3 Great Ways To Furnish Your First Home

Image Courtesy: Steve Snodgrass

If you are setting up your first home, it can be a mammoth task. Obviously, you can expect the help of family and friends, but a lot of the work and expense will come down to you. The work can be done over a period of time, and some of the things you will need to buy will be the same; unfortunately, there are other things that you will need immediately. Because the expense of furniture is often too much for the new home maker, I have compiled a list of a few tips about how best to obtain some.

1. A Loan

If you are working, and your credit rating is okay, then there is the option to take out a loan from a bank or loan company. However, this could mean you buying new furniture, and choosing the furniture you want. It will also put you into debt before you have even started your home life, and any default will have dire consequences.

In my opinion, loans should only be taken out as a last alternative. If you buy using hire purchase, remember that hire purchase is also a loan; and the rates can be much higher. Unless you can find 0% deals, I would stay away from hire purchase.

2. Family and Friends

You will find that your family and friends who live in their own home will understand your situation, and that they will normally do all they can to help. You will find that offers of all sorts of household items will be made, and much of it will be excellent. Have a look at everything that is offered, but don’t be afraid to turn things down. Some of the furniture will only be fit for the dump; turn it down graciously, and accept furniture you like with a massive ‘thank you’. This is a great way to set up a home and it is free, but you will never get all of your furniture, and you will want to replace the furniture with choices of your own later.

3. Second Hand Furniture

This is a great way for you to obtain your first furniture, and there is a lot of it that you can buy. You can look through the classifieds, in shop windows, and on the internet, and find some real bargains. However, unless you have the time to shop around, this can become bothersome while preparing your home. You can always visit one or two second hand furniture dealers, who will usually have a large range for you to look at; and you may even outfit your home in one stop.

Dealers will normally deliver too, which can save expense and time. The choice and quality of the furniture, the time and money saved, along with free delivery, can make this the best option in many cases.

There is no doubt that buying furniture can be expensive, and is often too much for new home makers. Sometimes, a combination of things is what works best, and any combination of these three tips should have your home looking great when you move in.

Jenny Wadlow is a freelance blogger. One of her clients is The Brotherhood, a well-known community based store for second hand furniture in Melbourne, Australia. She enjoys designing and modifying her house with new furniture in her leisure time.