Strategies for Filling an Apartment with Furniture etc

wetsandwich on 07/07/2023 - 14:49

So I managed to convince a bank to give me a crippling lifelong burden of debt in exchange for a shoddily built shoebox in a tower that costs almost as much just in annual expenses as I used to pay for rent. Hooray!

Seriously though, getting quite excited to move into a new place in a few weeks and deck it out, get a housemate for the 2nd bedroom, and knuckle down and pay it off.

Not quite so excited to have to buy everything for it, especially with the amount of money involved, and the different deliveries that I will have to somehow try to coordinate with dodgy courier companies and the strata company (I have to arrange lift padding 3 days in advance).

I also notice there is a constant flow of free or quite cheap appliances and furniture on FB marketplace, but as I don't have a car, it might end up being an extreme hassle and expense if I have to hire a vehicle multiple times to be able to snap up any of this cheap stuff during the very short window someone is desperately trying to give away their fridge/couch etc.

I'm thinking of doing one large order from appliancesonline for the major appliances, one large order from kmart for all the kitcheny stuff, one order from kogan for smaller furniture and appliances like lamps and coffee table / blankets etc. And one order from T&W or similar for the beds, mattresses, a couch etc.

I'm not sure where any free stuff fits in here as I can't predict what will become available within collection distance and I also can't store it anywhere for very long, the place I'm moving out of doesn't have the spare space for any major furniture or appliances.

Would it be better to just sleep on the floor and use a milk crate for a table for a little while, and buy only discount stuff slowly over a few months?

Any tips or stories welcomed from anyone who had to do the same.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Hybroid on 07/07/2023 - 14:54
    +18

    Congrats on the purchase, the property search hell is finally over now. IKEA is made for people like you. Everything under one roof with decent quality at decent prices. It's not bargain basement like Kmart but it's your new home, live a little.

    Have a walk around a store this weekend and checkout everything from furniture to kitchen gear to knickknacks. Get the app and make a list of what takes your fancy then go home and cross-compare online, change it up as you wish and make an online order to deliver it all in one go. Simples.

    DO NOT buy Artiss garbage quality junk. No matter how pretty the polished pics and fake discounts appeal.

    • wetsandwich on 07/07/2023 - 15:00
      +5

      Ehhh I have had a look at IKEA online and anything that's not the basic entry level option does seem incredibly expensive for what it is. But there is one 10mins from my place so I might go in there anyway. I'd strongly consider paying them to assemble it I think, so I can watch others struggle with the missing screws.

      • jellykingdom on 07/07/2023 - 15:41
        +8

        Pop into Ikea and have a look in their clearance section. Lots of good leftovers in there, either returns or display items. I get heaps of stuff from there. But you can't be too picky

        Also, Ikea is ubiquitous on Marketplace. Anything you want is on there, all the time. I got all our wardrobes from there, piece by piece. Saved maybe $1000

      • Bangers on 07/07/2023 - 16:02
        +3

        You get what you pay for sometimes. Kmart and T&W may be cheap but from experience the stuff, particularly furniture, can break easily because of the quality.

      • Kenb0 on 07/07/2023 - 17:25
        +2

        I've furnished 4 apartments primarily with IKEA furniture(one in London, three here in Australia) and I've never had any missing screws or parts. I'm convinced that the same people who encounter missing screws with IKEA furniture are the same people who regularly encounter missing pieces from brand new Lego sets ie. they dump the whole set onto the carpet/table/couch with random kids and pets nearby and then find they're missing pieces. I've assembled about 150+ lego sets(many of them large sets) in last few years and I've encountered one missing piece in that whole time which Lego quickly sent out a replacement for. In all likelihood, it was probably due to me misplacing it rather than it missing from the packaged set. I'm sure it does happen here and there but the quality control with Lego sets is that good that if you're regularly experiencing missing pieces from brand new sets, its more likely a personal issue than a Lego issue. I don't think IKEA QC is quite up there with Lego, but since I haven't had any missing screws or pieces with them either, its probably better than most.

      • jolee3 on 07/07/2023 - 21:24
        +1

        I've found IKEA flat packs to be the easiest ones to assemble. Never had anything missing (I'm guessing a lot of automation is involved - machines don't make human error) and everything fits in so well. Other brands can vary wildly.

        If you keep everything in a takeaway container or similar during the assembly you shouldn't find anything missing.

