One of the most exciting things about buying a new home is that you get to decorate your new space with some exciting new furniture. From new wall hangings to a new coffee table, lounge suite, or bed, furnishing can be incredibly fun; however, it can also be time-consuming, not to mention expensive.
When it comes to furnishing your new home, there are ways to save yourself some hassle and some money – here are a few do’s and don’t’s to keep in mind.
DON’T scrimp on the staples
Forking out a few thousand dollars for a couch or bed can seem excessive, and it can be tempting to buy staples from a cheap store and throw it out in a few months. While this is a good option if you’re on a limited budget, you should think of your staples as investments, not expenses.
A good bedframe and mattress can last you for twenty, thirty, or even forty years. A quality couch can last the lifetime of your home, and a high-quality dining table will feed you and your family for years to come. If you can afford it, spend a little more on these staples to ensure that you get value in the long run.
DO consider DIY
No, you can’t make a couch or a bed unless you’re incredibly handy, but what about simple furnishings like bookshelves and cabinets? Gather some wood, a saw, and some paint in your garage and get cutting; before you know it, you’ll have a wonderful piece of furniture at a fraction of the cost. Whenever you are about to purchase a new piece of furniture, thinking: can I do this myself? If the answer is yes, it might be worth considering – plus, it gives your home a nice little personal touch.
DON’T buy all in one go
It doesn’t matter if you have purchased house and land packages in Greenvale or Campbelltown; furnishing your home can cost an arm and a leg if you buy everything at once. Focus on what you need first, not what you want – you have plenty of time to decorate in the future, after all. Buy a bed, but maybe wait on the fancy Egyptian sheets. Invest in a couch, but wait to buy a coffee table. If you spread out your costs over time, you’ll find that your bank account takes far less of a hit.
DO consider extra costs that could be involved
When it comes to furnishing your home, it’s not just about budgeting money for furniture; you also need to consider delivery, installation, and maintenance. Delivery fees can be pricey, and often they aren’t built into the cost of furniture which can make for some hidden costs. Installation is often unnecessary; instead, find a friend or partner who may be willing to help you. Also, when you’re looking for furniture, consider how much maintenance it will require over the years – there’s no point buying a cheap couch if the fabric requires you to get it professionally cleaned often, after all.
Katy Jenson is a writer who loves to decorate her home. She just recently purchased her first property and is going wild with interior design.