Business & Money | Wednesday 7 September, 2016 10:26 am |

The pride and happiness that comes with moving into a brand new home is not always balanced by the costs associated with furnishing it. In fact, it can tilt the scales quite dramatically.  

 

As a newlywed couple recovering from wedding and honeymoon expenses, you may find the fact particularly harsh, that paying for all the thing on your wish list is much harder than wanting them. It may even look impossible at times. 

 

And yet, this is your first home together and you will want to do everything possible to make it cosy, stylish and wonderful. So how can you cut corners, and where do you draw the line?

 

Here are some tips and tricks on how to furnish your first home, without breaking the bank.   

 

Get inspired 

From magazines and websites, to home improvement and decoration programmes on television, and displays at large home stores, there is a world of free ideas out there on cutting costs, doing things yourself, substituting with inexpensive options, or planning ahead for big purchases. 

 

Collectively, these ideas that are often referred to as ‘hacks’ are meant to inspire you, so that you can improvise upon your original plan, pare down your lists, and make the whole process of furnishing more affordable.  Study these also to get a sense of what your tastes truly are, and what your signature home style will eventually evolve into.     

 

Take stock 

As newlyweds just starting out, you will need dozens of small and big things to set up your new home, but it is likely that some of these have been gifted to you, or, can be borrowed from kind and gracious family members. While small appliances are a classic example of wedding gifts, it will not be amiss to borrow some spare chairs or an extra guest bed from your parents or siblings. If people who could not make it to your wedding insist on giving you a late gift, ask for something practical like the IKEA Gift Card. It will allow them to allocate a monetary value of their choice, and in turn, allow you to visit any of their showrooms in Saudi Arabia, and make your own personalised picks.    

 

Before you start shopping, walk through each area of every room and make a list of all the things you need. Next, take a look at what you already have or can easily get, and cross those things off your list. What is left will form the foundation of what you need to get.

 

 

Plan ahead 

Irrespective of the size of your home, how much cash you have on hand to furnish it, and the possibility that people may help you out with some of your purchases, do establish a basic budget. A furnishing budget will help you define boundaries within the walls of your home, and more importantly, on your wallet. During the course of shopping, you may find that the budget needs slight tweaking, or realise that it will need new inputs after a few months. Flexibility is fine, but be strict and stick to the general outline of your budget.    

 

Shop around

Buying something on a whim is perfectly alright, if it is special, or is a small item that does not feature on the budget. When it comes to furniture and other investment pieces though, do diligent homework around quality and longevity. You will save money in the long run if you buy hardy, well-designed pieces that will last you for several years instead of cheap and flimsy options that you will have to replace frequently. 

 

Compare prices online, look for deals at different stores, and make a note of annual store clearance sales – they will all add up to make you a better-informed and savvier shopper. The more you look, the greater your understanding will be of what is available, how much it costs, and how best it fits into your plan. You will also be particularly pleased with your purchases, when you know you have considered all other options and found the very best.   

 

Double up 

One of the best ways to save money in a starter home is to focus your efforts on space - both for your immediate needs, and whatever is likely to be needed over the next few years. This is particularly true if the new home you are moving into with your spouse is smaller than the one you grew up in.     

 

A fundamental rule is to avoid clutter: don’t overcrowd your space and don’t fill it up with furniture you rarely use. Another more practical plan for smaller spaces is to invest in items that include in-built storage such as beds with linen drawers or under-bed trays, coffee tables with a second tier that can hold books or remotes, sofas that feature hidden compartments under the seats, or wall units that allow you to display accessories but also store personal items out of view, at the same time.    

 

Bag the bargains 

The process of planning your new home can start much before you move in. The more you study what is on offer, the more financially prudent will be your purchasing decisions. For instance, IKEA Saudi Arabia runs several schemes and special offers throughout the year, online and at their three showrooms, and these include 10 to 25-year guarantees on select items, flexible instalment plans on large purchases, and free delivery schemes. Keep an eye out to bag the best bargains for your new home.