      • simplystu on 08/07/2023 - 10:50

        Super Amart (if in WA) is an option … or equivalent over East.

        bonus with that … similar to IKEA … they have quite alot of flatpacks available (or limited construction) - which is ideal for flat/high-rise owners.

        Someone below also suggested Fantastic Furniture … I have a coffee table + dining table/chairs that bought from them many years ago which still use (when furnished my 1st house bought on a budget).

      • capslock janitor on 09/07/2023 - 10:20

        designs defo limited too

      • Ultimate Gattai on 09/07/2023 - 21:59

        Ikea furniture is generally built cheap, I feel like if you wanted something of quality, you'd either have to built it yourself or pay a lot more than Ikea prices, having said that, I find Ikea acceptable for what it is. I love wandering around the Ikea stores.

    • lachhelix on 07/07/2023 - 21:26

      To be fair, I've had a bunch of artiss stuff (bedside tables, side tables and cabinets) and they've been just fine the last 4 years

  • elgrande on 07/07/2023 - 14:54
    +15

    Strategies for Filling an Apartment with Furniture

    Start in a corner, stacking bulky items to the roof. Move back 1 metre and repeat the process. This will allow you to maximise the amount of furniture you can fit in your appartment. Leave 'aisles' for movement between rooms. Consider using straps to prevent collapse. Good luck.

    • Some Human on 07/07/2023 - 15:23
      +5

      I see you've played tertris before.

  • Transient on 07/07/2023 - 14:58
    +1

    I remember sleeping on an inflatable mattress for quite a few weeks until we found a bed we liked and it was available for delivery. Deflates to a small size and is good when visitors stay overnight. A bit more comfy than sleeping on the floor.

  • Drakesy on 07/07/2023 - 15:30
    +6

    If there's one thing i learnt,

    You look at marketplace/gumtree for long enough and the furniture you were going to buy new will be almost guaranteed to show up.

    • freefall101 on 07/07/2023 - 16:13
      +1

      Often it's people moving too, who are selling a bunch of stuff. I went to buy a table once and wound up making about 3 trips back to their house with stuff I bought.

      Best part is, find someone with a semblance of taste and it'll all actually look good together.

  • EmCKay on 07/07/2023 - 15:36
    +2

    My first house was filled with Fantastic Furniture Package deals. Worked well for us.

  • jellykingdom on 07/07/2023 - 15:41
    +1

    Jeez without a car! Won't be doing much Marketplace in that case

  • ozprash on 07/07/2023 - 15:43
    +4

    Another option - Go to your local Vinnies/Salvos/op-shop. They'll have a mix of furniture and housing knick-knacks and will deliver for a fixed fee.
    Also, GoGet car rental could be a good option as you can rent wagons by the hour when needed.

  • dasher86 on 07/07/2023 - 15:52
    +2

    be prepared if ordering online for orders not to come all at once even when ordered together =P

  • ChrisLevo on 07/07/2023 - 15:55

    You will need a https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-4v-screwdriver_p0075924 for that flatpack stuff!

    Speaking from experience…

    • WhyAmICommenting on 09/07/2023 - 13:35

      Yeah good idea, although a proper Ryobi kit could be had for a similar price. Does take up more space though…

  • ihbh on 07/07/2023 - 15:56
    +2

    Market place, council clean up for free. Some very good pieces out there that no one wants - e.g. solid wood.

  • mskeggs on 07/07/2023 - 16:10
    +11

    Find somebody moving overseas selling the contents of their flat.
    This is an absolute pain to do, as it involves dozens of transactions and the attendant hassle.
    Offer them $x to take everything, if they can be flexible on when it is collected. If they are smart, they will accept a significant discount compared to the hassle of dealing with everybody.
    Rent a small truck, get a couple of friends, and move everything one weekend.

    And the bonus for you is you get stuff like cutlery, Tupperware containers, indoor plants, pictures, even probably stuff like tea towels.
    Individually, these have $0 secondhand value, but to source them for a new place is lots of small amounts.

    • mskeggs on 07/07/2023 - 16:17
      +1

      The other benefit is you can be reasonably confident the seller isn’t trying to sell you something dodgy - if it is the fridge or washing machine they are using, it is probably in OK condition.
      Then spend the next few years replacing the stuff you don’t much like with better alternatives.

