Furnishing a new home can be more fun than stressful with the right plan. Use this checklist to make the process easier.

From budgeting to décor and considerations like space, furnishing a new home can be overwhelming. But as with most things, planning goes a long way. Use this guide to furnish your home, minus the hassle!

Take a house tour

• Spend time in each room and picture the ideal look and feel. Thereafter, make a list of everything each room will need.
• Consider smaller spaces like corridors, balconies and foyers.
• Prioritise the necessities for each room first. For example, a bed, chairs and a table are essential, but items like mantelpieces and throw rugs can be bought later.

Set and stick to a budget

• Do some research online and in-store to check the price points for different furniture pieces. Based on this, budget within a range you’d be able to afford.
• Use the list you made during the house tour to create a furniture budget and keep this close when shopping.
• If your budget is tight, focus on quality over quantity.

Shop smart

Quality furniture is important, but this doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Keep these tips in mind:

• You can find furniture in great condition on sites such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace and at local second-hand furniture shops. These are good options for pieces like tables, chairs, cabinets, lamps and dressers.
• You may even find some items for free on the online platforms! Sometimes people are willing to give away freebies and all you’d have to do is collect and transport them yourself.

Use some DIY tricks

While you may not be a carpenter or furniture maker, there are some pieces you could make yourself. Here are a few ideas:

• Simple items like wooden crates can be used to make coffee tables.
• Wood can be used to make shelves, small stools and racks.
• If you have wooden furniture from your previous home, you can upcycle it using sandpaper and a fresh lick of paint or some varnish. Cabinets, chairs, tables and cupboards are great options for this. Use YouTube tutorials for inspiration.
• Items like cardboard, empty containers and wood can be used to make frames, stools, side tables and more.

And if you aren’t DIY-savvy, ask a loved one or find a professional who can help you out!

Consider home contents insurance

Should anything happen to your furniture, it would be pricey and difficult to furnish your home all over again. Consider Budget’s Home Contents Insurance, which will cover your furniture and other home contents in the case of unfortunate events.

Find more finance tips in these blog articles:

• How to Save Money When Buying a Home
• Household Insurance Tips: How to Avoid Being Underinsured