Unfurnished Flat - what will we need?

456789

A cooker might be included

picklepick

Ive lived in unfurnished properties for a few years now and they have always had a washing machine, fridge freezer and an oven. perhaps this is something you need to clarify before u go out and buy things?

if you get yourselves to ikea they have kitchen starter boxes at very reasonable prices.

scorpian81

I agree with 2nd hand baby clothes being fine, I wore them myself. It's just things like bottles that I don't know anything about that I'm wary, so I listen to voices of experience. Trying to keep mil happy at the same time too. Bitterandtwisted - I agree and would very much like to be able to do that. I will try, because they grow so quickly and I really cannot see why everyone I know thinks a newborn baby is so expensive. Probably because they want it to be. By splashing out for it to have the best of everything whilst paupering themselves unnecessarily in the process.

scorpian81

very true, i expected it will vary from place to place. I just wanted to get an idea basing it on the property being bare of everything.

BitterAndTwisted

I agree, I wouldn't countenance using 2nd-hand baby bottles. What's wrong with Mum? You may not need any bottles for months and months in any case.

Everybody and their dog will be showering you with brand-new new-born baby-clothes, blankies and equipment, just you wait and see. It's when they get to 6-months that the gifts might start drying up as the novelty wears off.

JasX

agree with the other sentiments about checking what the unfurnished flat actually comes with first and what you can get for free (parents/relatives with old crockery sets/pans in the loft that may be a few pieces short)

Also for bare essentials you could check out 'value' ranges at the likes of large TESCO or ASDA stores (microwaves from £30, kitchen bin £5, iron, kettle, toaster etc £5-10 each)

IKEA is also very good for crockery and kitchen stuff -crockery starter set -£15-20 for 6x bowls 6x small plates, 6x large plates. wine glasses and tumblers each about £2-3 for six, wok £2, frying pan £1, saucepan set of three £under a tenner

if you do go to ikea try not to get too carried away as that'll push the prices up -slightly guilty here, although the set of small glass bowls i picked up for putting chopped/weighed out ingredients in while cooking I've found indespensible ever since

PasturesNew

This is what I'd do:

scorpian81 wrote: »

small 2nd hand tv (we already have a one and a digibox) £20-30 ebay - not needed, already have one
Double divan bed + bedding 170+40 £210 - ask friends, one's bound to have a bed. Bedding £10 max (probably get offered that too, most people have too much.
Washing machine £280 - wash by hand/use launderette for big stuff until you can find somebody giving one away, or for £50
Fridge Freezer £300 - cheap/new one £100 would do - but ask friends and wait
Cooker Gas £230 Elec £200 - look for 2nd hand, £100
Kettle £25 - £5 basics ranges in most supermarkets
Microwave (for sterilising baby bottles at first) £70 - £25 cheap new one at supermarkets
60 pc dinner set £30 - no need, ever. Look for a cheap set on a market/£1 shop, should get all you need for £10-15
pots and pans £35 - £10 for a set from supermarket
Iron £25 - most people have a spare one you can have, otherwise £10 max
Food processor (I've been ordered to by future mum in law) £40 - no need, I've never used one to date. Even so, wait for a donation as there must be somebody who has an unused one if you wait long enough.
brush and pan/sweeper £5 - £1 in cheap shop/market
Appliance insurance (x3) £200 - nobody buys this stuff
Furniture (tables, chairs, wardrobes, sofa) sourced 2nd hand prices unsure - see what you get offered by family/friends

A lot of things on your list I've never had, even though I'm probably 30 years older than you. Beg/borrow what you can, only buy what you REALLY need when you need it. Put away the shiny catalogues as they suck you into believing all those shiny houses are how everybody lives.

scorpian81

Pasturesnew- thankyou. :A You have shown me the error of my ways. That the answer is not in a catalogue and that I should get back to being realistic. Because believe it or not I agreed with everything you would have done. As I believe it's not being tight, it's spending your money effectively and not wasting it.

ClareEmily

Oh don't forget to pack of box of spare bulbs, matches, candles, batteries and a torch, we had a power cut a few days after moving in and had to make friends with the neighbours very quickly, carrying a lit candle back home lol.

Oh and plasters, my hubby did the washing up for first time ever and managed to cut his hand on knife in sink, again rushed around to neighbours.

Oh and a bath plug, last owners nabbed ours.

Fire_Fox

scorpian81 wrote: »

small 2nd hand tv (we already have a one and a digibox) £20-30 ebay
Double divan bed + bedding 170+40 £210
Washing machine £280
Fridge Freezer £300
Cooker Gas £230 Elec £200
Kettle £25
Microwave (for sterilising baby bottles at first) £70
60 pc dinner set £30
pots and pans £35
Iron £25
Food processor (I've been ordered to by future mum in law) £40
brush and pan/sweeper £5
Appliance insurance (x3) £200
Furniture (tables, chairs, wardrobes, sofa) sourced 2nd hand prices unsure

The list has mostly come from the argos book so savings could be made elsewhere, it's just a rough idea for a slightly clueless couple!:rotfl:
Many thanks in advance

You'd find it easier if you arrange things room by room. A food processor will take up cupboard space you don't have in a flat, you will have enough gadgets with a baby! Consider a hand or small jug blender instead. I have never used my broom and rarely use my dustpan and brush, once your OH is heavily PG neither will she, you want a vacuum cleaner.

Definitely do not get appliance insurance, it's very expensive for what it is and Martin doesn't recommend it. You can get reconditioned appliances from charity shops with a guarantee, then put the £300 into a 'rainy day' savings account. I've had all my appliances five years without a problem so I'd have £1500 by now for new! If you have a John Lewis nearby they do a free five year warranty on some/ all electricals.