    • Tovers93 on 07/07/2023 - 16:25

      +1 for this - just used this technique successfully myself.
      You can condition for FB marketplace to show you these by searching for it over the course of a few days (Keywords: Moving, Overseas, House, Clearance, etc)
      Rent a GoGet or Bunnings Van (and maybe a trolley) for half a day and pick it all up in one go (or may need multiple trips)

      From experience, also consider that moving appliances (especially washing machine and fridge) up/down stairs is significantly more difficult and dangerous than you might expect. For all the hassle, buying these new with free delivery might be a worthwhile exercise.

  • Downvoter on 07/07/2023 - 16:53

    Cross your fingers you don’t get a weirdo housemate

    • wetsandwich on 07/07/2023 - 17:28
      +3

      I put up an ad already and got a lot of normal looking people applying, so I think that part will be fine. Can't quite afford not to really..

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 07/07/2023 - 16:59

    Kudos for a nice intro, sorry I am too busy to read others' comments, hope it's not duplicated.
    A few thoughts in mind:
    1) Since it is an Apartment, it is likely that there will be people coming and going. Reach out to the Onsite Manager/Caretaker or even do a letterbox drop to see if anyone in the building want to get rid of stuff or moving-out.
    2) Join a Local FaceBook Group, and dont be shy to ask.
    3) Hire a car for a few days, and get some mates. Just make sure you get some BBQ and beer and sausages afterwards.

  • AustriaBargain on 07/07/2023 - 17:22
    -5

    that costs almost as much just in annual expenses as I used to pay for rent

    After maintenance costs, it may cost a little more. But when we let in 50 million migrants over the next 30 years it'll be worth 10 times what you paid for it. And that's exactly why it costs os much, because everyone is convinced it'll be worth more, kind of a self fulfilling prophecy if it weren't for the gov guaranteeing it.

    • JIMB0 on 07/07/2023 - 21:21
      +1

      That's the reality. The sooner you accept it and jump into the property market the better. Not much you can do about it. Raining on other people's parades isn't going to help.

      • AustriaBargain on 07/07/2023 - 21:55

        I've got citizenship in a few other countries where property market is sane, my plan is to move to one of them, and some of them are EU member so I can take my pick. I don't think I need to own a two million dollar shack in a city full of poor renters and stressed investors to be happy, just need somewhere to live.

        • rumblytangara on 09/07/2023 - 08:54

          I've recent done that by moving to Sydney!

  • Iwantthebestprice on 07/07/2023 - 17:50
    +1

    I havnt read all the comments but if you need a couch I recommend ikea. I got an awesome couch. Just measure your space and order the size/length and chase based on your needs. I got the vimle and would recommend this to anyone.

  • RotundPolarBear on 07/07/2023 - 18:09

    Pretty much all the furniture in my small shoebox apartment is from IKEA. I got an Airtasker guy to help me pick it all up in his truck. Then I took my time to assemble it, because I find it satisfying.

  • rumblytangara on 07/07/2023 - 18:46

    I also notice there is a constant flow of free or quite cheap appliances and furniture on FB marketplace, but as I don't have a car, it might end up being an extreme hassle and expense if I have to hire a vehicle multiple times to be able to snap up any of this cheap stuff during the very short window someone is desperately trying to give away their fridge/couch etc.

    Congrats.

    If you're in a major city, not having a car might be doable. I've used GoGet (there's a free 1 year annual membership if you sign up via Ikea, or at least there was 3 months ago) and Uber Carshare to rent vans by the hour to move big bits of furniture or appliances. Off memory, it's a 2 hour minimum hire.

  • spiderbite88 on 07/07/2023 - 20:38

    I’ve also just bought my first apartment! I have set so many ozbargain alerts. Appliance warehouse via eBay looks like a good option for brand new appliances. Even better is damaged box, open box, factory seconds or manufacturer refurbished. I’m going to check out this place in West Melbourne soon - Go-Get Appliances. Reviews look good and prices are great.

  • Sweet3st on 07/07/2023 - 20:42

    Further to removals, always worth asking FB and Gumtree sellers if they will deliver, offer a bit extra. Also lots of Airtasker guys doing small removals. I bought a few things for my son and had one pair go around and pick them all up and deliver.

  • JIMB0 on 07/07/2023 - 21:23

    Best time to move house is when hard rubbish collection is on. Dump your old furniture on the nature strip, pick up new furniture from nature strips surrounding new house.

  • 2esc on 08/07/2023 - 08:42

    Depends on your financial situation really but if your single you could get away with not much in the way of furniture for a while. Never know someone you know may be able to help with picking it up for you.

