So, you’re getting ready to move into your new home. Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s still possible to it deck out with everything you need.
Creating a cost-effective – but well-equipped – home requires good imagination and some strong will to live within the parameters of the budget you’ve set yourself.
Here are our top tips for doing exactly that.
Needs v Wants.
Start by creating a list of all the things you’ll actually need to furnish your new home. Break up it up into different rooms – kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and so on – to make planning easier. And remember, the operative word here is ‘need’. While a brand-new dressing table might look great in your bedroom, weigh up whether it’s an absolute essential. If you’re on a budget, try to stick to items you can’t live without and worry about ‘wants’ later on.
Second-hand, first rate.
Don't discount second-hand items. They’re generally cheaper. Plus you can often find high-quality ones at a fraction of the cost of buying them new. Check out your local charity store, online platforms like Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, and furniture auctions for used furniture, decor and appliances.
Avoid delivery fees.
If you’re buying furniture, appliances and other household goods from several different stores, delivery fees can quickly add up – especially if you’re buying bulky items. Instead, why not collect them yourself? Pick up smaller items like kitchen appliances and décor in your car or book a van or a ute for larger ones like white goods, and save on those hefty delivery fees.
Find it for free.
There are lots of online marketplaces where members give away items at zero cost, including furniture, appliances, decor and other household goods. Have a look on Facebook for local ‘buy/swap/sell’ and ‘buy nothing’ groups. You’ll often find items in your area, meaning you won’t even have to travel far to collect your new goods.
Wait for the sales.
If you can hold off on certain items for a few weeks or months, a great way to save money is to wait until sales periods to buy them. Everything from kitchen appliances and white goods to furniture and Manchester goes on sale at multiple times throughout the year, with retailers often offering serious discounts. Some of the biggest and best sale dates include Boxing Day, Black Friday and EOFY.
Invest in quality.
There are some items it’s worth investing more on up front, including white goods and the things you use frequently, like your couch and mattress. Even though they might involve a higher up-front cost, you’ll likely find they don’t break down in a matter of months and you won’t have to shell out even more money replacing them. You can still save money on other things that don’t necessarily need to be investments like soft furnishings and decor.
Multi-functional items.
Multi-functional pieces like a sofa bed, a coffee table with hidden storage, or a multicooker are also great, not only because you can save money, but also because you can save space.
Focus on the essentials first.
Remember – you don’t necessarily need to buy every single piece of furniture, appliance and decor item up-front. Try to stick to the essentials for now and add more ‘unnecessary’ pieces as you go. This will allow you to spread out your spending, stay within your budget, and also give you the space to purchase items with a bit more thought put into them over time, resulting in more manageable costs and a more considered home.