When you get your new home, you’ll need to think about household items and furniture.
You will need essential items such as, bed, cooker, washer, fridge, freezer, kettle, toaster and sofa and many more things.
If buying furniture and household items on a budget, you can usually pick these up from markets, charity shops and online selling sites but you need to be aware of some safety issues, for example;
- Do they comply with fire safety regulations and have fire safety tags?
- Are they electrical safety tested appliances and if not do they have any visible signs or safety concern? i.e Broken plug sockets, exposed wires
- Are they free from sharp objects and infestations?
Other things to take into consideration when buying second hand furniture:
- Can you afford it?
- Can you collect it / pay for delivery?
- Will it fit in your home?
- Does it have any safety issues?
- What condition are the items in?
If you are a new tenant with the council, some local authorities may offer a furniture package to those on low incomes. If you are eligible for housing benefit some or all of this may be covered by your housing benefit, if you don’t receive housing benefit please speak to your local authority regarding costs. Please think carefully about this because your circumstances can change and you may not be able to afford it.
There are many charitable organisations which be able to help you and you may be able to apply for a grant to help pay for household items. www.turn2us.org.uk is a website which is quick and easy to search and find extra grants that may help your situation. Speak with your Local authority, citizens advice or support network and they may support you to apply. If you are unsure about where to get information from regarding funding or financial help, please contact your local citizens advice.
There are websites where people donate items in your local area and advertise them on sites for free, please be aware they will need collecting. Please be mindful about delivery and collections when using these sites. Some local community or buy/sell groups on social media may also offer free household goods for delivery or collection.
Website addresses: