This is a task that requires a whole lot of brain smarts and some cash. If you want something stylish then more cash than thoughts, but I’m here to tell you my furniture shopping process.
So, before I started working, I created a budget for my first pay-check to spend on furniture. I really thought I could stretch out my first pay to bring all the furniture I need in my house. To this day, (which is nearly 7 months since I moved in when I wrote this) I have not finished furnishing my place to my ideal standard. I am currently renting an unfurnished place, so I really had to start from scratch when furnishing.
My first item was a fridge. This is a basic staple piece of furniture for existing. I have mentioned this in a previous post, but it’s so necessary to have, don’t skimp on a fridge. I’d recommend getting one as soon as you clarify a move in date, since a fridge needs to stand unplugged for about 2-3 hours to allow the fluid inside to settle. I got a full price fridge since I was worried getting one second hand from the internet, but if you know a reliable friend who is donating a fridge, that’s definitely a way of using your brain and less cash.
I then went to get a bed, curtains and bean bags. Who knew blackout curtains were so expensive! I know you can get second hand ones, but the windows in my place are such weird sizes, so I ended up having to buy brand new. It was so frustrating measuring and finding the correct curtains, I gave up trying to match the décor, I just wanted good curtains. Then did I have the tools to install them? No. But I remember this wonderful family who were my neighbours in placement year, and they installed them for me. Honestly, I was so grateful for having their contact. Understandably, that’s an advantage for me doing the placement year, but depending on your location there are places where you can find people to do little jobs like this such as Check a trade or Rated People. I say depending on location as there weren’t that many people in West Cumbria on the service
My bed I just ordered online and had to assemble myself. However, beds don’t come with a mattress. As a new adult, this was my opportunity to actually sleep on a new mattress, and it be to my ideal firmness, so I decided to spend nearly £300 on a good mattress. It’s a worthwhile investment, these things can last for 10-15 years, and all I do is rotate it every time I change my sheets. For the comfort and good night’s sleep I get, it’s so worth it. I got bean bags because sofas are expensive, and they take months to deliver (for new ones). But the main thing that annoyed me was delivering the sofa and making sure that it can fit through my corridors and doors. The idea became very frustrating, so I came to the conclusion that getting bean bags and eventually also an inflatable sofa was better for me.
My next purchase wasn’t necessary and I wished I used my brain more, but I got a wardrobe which also needed assembling (that was difficult). Spent nearly £200, but I might be able to sell it on if I keep it in good condition, so might be worth it in the future.
The reason why I wished I used my brain more is because not long after that, I met up with some friends who suggested searching Facebook Marketplace for finding other furniture pieces. Why didn’t think of that?! I got my tv stand and coffee table for a total of £50, and they were dropped off at my place, no extra charge and they were in incredible state. Honestly, I know, I shake my head every time I think about them.
After that revelation, I started looking at charity shops. They are gold mines, especially big ones like the British Heart Foundation. They always keep their stock clean and in good condition since you can go in store and see them, with your own eyes. So, if you don’t trust the internet, they are the best place to find affordable furniture.
Moral of my story:
- Furniture is expensive– If you want the furniture you truly you want, you need to be willing to spend money, but if you are more frugal, then there are options to minimise your expenditure, if you use your head.
- Prioritise what you’re willing to spend more money on– I wanted to spend money on my mattress because I have been on second hand mattresses for a long time, so the splurge was a worthwhile long term investment for me.
- Use Google– Using places such as Rated People can help you find people to do odd little jobs for affordable prices, if you struggle to do them yourself. Sometimes your time is more valuable than using it to try and do a job that your unsure about.
- You don’t need to furnish all at once– I am still furnishing my place and I have been living in it for 7 months. There is no need to rush.
- Charity shops and Facebook Marketplace– Using these platforms and others like these are very handy for saving money on reasonable quality furniture.
