Help with furniture for first home.

JamesHT_2

Thanks for the help and support so for guys.

I've scoured the local freecycle for my area and haven't really found anything. The most recent post was very early in January so I'm not sure if that will be of much help but fingers crossed. The only local charity that deals mostly with furniture for me is the YMCA and there selection is quite expensive. I'll keep searching though, starting to feel slightly more optimistic about the whole situation now.

I'll also have a chat with shelter as soon as possible to see of they acted in a supporting role which I believe they did or whether it would be seen as they just gave me advice.

If no one minds ill keep using this thread if I have any more questions and thanks again for all your help.
Also if anyone has anymore suggestions I'd be more than grateful to hear them.

Cheers again - James

fawd1

I second what previous posters have said. So far in the six years that i've had to have my own furniture, I've managed to get by by buying 1 double bed. Everything else has been from friends/freecycle/gumtree, etc etc. I just get stuff that is good but needs some work, then when I can afford to redo it I do. So, repaint, varnish, reupholster etc etc. In the first 3 years, I think everything just had a throw/ tablecloth/coat of paint put on it. Check out various websites that help you do cheap/free DIY. They give you loads of great decorative ideas and save you loads of money.

In case you're wondering, I don't live in a horrible house. In fact, after moving in and redocorating ( a 2 bed house on a budget of £250) we were told we'd increased the value by about £5k. You just have to put the work in.

Plus, Argos stuff is c**p. You'll need to replace it within 5 years minimum. Better to buy a decent sofa that needs reupholstering, and then you can have it for 20+ years.

fawd1

JamesHT wrote: »

I've scoured the local freecycle for my area and haven't really found anything.

Where are you based? And do you have someone that could help you collect furniture?

kingfisherblue

I know this is going to sound awful, but what about the council tip? Our local tip is really neat and tidy, with everything in separate places, and one part has decent household goods. You can take stuff from the tip but just have to let one of the chaps know.

For electrical goods, see if there is a British Heart Foundation shop near you.

Sommer43

My mother was awarded a community care grant after long-term homelessness. I forwarded her health care notes from when she was sectioned in hospital and her new tenancy agreement from the local council and she was awarded over £1000. I had to list essential items that she required.

It's worth a go. It was through in a week. This was in 2011. Your homeless status if you some paperwork from your application to the council will be useful as supporting evidence. I put down everything as advised by the housing officer. However, you do have to be realistic and put the cheapest costs down. You can get some local charities to help, which I also did. Preloved is a great website where people are giving things away and members have already given you plenty of ideas. I would advise using the CCG for your larger items, such as a cooker, bed and other essentials. A home takes many years to build up and you will never do it all one go. Enjoy building it up too and there are plenty of places to use for cheap items.

http://www.emmaus.org.uk/ - these people are a great help also. Very cheap prices and you might be able to get some assistance for a small donation.

Best of luck in your new home.

JamesHT_2

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'm open to picking up old and unused furniture and refurbishing it, it actually sounds quite fun.

I've recently found a local charity that supposedly helps homeless people sort out furniture and things so as soon as I find out where they are I'll go and have a chat and see if they can help.

So far I've sorted out a sofa and possibly a cooker so that's a pretty good start don't you think.

Also thanks for the idea of scouting local recycling centres but unfortunately our local doesn't allow any items to be taking due to health and safety concerns. It was a good idea though so thanks for that.

Things are certainly looking up so thanks for the help and support guys.

Cheers - James

asher_2

I too was homeless for a while 4 years ago. When I found a home, I slept on an inflatable mattress and sat on a throw on the floor for months but was so so happy to have a roof over my head and a door to lock. Yes its taken time but I now have a comfortable home again. A friend who has a similar situation took a loan to furnish her home and is still in a great deal of debt whilst I have none. I know which I would advise anyone to do.

Whiteknight

Not sure when you were homeless if you were sleeping on the streets or just sofa surfing and without meaning to come across as harsh but have you seriously thought about what you need to sustain you in your new home.

If you have had nothing I would imagine you are used to having to make do and get by so do you need to be in such a rush to furnish your home. Many people need to save up to buy the things that they need and as others have said I would look for free items on sites such as Freecycle.

Car boots sales etc are also good places to get things cheaply.

Bogof_Babe

Are you sure your new flat doesn't come with a cooker built in? Check before you go buying one or it could be a costly mistake.

JamesHT_2

Hey guys, no I don't think you're being harsh. Personally I would be happy with a chair a kettle and a book. Ha-ha.

The reason I'm trying to sort out basic furniture is for my better half. Lord knows she deserves it. Ha-ha.

I've searched a bit wider on free cycle and we might have the possibility of a bed and a cooker. Moving in tomorrow so fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.

Also a local business has cord carpet for less than a pound a square meter so at least that's something to go on the floor. More comfortable to sleep on for the first night than tiles. Ha-ha.

Cheers - James