end up under beds and on top of wardrobes, and the apartment feels smaller still. When comparing rentals, treat a machsan as a priority, not a bonus.
Never rent from a video alone
Photos and videos are useful for a shortlist. They are not enough for a decision. Wide-angle lenses can make a room look far larger than it is, and a layout that seems workable on screen can feel very different in person.
That’s why a pilot trip is worthwhile. Nefesh B’Nefesh recommends one three to six months before aliyah, and notes that a trip close to your move date is a chance to view rentals and even sign a first-year lease (Nefesh B’Nefesh). See the apartment yourself, walk through it with your family’s needs in mind and picture where everyone will sleep. Reuven’s rule is simple: never rent an apartment without seeing it.
Furniture that makes the space work
The right furniture can solve problems that square meters can’t. Bunk beds, trundle beds and fold-away sleeping setups for three or four children can turn a tight bedroom into a workable one. Choosing pieces that serve more than one purpose leaves more room for everyday life.
Questions to ask at the viewing
When you visit a rental, ask:
- Is there a machsan, and how large is it?
- What are the exact room dimensions?
- Which furniture, if any, stays in the apartment?
- Is there a mirpeset (balcony) that could be used for storage or play?
- How are the bedrooms laid out relative to the living space?
- Is an elevator available, if you have small children or heavy furniture?
Bring measurements back from the viewing before committing to furniture. A simple room sketch can help you check bed sizes, door clearance and the space left for everyday movement.
Sources and further reading
- To Ship or to Buy in Israel?, Nefesh B’Nefesh
- Planning a Pilot Trip, Nefesh B’Nefesh
- Step-by-Step Overview: Planning Your Aliyah, Nefesh B’Nefesh
- What Is a Machsan and How Does It Affect My Property Purchase in Israel?, Buyitinisrael
- Apartment life in Israel, Buyitinisrael
- Related on this blog: Designing an Israeli Apartment That Works for a Large Family
Find a rental that works for your family
Reuven Jacob has helped many families find rentals in Beit Shemesh that fit both their budget and their household. If you’re planning your move and want someone on the ground who understands what a large family needs, contact Reuven Jacob or call 052-561-0702.
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