The problem with bombing a new scent in is that combining scents can end up worse than the original stink you were trying to cover, especially to the noses of sensitive people. Do you have any idea about the source of the stink? Different types and different locations of stench have to be fought in different ways.
Are they going to paint your apartment? If they haven't yet, there are scents that can be added to the paint to help cover smells that have soaked the walls. Your landlord probably won't spring for it, but I think they were around $10 when I saw them while buying paint for my chicken coop, so maybe you could ask if they'd be willing to use them if you provide them?
Carpet stink can be a lot harder to deal with, it'll almost certainly take repeated attempts and maybe enzymatic cleaners, but doing it before the place is full of your stuff is a lot easier. Would it be possible to rent a carpet machine for the day you move in, and go over the carpet in the morning before you start bringing in the furniture in the afternoon?
In the US, sage smudges are usually with incense and candles in a store, so if you're not seeing them when you shop for those things, maybe they're not available where you are.
It sounds to me like you're already doing all the right things. I think the smell issue will be gone within a few weeks of you living there, moving air in and out, and cooking in the place. If that's not soon enough, I think your original plan of candles is probably the best one.
The problem with bombing a new scent in is that combining scents can end up worse than the original stink you were trying to cover, especially to the noses of sensitive people. Do you have any idea about the source of the stink? Different types and different locations of stench have to be fought in different ways.
Are they going to paint your apartment? If they haven't yet, there are scents that can be added to the paint to help cover smells that have soaked the walls. Your landlord probably won't spring for it, but I think they were around $10 when I saw them while buying paint for my chicken coop, so maybe you could ask if they'd be willing to use them if you provide them?
Carpet stink can be a lot harder to deal with, it'll almost certainly take repeated attempts and maybe enzymatic cleaners, but doing it before the place is full of your stuff is a lot easier. Would it be possible to rent a carpet machine for the day you move in, and go over the carpet in the morning before you start bringing in the furniture in the afternoon?
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In the US, sage smudges are usually with incense and candles in a store, so if you're not seeing them when you shop for those things, maybe they're not available where you are.
It sounds to me like you're already doing all the right things. I think the smell issue will be gone within a few weeks of you living there, moving air in and out, and cooking in the place. If that's not soon enough, I think your original plan of candles is probably the best one.