Starting out in your own home
For many young adults, the prospect of moving out of home for the first time is an exciting step in life. The prospect of no “adults” and your own space – and there’s plenty more opportunity to break free and discover everything the world has to offer.
Of course, there’s the logistics that need to be sorted out first. Once you’ve signed the lease and done the inspection report, you’re going to have to find some “stuff” to furnish the place! In addition to the must-have movie posters and bean bag chairs for your video game console, here are some of the fundamentals on kitting out your first home:
1. Friends and family – do you have mates with a garage full of stuff they can’t part with? Inquire about extra and unused furniture that you could “look after”. Just bear in mind the lifestyle you keep, if you have borrowed your Nan’s antique coffee table – might be best not to bring it out until after the housewarming party.
2. Shopping bargains – keep an eye out for slightly worn display items at furniture showrooms and sales. Stores that are closing or relocating also offer some unique finds as they’ll be looking to unload items such as shelving units, display tables and other bits of furniture.
3. Rental finance – rental is a great option for those who are just starting out as it offers a convenient solution to get all of your home essentials. You can save up to buy that 3D TV you’ve been dreaming of owning while you take out an operating lease on a simple LCD screen for the time being. You can also rent white goods and electrical appliances including refrigerators and washing machines – so you can have your house set up in no time.
4. Garage sales – as people move around, especially those who relocate overseas, they’ll be looking to unload their households of furniture, which means great buys for those just starting out. Keep an eye on garage and yard sales as well as online listings. A great online resource is the Gumtree which includes hundreds of local listings that are all posted for free.
When it comes to furnishing your first home, it’s all about being creative. A broken tricycle for one household can be turned into a unique wall decoration for you – the possibilities are endless.
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