Finding the spare cash to add the finishing touches to your property can be difficult. Using reclaimed furniture to furnish your property may be the answer to your financial woes!
The question of how to furnish your property without breaking the bank is one that worries a lot of property owners. Remember that you do not need to move into a fully furnished house – it is perfectly okay to do it up room by room, as your budget allows. Start with the most-used rooms (bedrooms and living room, for example) and then take the others room by room after you have moved in.
Purchasing second-hand furnishings can keep costs down. Mix and match new items with pre-owned items: you will be surprised at the quality of goods available and the financial benefits associated.
WHERE TO BUY
- Online
DoneDeal and Gumtree can be great resources for people seeking to buy second-hand items for their property. There is lots of variety (cars to wardrobes to concert tickets), and great bargains are plentiful. You might also discover some antiques which you could potentially sell on for a profit later on!
- Your local area
Local charity shops and auction houses can be a treasure trove for homeowners. Buying from such places can be great because you can be virtually certain that no one else will have the same set as you. It can be rewarding to know that your home is unique. Mismatched furniture can not only be an affordable way to fill your house – it can also look amazing, and add a certain “cool” factor to your home that may not have been there before!
UPCYCLING
Don’t panic if you haven’t got a creative bone in your body. When it comes to furniture in need of repair or a lick of paint to brighten it up, Pinterest can be an amazing resource for inspiration and step-by-step guides on how to transform an old armchair, for example, into something chic and fashionable. YouTube and Instagram are also great sites for inspiration as well as tutorials on upcycling all sorts of furniture. They all have a number of dedicated profiles and hashtags on upcycling that can provide a lot of positive inspiration. Craft shops will have a range of stencils, utensils, and other equipment that will help you freshen up your furniture finds. You will be creating something bespoke for your home that has been chosen and decorated with your living space in mind.
Craft shops will have a range of stencils, utensils, and other equipment that will help you freshen up your furniture finds. You will be creating something bespoke for your home that has been chosen and decorated with your living space in mind.
If you have a knack for it, upcycling could even potentially earn you some money if you decide to sell your rejuvenated items online or to local buyers.
With a bit of care and research into your decorating materials such as paint, brushes, glue, fabrics, etc., upcycling items can be an eco-friendly way of furnishing your home. You are using what is already available and responsibly repairing and redecorating it. This will negate the need for manufacturing new furniture pieces which can deplete resources if not sourced conscientiously.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Though it can be exciting to find an amazing deal, it is important to consider a few things before you rush into buying.
Make sure you measure your space. This will enable you to know exactly what size of furniture you need. If you are going to a charity shop, auction house, or vintage store to search for pieces, then bring your measuring tape with you too. Also, measure the width and height of the doors and entrances to your home. This can prevent the frustration of not being able to get your purchases through the door!
How far are you willing to travel for this item? What are the costs and time involved in such a trip? If the fuel costs dramatically increase the price of the item, you may not actually be saving a whole pile of money. Is the item bulky and, therefore, will you need to hire a van to transport it? Factor in this cost also. Applying location filters to your search can be a great way to focus your search only on items within a practical distance.
Is the item repairable within your abilities? If you buy something that you are unable to repair it can be a waste of time, effort, resources, and money. When searching for furniture, make sure the upcycling project required is doable and to a standard where it will last comfortably for as long as you need it to.
Make sure to thoroughly inspect the item before you hand over any money. What can seem like a great deal may actually turn out to be a waste of money if the item is in some way damaged or faulty.
You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to furnish your property. Consider second-hand and reclaimed furniture as an immediate alternative, and perhaps replace with new furniture when your finances allow. One way of saving on the financial and temporal cost of a property buy is by employing a buyers’ agent to act on your behalf. The agent’s expertise will speed up the process, negotiate the best deal on your behalf, and give you the upper hand in what has traditionally been the seller’s market. Request a free consultation and we will get back to you to arrange a suitable time.
