Furniture Hunting in New York City

After finding our flat, the next task was trying to find some furniture to furnish it. OMG, what a journey it has been!!!!! We had shipped many things from England. If we could have had the option, we definitely would have left everything behind and bought everything once we were here! However, when you relocate with work, most companies do pay for the shipping costs + accommodation for the beginning of your stay, instead of giving you the money to buy whatever you need (we tried!!!) :( Therefore, we decided to ship the bits and pieces we had in London. Not many, considering we had been renting for the last 4 years in London, where most flats are furnished. Besides, we didn't know how small or big the flats would be this side of the pond. The only thing we knew is that opposite to London, most flats available for rent are unfurnished in New York. Usually, the furnished flats tend to be for shorter rental periods.
I believe the first dilemma for those relocating is to go to Ikea and buy something cheaper to leave behind in the end of the stay or to buy something more expensive that will last longer and can be taken to wherever in the world you go to later on?
As the plan was/is to stay in Manhattan for the 1st year, we decided to buy better quality stuff which could be taken with us to wherever we go after here. We have found very good deals outside during the sales period (beginning of January). The shops I recommend would be West Elm, CB2, Sit Down New York,  Macy's and Ikea. The taxi trip to Ikea on the weekends is free and is great to take a glimpse of the amazing Manhattan skyline as well.
If you feel like stretching the budget, there could not be a better place to be than New York. Head to Crate and Barrel, Design within Reach, ABC Home, Room and Board, Bo Concept, Restoration Hardware and Bloomingdale's.