Buying your first home is a really exciting time. Whether you’re moving out of your parents’ home or out of rented accommodation, this is the first time you can really put your own stamp on your property and make it exactly how you would like it.
But before you start decorating, you’ll need some basic items of furniture. You may be bringing some things with you (like plates and cutlery, iron and ironing board) that you’ve been using in your former home, but the big ticket items like sofas and beds are things that you’ll probably be buying new for the first time.
Below is a list of the sort of things you’ll need to buy or bring with you that are absolutely essential (assuming that your new home comes unfurnished): everything else that you’ll accumulate may add to your comfort but you can get by without for the first few days or weeks.
Some other items would normally be included in a purchase (such as dishwasher, fridge/freezer – large white goods that you’d normally expect to find in the kitchen or utility room, carpets and curtains) but if they’re not then obviously add these to your list! Washing machines are not normally included but might be if it’s a new-build, so check on the fixtures and fittings form that the sellers will have completed prior to the sale.
Bathroom furniture is often something that people want to change, but it’s an expensive job and so a new bath, toilet and shower shouldn’t be high on your list of priorities as long as you have those items already in situ (albeit ones that you’d rather weren’t green). Here are the items that can’t really wait:
1. Sofas and/or chairs – choose one that you have actually sat in and found comfortable and that is an appropriate size for your living room. An enormous sofa may seem appealing but if you only have a small living space then it will be impractical – small sofas will make a small room look more in proportion and give you more space for your other furniture. Choose a colour and material that you’ll be happy to co-ordinate your décor around when you come to decorate.
2. Beds – enough for you and your family (spare beds for guests can wait if you’re on a budget and need to save for big items) plus bedding and pillows.
3. Wardrobes and/or chests of drawers and clothes hangers.
4. Basic electrical equipment – a phone, a TV and something to stand it on, microwave, kettle, toaster.
5. Kitchen or dining room table and chairs.
6. Rubbish bin.
7. Knives, forks, spoons, can opener, tea towels, bottle opener, cups, plates, glasses.
8. Cleaning equipment like a mop and bucket, sponges, washing up liquid, vacuum cleaner.
9. Towels.
10. Smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, torch, ladder, light bulbs, and batteries.
Get these basics in place, throw in a few knick-knacks and accessories and you’ll soon start feeling like you’re at home. Then you can start adding to the basics as and when you can afford them and as and when you have time to shop for them.
Sofas and Stuff sell, high quality, beautiful British sofas that could last you a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for small sofas, leather sofas or fabric sofas, we offer sofas in all fabric type and size, from small sofas to large three seat sofas. Sofas and Stuff offer a wealth of experience and have been in the sofa business since 1979.
