Starting Up a Household - OldStyle

scotgirl

We bought our first place in February this year. My tip on furniture is to beg and borrow as much from relatives and friends.

Keep checking the Grabbit boards on this wonderful forum. We got our dining table and chairs brand new from Argos for £40 after a spot on this board.

We were lucky in that the previous owners left the washing machine, fridge freezer and dishwasher - ask when viewing if they are leaving white goods.

Tesco, Asda, the pound shop and instore have been fantastic for bargains to decorate and for the kitchen and bathroom.

Take this chance to become a domestic godess - cook from scratch.

This website has given me so much information, I am so glad to have it when setting up home. My favourite tip has been 'shop at home' - don't buy until you are absolutely sure you have nothing already that will do the job for you.

It is completely worth it when you are cuddled up on the sofa of your OWN place :-)

the_optimist

For electrical items check out http://www.clearance-comet.co.uk/ There you find items which have been returned to the shop for whatever reasons. They will always tell you what's wrong with it. It works just like Ebay but you get your 1 year guarantee. 3 years ago I wanted a new TV but couldn't afford what I wanted. I got it from Comet for less than half price because it had a slight scratch on the side, which you can't see.

Paulie'sGirl

Oh my word!!

Optimist that's such a good idea!!! I may have found a new second favourite website!!

This seems to be the ideal trade off on a newer more efficient white goods against cost!!

Thank you again!!!

hardpressed

Don't forget when you buy house or contents insurance to go through a site like quidco and get some money back. Every little helps.

BWZN93

Following on from what someone said about saving three months worth of salary, if you get a mortgage then also think about seeing a financial consultant about income protection for accident, sickness etc, and see how much it would cost. Just an idea anyway!

Jo x

Paulie'sGirl

Hey all,

This went quiet for a while during a 'head down, save hard' period. But I'm gonna make an offer on the place I want this weekend hopefully...

Our local Tesco had a half price thing on, so I stocked up on loads of kitchen and bathroom bits, just need big stuff now...

Does anyone have any other ideas to help me?

The place has new fitted kitchen and bathroom, new GFCH and double glazing.

(OMG - how much is conveyancing!!!!!!!! Its a FORTUNE! [off to housemoving board to find out how to do it cheaper!])

Many thanks for all your wonderful help!

PG

vivw_2

When I first left home [ too many years ago to mention] I managed with only a spin dryer. All the washing got soaked in the bath once a week and then after rinsing went in the spin dryer. They remove so much water , it doesn't take long to dry.
My mum brought up 5 kids washing this way....

irishwench69

Hey everyone :wave:

Some really useful tips and advice here......hope my little contribution can help also!

I don't know if you guys know that some charity shops have specific divisions / shops with furniture and / or electricals? Two that come to mind are:

British Heart Foundation: F&E (furniture and electricals): http://www.bhf.org.uk/helping/index.asp?secID=13&secondlevel=1129&thirdlevel=1136&artID=7001
Oxfam: Household and furniture: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/highstreet/furniture.htm

Also check this one out, from this very site! http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=395

HTH someone

IW x

r.mac_2

just a quick point to add to all the other brilliant advice - before buying ask around relatives and friends. When I moved out mum suddenly announced i could have one of the FOUR spare kettles she had (don't ask!). My friend offered an old sofa (hideous but did fine until i could afford to buy one about 18 months later).

charity shops are also a god send - there is no rule saying everything must be new

best of luck and enjoy homemaking

Paulie'sGirl

Hey all!!!

Just thought I'd add a little 'status update' - mainly cos I'm so excited I have an urge to tell the world...

*The lovely gentleman (James) from L&C mortgages is finding me a mortgage - and he's soooo sweet and helpful
*I've found a solicitor (bricks and mortar) who'll do it for £400 including my quirky Coal Mine search!
*My mum works for the local council, who have a sort of electronic internal noticeboard - so we picked up 11 month old Indesit fridge-freezer and Servis washing machine for £100 the pair (little old lady bought new and then died. God rest her. wonderful condition!)
*M&D are buying me vertical blinds as a moving in present
*I just grabbed an MR 3.5l slow cooker for £18 on Amazon
*M&D came back from France with masses of stoneware and really sturdy dixie style trays

I'm sooooooooo happy!!!

And so many great ideas have come from this board - you guys are really lovely

Huge hugs to you all

PG