Oldstylers: Could I be your greatest ever challenge?

southernscouser

Nitha wrote: »

Tesco value for both

Are they OK? My dad has bought 4 or 5 electrical items from them and we've had nothing but trouble with all of them? :undecided

In_Search_Of_Me

Re microwave make sure you get one where you can programme time in - mine has a time dial & its quite difficult to get an accurate time which can be a problem with microwaves! Also dont forget to look at quidco etc to get cashback on the stuff you NEED but I would go with the begging option intially because the cost of bills can be a shocker when youve been at home and used to paying debts off! It also feels great when you then replace the free stuff when you get stuff you like. Took me 6 years to get a new sofa and I took immense joy in smashing the brown flowery (think 70's velvet!!) to pieces!
Have you done a list of what you NEED? May be a good place to start but will depend on whether you get furnished or not and what comes wth the flat...also if you are buying fridge freezer etc new do spend a bit more to get a economically running one! Worth it in the long run...
Do make use of being at home and start cooking with your mum! Nothing better than tried & tested recipes plus she can show you how to cook your faves so you dont feel too homesick! May also be a good time to think about brewing your own beer etc as alch can add quite a bit to the food budget!

southernscouser

OK this is what I can think of;

Sofas, TV, TV stand, coffee table, phone (then the would likes are; dvd cabinet, mirror)

Bed, duvet, pillows, bed sheets/cover, wardrobe, bedside cabinets.

Microwave, toaster, kettle, chopping board, knives, cutlery, crockery, glasses, bottle opener, then all utensil bits.

Hoover, iron, ironing board, clothers airer, laundry basket.

Laptop.

Have currently spent (ie found things I like) £2,300 and all I need to get is the stuff in bold and have budgeted about £500 for all that. :think:

In_Search_Of_Me

ome things on there I would get new (bed stuff, microwave, toaster etc) and then things like chopping boards, crockery etc you could get dirt cheap at car boot. Alternatively Ikea are good for stuff like that but beware you go in with a list of what you NEED as its awful for comng out with loads of stuff you felt you needed & was so cheap at 50p etc & before you know it youre at the till with hundreds of pounds of stuff! Argos is good for things like ironing boards etc (get a sturdy one & it will last years rather than a cheap one like I did before which collapsed soon after I got it!). Laptop you can get cheap of internet ..again using quidco...have to say I couldnt do without mine!!

southernscouser

I forgot I'll need to buy tools like, power drills, power saws, welding kits etc! :j :j :j

southernscouser

In_Search_Of_Me wrote: »

ome things on there I would get new (bed stuff, microwave, toaster etc) and then things like chopping boards, crockery etc you could get dirt cheap at car boot. Alternatively Ikea are good for stuff like that but beware you go in with a list of what you NEED as its awful for comng out with loads of stuff you felt you needed & was so cheap at 50p etc & before you know it youre at the till with hundreds of pounds of stuff! Argos is good for things like ironing boards etc (get a sturdy one & it will last years rather than a cheap one like I did before which collapsed soon after I got it!). Laptop you can get cheap of internet ..again using quidco...have to say I couldnt do without mine!!

This might sound really snobby but I've got a 'thing' about 2nd hand stuff. :undecided

Don't think I could relax on say a sofa that I don't know where its been or whats been done on it! :rotfl:

No problem with Ikea. I hate the place. Had a traumatic experience there once.

In_Search_Of_Me

fussy begger! Recc tesco/asda or argos then! Nothing (not even the c*** service!) in ikea could put me off!! Their bed linen is SOOO cheap!

southernscouser

In_Search_Of_Me wrote: »

fussy begger! Recc tesco/asda or argos then! Nothing (not even the c*** service!) in ikea could put me off!! Their bed linen is SOOO cheap!

I might venture back in there. But I'm taking a sledge hammer so if I can't find the exit like last time, I'll just create one.

poorandindenial

Check out Asda home too for some basics - they do really cheap curtains if you need them (not on your list but you may need some if you are going unfurnished).

If you go to IKEA check out the IKEA family offers before you go and if there is anything in the offers you want, join the family club. I got a reduced bedside table that I was already going to buy, free to join and saved me £5-10 (can't remember exact amount) - they have details of your store's offers online.

In_Search_Of_Me

plus you get free coffee in the morning dont you?!!