Moving away from Mummy :(

calleyw

rchddap1 wrote:

With Ikea I find it depends on how much you are wanting to buy, and where else you have looked. When I was kitting out my first place I looked everywhere for some decent lounge furniture. But nothing that I could find was what I wanted. We ended up taking a long trip to Ikea (60 - 80 miles). And I nearly fainted when I got there. The very first stand we looked at had the exact furniture that I wanted. We had a good sized car and ended up spending around £200.

So, sometimes a long drive can be justified...but do your homework first, and if you do go and expect to buy lots please make sure that you take a large vehicle.
.

But then I don't rate Ikea that highly. I have had a few of there items and the quality is ok. But would never buy a sofa or chairs from them again. Bought when I use to live Bristol.

Personally still would not travel that far unless it was for something that I could not get else where or it was something that was at least £40 or £50 cheaper then I could get else where. And as the OP is only 20 they are not going to be able to hire van even if they have a driving licence if they need lots of stuff. So will would have to rely on someone else. A double bed frame is rather big even when flat packed down to fit in to a car. And then they need a mattress as well. Also can't see getting a sofa and chairs in to the back of a car at the same time.

And I have had a good laugh at the people who buy loads of stuff in ikea only to find when they try and fit in the car it does not fit.

But then I prefer stuff that is classic and will not date which I think some Ikea stuff will. But each to there own.

At least most of the local shops around here will delivery on the same day or next day. So saves you time and money.

But this is moving away from that the OP was asking about.

The local Asda is a bit rubbish for homewares so Tescos or Wilkinsons would the best place for these. And as I said Tescos have a sale on at the moment. And I am sure that Duvet covers where in the sales as well.

Yours

Calley

flang

Hi guys,
Thanks for the fast reply!
I went into Argos this lunch time and had a quick look at some cookers and they have a cheap one for £139 which I didnt think was to bad!
Its very crazy, you never think a bout the little things like, soap, shampoo, plates, kettle etc and damn it all adds up!
I went to Ikea yesterday and brought a matress but unfortantly they had ran out of stock on the frames (had 20% off to) so I will have to go over again some day this week, I might get some plates etc too as i know they are cheap as chips :D
Thanks Again!

starlite_2

Do either of you claim benefit? icome support or such
If so and you are tempted to buy things on interest free credit don't - those kind of deals are often shortlived and if you don't clear the balance in a prescribed time you are liable for the interet in the 'interest free' period too
Social security may give you a budgetting loan, as you are moving into your first council home and will neeed a lot to furnish it. I think you have to have claimed benefit for 26 weeks to eligible, and it is interest free and thew repayments will be a lot more reasonable.
don't have a link, but maybe someone else could point you in right direction?

flang

We dont claim any benifits, We both wanted to live together but couldnt afford to buy, so as a last resort we thought we would put our name on the council housing list not expecing to get a place but it was worth a try.
After bidding on a few houses/flats on the council website, we got a phone call and was offered this brand new flat (not finished yet) the rent is slightly higher then most council properties but its affordable.
The flat we got was listed for Keyworkers and professional couples only, which we fitted perfect so out of 45 other people bidding we got it!! YAY

starlite_2

Yey...congrats!
but my advice re interest free deals still stands...try to avoid! If you need to get a credit card with an introductory period and then transfer the balance to a new one when it expires

amateur_saver

I'm glad you found ikea useful... I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it's worth it if you are trying to start out I think, especially when you are young, and it's all trendy! I didn't realise it was that far away otherwise I wouldn't of suggested it, but then it sounds like you go there anyhow, so no harm done...

A_S x

starlite_2

yes..ikea is the best..we plan to get baby stuff from there when my surestart grant comes through..so amazingly cheap..whats the point in paying mothercare prices for something with such a short shelflife

flang

Ikea rules,
Its roughtly about 30 miles (well the way i know)
and it only cost me around £6 in diesel so its cost effective! and luckly my dad has a Van!!! Ikea charge a bomb to deliver!

Callisto

Hi, I'm in a similar situation as I am shortly moving into a rented house with my fiance. I did rent before, but it was furnished, so we now have to pay out to furnish our new house. Although we do already have a bed and a TV, so technically could sit on cardboard boxes for a few months, until we can afford a sofa

The way we're doing it is to buy second hand sofa, fridge, freezer, cooker etc (all the most expensive items if buying from new). We're going to try the free ads papers and ask around to find these. We're also buying a pine wardrobe from my Mum (half price, she's never even taken it out of the box!) and my fiance's Mum has offered us a table and chairs for the kitchen for free.

Everything else we will buy new, but as cheap as possible.
Stuff for the kitchen (eg washing up bowl, bin, utensils, cleaning stuff etc) can be bought cheaply from Wilkinsons. There were dinner sets selling in Tesco (their Value range) a couple of weeks ago for £6 (my grandparents bought some to take to their caravan, this is how I know this!).

Argos is great for basic furniture like CD racks & bookcases. I was also looking at the Ikea catalogue earlier and we will definitely be paying a visit in the next few weeks as they seem to have a few bargains. Matalan does some household stuff too (eg duvet covers, towels, photo frames, crockery etc) as well as clothes.

Then we're planning on getting married in 2007, so hopefully will be able to get some decent household stuff through our gift list - not that I'm recommending marriage just to get some stuff for your flat :rotfl:

Anyway good luck and let us know if you get any good bargains!

martinpike

calleyw wrote:

But aren't you suppose to offer items first before taking items.


Yours

Calley

Quite possibly Calley, I have no idea. I'm a moderator on my local network, and we just seem to apply a common sense approach.

I'd have no hesitation in approving the odd post from people in this position. We've all been there.