    We have picked up heaps of furniture over the years some basically new on Gumtree but living in regional Victoria we dont have good access to public transport and delivery costs are a lot higher so we have to have vehicles and trailors for life.

  • zonavida on 08/07/2023 - 22:27

    Odd one but if you're close to a uni campus keep an eye out for furniture for sale on uni student notice boards or shops close by with notice boards.
    We used to live close to a uni campus and every end of term there's always students selling off 1-2 year old furniture. As lots of overseas students selling off furniture since it's cheaper for them to end their tenancy and get new furniture when they return.
    Most of it is cheap stuff but there's always those who splurge on nicer furniture and sell them off cheap since they need to get rid of it fast. We got a nice dining set for $100 which retailed for close to $400 at Ikea. Have since upgraded but sold it off in the suburbs for $100 after a few years.
    Oh yeah, learn to maintain your furniture and your home. It pays for itself

  • adn on 09/07/2023 - 08:40
    +2

    When I moved out of my full furnished place to a non furnished place.

    I prioritise these things:

    Appliance: fridge, washing machine, kettle, microwave. The rest you can get later
    Furniture: mattress, bed frame, computer desk, computer chair. Rest you can get later

  • duluxe2000 on 09/07/2023 - 09:20
    +1

    If you want to go the the cheapest route (as many have done before). Go to Gumtree/market places n find as many furnitures as possible n ask to pick them up on a given day. Hire a GoGet Van for one day n pick all of them. You will need a friend on the day.

  • juki on 09/07/2023 - 10:46
    -1

    buy a van and circle various neighbourhoods for hard rubbish, you can also rent a van from bunnings for not much

    some places sell ex commercial furniture

    or just make furniture out of cardboard, but i must admit even in my 20s my girlfriends werent a fan of the concept (even if it was pretty sturdy and made moving pretty easy)

  • bravyboy on 09/07/2023 - 11:09

    Where do you live? I am moving soon and selling a lot of furniture (a lot of Ex ikea) so have bedside cupboards, wardrobes etc if you want to get a lot in one go for cheap (Melbourne)

    • wetsandwich on 10/07/2023 - 14:31

      Richmond, if you want to message me, a big lot would be great. I can certainly sort out transport if everything else lines up, and IKEA tier stuff would be about my price range too.

  • Euphemistic on 09/07/2023 - 11:24

    If you are moving into ‘a tower’ check out if there’s others off loading stuff in the building saves a lot of hassle coordinating deliveries.

  • aka nioh on 09/07/2023 - 11:58

    Furniture: gumtree

    Appliances and electronics: ozbargain, may have to wait

    Bulky stuff eg Fridge: appliances online after price match as they deliver and set up

  • pr0o on 09/07/2023 - 13:11

    Just filled furniture for my 2 bedroom apartment. I can give some tips.

    1) Two queen bed + mattress bought from catch.com.au (costed me $880)
    2) Sofa + entertainment unit + TV 58'' purchased from one seller on marketplace (All around $850 + costed me $150 for delivery from Airtasker)
    3) Lamps + Microwave + Rugs + all mini stuff bought from Kmart
    4) Fridge + Washing machine purchased from local appliances shop $550 delivered

    LMK if you have any questions.

    • wetsandwich on 10/07/2023 - 14:29

      I've toyed with some of the cheap catch or bunnings marketplace items. Seems very hit or miss. Half the reviews are 'great value no issues' and half are 'most flimsy worst piece of junk ever and the courier screwed me over as well'. I'd hate to go through the returns process of one of those Dodgy Bob's marketplace sellers so I don't know if it's worth the savings…

      If you can link me to the beds and mattresses you bought though, that sounds way better than buying someone else's old flatpack and transporting and putting it all back together again.

  • capslock janitor on 09/07/2023 - 13:33

    strategy?

    just buy what you need,when u need it

  • kaleidoscope on 09/07/2023 - 14:42
    +3

    We got a credit card with 12 months 0% interest from westpac (minimum amount needs to be paid each month). Then bought all the things for furniture and tv, kitchen appliances etc from it. Paid the balance / 12 each month and when it was a year mark time closed the card.

    happy days

    • pr0o on 10/07/2023 - 14:47

      I got commbank $250 cashback offer just to get back $250 :D

  • AS2035 on 10/07/2023 - 20:03

    less is more. only get the furniture you need.

    Also get things that will last at least a decade.

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