Having recently bought my own place I have had to learn few lessons quickly! So here are a few of my top tips for your first place!
1. Save. Save more than you think you need – seriously, you’ll want to buy everything at once!
2. Priorities. Yup, one of the most #adult things you’ll need to learn quickly, if your anything like me and the excitement takes over! – I nearly bought a robot hoover…who even needs that! – Without going too “shouty parent” on everyone, there are things you’ll actually need; think sofa, fridge, cutlery, pans, hoover, Iron, lampshades – the list could go on! I got carried away with some of the small stuff and really had to reign it in – I hadn’t done enough of step 1!
3. Expect bigger bills! For the first few months at least, many companies and councils make you pay a few months in advance – I moved in August and had to pay SO much more council tax than I expected! – If your anything like me you will worry about it..Don’t, sort it, move on – they will sort themselves out after a few months, Just be prepared!
4. Stationary. ALL THE STATIONARY. Buy it – Yes, this does go against point 2, but you can never have enough stationary! – Make lists, list everything and keep organised! Lets face it, everyone gets a cheap thrill ‘checking’ off a list when you have completed something! A standard A5 notepad does the trick! – Personally I love a themed notepad!
5. Tools. You might be like me and think – what do I need them for! – I’m not the most DIY minded person, I’m more off a “lets get someone in to sort that” – This doesn’t work when you have bills and a lot of them. Luckily I have family who are DIY minded.
6. Order everything! Okay disclaimer, I bought a second floor flat, this one might not be worth it if you can walk straight into your place…I couldn’t – Side note, I also moved myself in, think lifting your whole life up two flights of stairs, IT HURT! – I found myself questioning that extra £12 on my £400 fridge and freezer order…Don’t. I the grand scheme of things it was a no brainer, it takes the stress out of it and they just turn up, deliver it and you enjoy your new purchase – add that to the win column!
7. Succulents are your friend. I forget to water plants – There I admit it, Im sorry! No but seriously these things hardly need water and can live pretty much anywhere – I’m three weeks in and its still here!
Well there you have it, my top tips for your first home! All or some of these may help you and I hope they do but most importantly ENJOY it! Your spending a small fortune, drink, eat, laugh and experience it with friends and family. You only get one first flat, make the most of it!
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