For most people, the cost of buying a property stretches the overall moving budget to its limits, and what’s left over doesn’t seem enough to furnish a whole house. Luckily, the modern world is embracing a culture of bargain hunting and re-purposing!
Furnishing your first home
So, you’re starting from square one, you might feel like rushing to the nearest furniture shop and buying everything in sight. Unfortunately, this won’t be a likely solution unless you want to end up with a mile-long credit card bill haunting you like a ghost in your new house. The best approach is to begin with the items you’re least excited about buying. Don’t try to fully furnish one room at a time or splash out on decorating before you even have a bed to sleep in. Start with the basics, then work your way up.
Let your family and friends know that you’re moving!
You’ll be surprised by how many people are eager to help when they hear the news. Whether its house-warming gifts, hand-me-downs, or unwanted items, it all adds up! You could also save on moving costs such as home-moving companies or van hires if you know of someone who could offer you a helping hand.
Re-use and restore
The rise of sustainability as a homeware trend in the UK puts those on a budget in an excellent position to style their home with affordable but trendy furniture. Thrifting for furniture is one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a vintage, homely feel.
Be part of the demand for more second-hand!
From a rise in popularity for online shopping, countless platforms have emerged that offer second-hand goods which sometimes you can even claim for free! Browse through sites like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree and you’ll find countless listings from those who just want to reduce stress and waste by giving their furniture away rather than taking it to a waste disposal site. Items like sofas and bed frames are often listed as free, so if you’re able to collect them, then it’s a win-win.
Other platforms which offer this service include:
- Freecycle
- Freeloved
- Free stuff
- Swapz
- Cut corners
If you aren’t willing to spend less on your furniture, consider any items in which you wouldn’t mind downsizing the cost. For example, you can find impressive deals on the high street for everyday items such as cutlery, bedding, and kitchen appliances. The essentials can pile up, so it’s a good idea to distribute your budget wisely.
Choose the right time to buy
In the world of retail, every month is a new holiday. Time your purchases just right and you may end up with a bargain! Not only do holidays provide discounts and sales, but afterwards you can also find marked-down items for only a fraction of the seasonal price.
Don’t get ahead of yourself
By all accounts, furnishing your dream home can be an expensive task, but you should never prioritise costly products over essentials like home insurance.
When preparing for the inevitable financial blow that is your home move, bare our suggestions in mind, and your budget needn’t be stretched to its breaking point.
