This is a collaborative post written by Ellie Jo.
Stocking the house is never cheap, but when you’re in a new home it’s a necessity. There’s so much to consider, from televisions to fridges. The costs are extensive, and there’s no getting around that fact. It is possible to keep them lower than they could be, though. Shopping sensibly and considering all your options will cut costs.
CHECK GIVEAWAY SITES AND ASK AROUND
Before you rush into buying your appliances, see if there are any up for grabs in your area. Ask around family and friends to see if anyone has any appliances they don’t use. It’ll surprise you how many people are willing to help. People’s often fill their garages with appliances they no longer use and have never gotten rid of. If you have no luck, look at local giveaway pages. There’s a growing phenomenon of people giving unwanted things away on sites like Gumtree. Some people ask for a small amount of money, while others are just eager to get rid and offer things free. Trawling through these pages can be a lot of fun and will save you a lot of money in the long run!
COMPARE PRICES
Before you start buying, compare the prices of the bits you need. It’s always worth finding the best deal you can. A lot of companies have deals in which they’ll offer you products cheaper than anywhere else. Playing stores off against each other will allow you to get your products for even less cost! Looking online can be an excellent way to get an overall idea of costs, as can looking through catalogues such as Unieuro catalogs. The more prices you see, the better you know what deals you can get. Companies quite often offer discounts on bulk purchases. Try to find somewhere you can buy a few of your bits, and don’t be afraid to ask if they can knock any money off for you!
DECIDE WHAT YOU DON’T NEED
If you’re worried about costs, it might be worth considering what you can do without. This doesn’t have to be a permanent decision, but cutting costs in those early days will ease a lot of pressure. Can you go without a washing machine, and do your laundry at the local laundrette instead? Do you need to rush out and buy a dishwasher, or can you wash the dishes by hand for a while? You could consider leaving your spare room for a while, too. Get it sorted when you’ve recovered from the expense of stocking the rest of the house. Taking the time to accept that you can’t buy everything straight away is crucial. Don’t put undue stress on your shoulders. If it helps, make a list of everything you need, then split it into essentials and nonessentials. Having a list can also help you feel achieved. You’ll be able to cross items off as you get them, and see the list getting smaller. Having visible proof of your progress will make the struggle seem worthwhile!
