We look at how cash-conscious first timers can beg, borrow and acquire in order to furnish their first home for less than £1,000.
For first time buyers in the current climate, it can be enough of an uphill battle finding the money for a deposit, surveyor, solicitor’s fees, removal fees and a hefty mortgage, let alone cash to spend on furnishing your new home.
But if you’ve just moved in, you’ll probably be faced with having to purchase a huge list of essentials from beds to bookshelves and tables to televisions, all on a super-tight budget.
The key is to cultivate a thrifty, bargain-basement mindset where you’re happy to mix and match.We take a look at how you can kit out your home for less.
Friends and family
If you’re a cash-strapped first timer looking to get something for nothing, there’s no better place to turn than to friends and family, neighbours and colleagues, many of whom will be more than willing to offload their unwanted furniture.
Put the word about and you may be surprised at the volume – not to mention the variety – of household goods you’re offered.
You could even look into holding a “swap-shop” party, inviting friends and neighbours around to swap items they no longer want or need. This is also good if you own stuff that no longer fits with the look of your new home that you want to get rid of.
Charity shops and car boot sales
Frugal first time buyers can pick up all manner of goods for next to nothing by trawling the charity shops on the local high street. Several charities, such as the British Heart Foundation, now have dedicated furniture shops which stock larger goods such as sofas and wardrobes.
You’re likely to find that a lot of the stuff for sale is new – or as good as new – and even if an item you purchase is not in pristine condition, it shouldn’t take much to spruce it up.
The Furniture Re-use Network is a site which recycles bulky household items such as furniture and white goods, while Emmaus is a homeless charity that restores and re-sells donated furniture.
Spend a few hours rummaging at markets, or browsing at car boot sales to cash in on someone else’s cast-offs. The key is to get there early, and haggle over the asking price.
You can find car boot sales listed in local newspapers and on websites such as Carboot Junction.
Bag an online bargain
In recent years, there has been a new wave of recycling sites which marry up people offering to give away goods with those who need them.
With Freecycle, for example, you simply register with the online community operating in your local area, and then receive daily alerts telling you who is getting rid of what – virtually on your doorstep.
The site is a brilliant way to save money, and means you can pretty much furnish your home for free with items that other people are looking to dump – while also boosting your green credentials.
Other sites worth visiting include Junk Sniper , Street Bank, and Snaffle Up.
Start browsing and you’ll soon see usefulness in items that may be battered, tired or world-weary to someone else.
If you’re searching for homeware bargains, log on to sites such as Gumtree, Ebay, and Freeads.
Elsewhere, on Preloved, sellers provide a brief description of the item, its location price – and sometimes a photograph. There are no selling or auction fees, just a £5 annual membership.
Auction houses
Also check out local auction houses, as you can find a wide range of goods on sale – including bits and pieces from house clearances at prices that won’t break the bank.
Nonetheless, if you are going to venture into auctions – either in person or online – make sure you set yourself a price limit and stick to it.
One man’s rubbish
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could try your hand at a little ‘skip diving’. People will often throw unwanted items out for the rubbish but will offer it to passersby, by displaying a “take if wanted” Notice.
After all, one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure.
Home sweet home
By following even just a few of these steps, you should be able to fill your home with a full complement of goods that have been salvaged, restored, repainted, repaired or recycled, transforming your empty property into a cosy home.
