Moving into your first home – whether rented or bought – presents an opportunity to start from scratch and create a space that you love. Once the dull legalities are over, you can get started.
Save, Save, Save
Hopefully you’ve started saving already, because starting from scratch in a new home doesn’t come cheap. In the last few weeks or months before you move in, take your savings up a notch. Sacrifice eating out and trips to the cinema, and put every last spare penny into that savings account – when you’re able to splash out on the finishing touches for your new bedroom a few weeks down the line, you’ll thank yourself for it.
Get Pinning
If you’re into interiors, setting up a Pinterest account is the best thing you can do. Pin images of any inspirational décor you see online and scour the home décor section for other people’s finds. You’ll naturally start to build up a bit of a portfolio of the style you like, and the best thing is that there’s an app, so your pin boards can come shopping with you.
Building the Foundations
Whilst it’s tempting to pick up little bits and pieces for your new home, you need to start thinking about building the foundations first. So think sofas, beds, wardrobes and drawers. Buying these first will make sure all the little trinkets you buy afterwards will marry together with the overall style of a room. Buying lots of furniture at once is obviously expensive, so it’s worth checking out Freecycle, where people give away unwanted furniture. Most things are in good condition, and Freecycle is especially good if you’re after vintage pieces.
Your other options are buying from regular home furnishing stores, or buying a bulk furniture package from somewhere like David Phillips. Both options can be as expensive or as affordable as you make them, so it’s really just down to your own preference.
Filling the Gaps
When the expensive part is done with, you can start making your house feel like home. Cosy throws, lamps and candles all add an instant homely ambience to a room, so they’re a good place to start. The rest can be picked up as you go, and within a few months you’ll be left with a place you love spending time in.
