Is it ok living in bare minimum?

wiggywoo9

I have a new flat but it's got no carpets just floorboards and no furnishings.

I can afford the rent and I can pay my son's nursery fees which are the major things at the moment.

But the best I got for a carpet was £500-550 for the 2 beds, lounge, stairs. That's all included with underlay etc.

Then I've got bills I've worked out to around £100 pm for gas/electric and £40 for water. I hope this is right, I've gone on comparison sites and put it all in. I pray to god it isn't more! I have economy 7 heaters and prepayment meter.

Then I have moving costs, at £150 for the big move from my mum's place to the flat (both Coventry). Then £80 for the move for things plus cot bed from Northampton to flat.

Ok, then I've got £266 for travel to uni for the next 7 weeks (3 days so £32 plus £6 bus).

So the running total for everything I need after I've paid rent/nursery is £1566. I only have £1400 in savings, maybe just about £300 from bank left and £250 from last deposit. I'd have about £384 leftover!!!

I need washing machine, a fridge/freezer, a bed and mattress for me and a cooker, that's at the least! Not including lightbulbs, or storage, or shelves or TV or anything! How do I make this work??

Cut out the carpet and just save for it, but have furniture? It's just me and my son and I don't want him brought up bad or hurt or cold. I already have a £1000 student overdraft which will be paid off via a £1000 bursary. The max I can go is £1500 and no interest but after I've graduated, it'll be a case of quickly trying to pay it off before the graduate account ends. Or a loan? Credit card?

I don't drive so I can't cut moving costs and it's already at rock bottom rate. So is the carpet. I just don't know how to manage it!

I had hoped I could afford internet as I really need it for my course but landlines would cost too much and dongle is too expensive.

PoorCharleyBear

you would be amazed at how much is available on Freecycle.- try advertising and see how much you might get.

Mojisola

Take time to build up your possessions.

Make sure everyone you know knows that you're on the look-out for any hand-me-downs.

Try the charity shops like the Heart Foundation who sell donated furniture. Ask on Freegle/Freecycle but make sure you say please and don't be too fussy about brands, etc, or you won't get many offers!

Rugs and mats will do in lieu of fitted carpets for the moment.

Don't be too proud to go skip-diving if you see one near you. It's shocking what some people throw out!

Good luck.

jayII

Talk to your university about the hardship fund. They may be able to give you a grant or bursary.

lovesabargain123

Are you on Facebook? There's normal an area 'car boot' on the where people put things for sale and I've seen people asking for free or very cheap things.

eBay, search by 10miles from your post code that are collection only, you can get some great bargains!

Also for your removal, are you looking at hiring a proper removal company? You may find a man with a van be more reasonable, again our Facebook car boot people are always offering their services or people put up a post saying ' I'm moving from x to y , please can people inbox how much they would charge me for this'

Finally there is a charity in my area that donates furniture to people in need, they get their stock from people how donate or house clearances etc

Good luck x

lostinrates

I certainly would not be paying for carpet for a rented flat.

Freecyle rugs, or carpet off cuts if necessary.

Non flat screen tvs are often available on freecyle, as are other things. Red shop furniture shops for the other white goods and beds for you and any other odds and ends that you cannot get freecyle.

If you can do without it, do. After you have finished education things might happen that have you move again, so do not invest too much in 'this' place and don't do things that can eat into your deposit....just keep it clean and well maintained.

alwaysbrassic

Where I am from, a well as a Freecycle group there is also an social media site which has a group you can join (f***book) - the group is called "items for sale in ..........". Check out If there is one that is local to you. You may find what you want on Freecycle but if you don't find it you may find it very cheap on this page. I recently sold 10 pairs of my ds's jeans (all brand names) for £5. Cheaper than eBay, car boots etc.
also you mention Internet. Your local library for example.
Don't get upset about not having everything straight away. Many people have to compromise and build up what they need. As long as you have enough to survive from day to day, everything else can follow on.
Good luck

supergran2007

Hi there

Just a few suggestions , hope they help!

Try looking for off-cuts / roll ends ( carpets ) at the carpet stores. If you don't have a friend/relative that can help fit it, maybe try the local paper for a handy man. Most will give you a free quote, and are often cheaper than professional carpet fitters.
Also, if you are not already registered, I strongly suggest registering with your local Sure Start centre, asap, as you have a little one.
They have been an invaluable help to DD1
They have a wealth of info & help & if they can't help with a certain aspect, they will be able to point you in the right direction.
They offer an enormous amount of support & advice.

I do hope you get sorted, and wish you loads of luck in your new home!:):):)

minimoneysaver

Invest in a good pair of slippers for each of you. Also don't forget to use vests, and fleeces for sitting around in the evening. It means that you can turn down the heating a degree or two. Has saved me a fortune this winter and the house is plenty warm enough.

As another poster said, rugs are fab too. Don't under estimate the value of good curtains too!

Wilma33

Are you renting or buying the flat?

shegirl

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

I have a new flat but it's got no carpets just floorboards and no furnishings.

I can afford the rent and I can pay my son's nursery fees which are the major things at the moment.

But the best I got for a carpet was £500-550 for the 2 beds, lounge, stairs. That's all included with underlay etc.

Then I've got bills I've worked out to around £100 pm for gas/electric and £40 for water. I hope this is right, I've gone on comparison sites and put it all in. I pray to god it isn't more! I have economy 7 heaters and prepayment meter.

Then I have moving costs, at £150 for the big move from my mum's place to the flat (both Coventry). Then £80 for the move for things plus cot bed from Northampton to flat.

Ok, then I've got £266 for travel to uni for the next 7 weeks (3 days so £32 plus £6 bus).

So the running total for everything I need after I've paid rent/nursery is £1566. I only have £1400 in savings, maybe just about £300 from bank left and £250 from last deposit. I'd have about £384 leftover!!!

I need washing machine, a fridge/freezer, a bed and mattress for me and a cooker, that's at the least! Not including lightbulbs, or storage, or shelves or TV or anything! How do I make this work??

Cut out the carpet and just save for it, but have furniture? It's just me and my son and I don't want him brought up bad or hurt or cold. I already have a £1000 student overdraft which will be paid off via a £1000 bursary. The max I can go is £1500 and no interest but after I've graduated, it'll be a case of quickly trying to pay it off before the graduate account ends. Or a loan? Credit card?

I don't drive so I can't cut moving costs and it's already at rock bottom rate. So is the carpet. I just don't know how to manage it!

I had hoped I could afford internet as I really need it for my course but landlines would cost too much and dongle is too expensive.

Order your carpets and underlay online hun.Where have you looked? you can go with cheap carpet if you have underlay (I did when i was younger).I can recommend this place (or wilsons eBay- same company) for underlay,although I have the tredaire,due to pricing and free next day delivery,they do carpets too http://www.onlinecarpets.co.uk/carpet-underlay.html

Furniture wise,take a look on eBay,facebook selling pages,local paper etc and even freecycle to see what you can find.I was very young when I started out on my own with ds (that's a long story lol) and had to start from scratch with super basic second-hand stuff.It can be done and it needs to be,it also makes you feel amazing when you get to the point of buying everything new!:o