How to Start over on The Cheap?

Lw33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 14:54
Last edited 15/08/2024 - 18:47

Hi all, first time forum poster but have been lurking OzB for a while.

Due to personal reasons, I am currently looking to move into a new house soon and start my life over. As such, I am 99% sure I will need to start fresh - as in, new everything: furniture, appliances, electronics, etc. Ugh.

I guess I am just asking for any resources or shops or methods to get (hopefully decent) stuff on the cheap. Just trawl around internet shops for deals? Or lurk marketplace/gumtree?

Just curious if anybody has experience with this situation, and how you navigated starting over. Also if anybody has any solid go-to spots to get awesome deals for any given category of household belongings. Advice would be invaluable as well.

Thank you so much in advance. 🙏🏻

Edit: thank you all thus far for all the advice and suggestions. I had a few similar ones in mind, but you lot really came through and gave me a ton of brilliant ideas. I appreciate you all so so much.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • jv on 15/08/2024 - 15:07
    +14

    OP shops and facebook groups (not marketplace)

    • JimB on 15/08/2024 - 15:42
      +1

      why not marketplace?

      • jv on 15/08/2024 - 15:46
        +9

        You'll find more free stuff in local community facebook groups, or recycling groups.

        • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:15
          +1

          Thanks for your input mate, OP shops definitely. We have Vinnie's and Salvation Army here. Also a huge "free" community page I could scour.

    • donga100 on 15/08/2024 - 18:40
      +4

      OP shops are a rip off.

      • jv on 15/08/2024 - 22:27
        +3

        Depends on the shop and the location, they vary a lot…

      • Guybrush57 on 16/08/2024 - 12:08

        I remember finding Mr Bean on DVD (only 12 episodes were made) in an OP shop second hand. I thought $2 for some nostalgia and entertainment was the right price. $12 they wanted.

        Another OP shop had brand new kids shoes under the counter for $300

        Really not in the spirit of what an OP shop should be about.

    • cobknob on 16/08/2024 - 11:29

      OP shops, haha. Everything is marked up even more significantly now. In saying so go to lower income suburb OP shops otherwise u pay more. Up cycling places might be of more benefit. Which state u in? And try IKEA or bunnings for basic furniture and pick up a drill/driver combo and get cracking with some DIY.

    • Alexxx on 16/08/2024 - 11:45

      I tried this and there must be people constantly refreshing the community groups because anything free will be taken within a few minutes and normally has 5 others waiting in line by the time I see them.

      • witsa on 16/08/2024 - 11:59
        +1

        You can set up alerts on them. Similar to ozb alerts.

  • w0mbat on 15/08/2024 - 15:13
    +19

    New is over-rated if you are starting from nothing.
    Prioritise needs over wants.
    Don't go into debt for furniture/white goods.
    Do buy mattresses/sheets/towels new.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:16

      Very good points - I appreciate your advice. I was thinking just cheap Kmart crap for the basics (microwave, toaster kinda stuff). But you're right. I'll scour over the secondhand ads. Definitely buying new anything that touches a human body haha!

      • Big G on 15/08/2024 - 23:57
        +2

        I had to set up a second home for a few years and got loads of cheap stuff from Kmart. It's surprisingly good quality and amazing value.

        A lot of retail shops have ex-display or slightly marked goods that they sell at big markdowns. Some furniture stores offer trade-in deals to get people to buy new stuff. Approach them to see what they do with the things they took as a trade-in. Ikea has started buying back used Ikea products. A lot of it gets binned and they have to pay to have it taken away.

        Don't forget to let friends and family know that you are on the lookout for things. It may be the prompt they need to upgrade their stuff.

        As already mentioned, Facebook has groups for freecycling.

      • rumblytangara on 16/08/2024 - 10:22
        +1

        Kmart microwaves and toasters are totally fine.

  • FezMonkey on 15/08/2024 - 15:13
    +3

    I think marketplace is a good start. But there will be things you won't want to get second hand and that's okay. Like a mattress for example.

    For new furniture I'd avoid IKEA, it isn't that cheap. Amart and Fantastic Furniture are cheap, though the quality is too.

    All the best with getting yourself set up.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:18

      IKEA is so far away, their shipping to regional NSW is farked. So def staying away.

      Good points on Amart and FF - could be good for the cheaper stuff, thinking bed frame and chest of drawers if I can't find secondhand.

      • foxmulder on 15/08/2024 - 17:30
        +2

        Alternatively Kmart is the next best thing.

  • soan papdi on 15/08/2024 - 15:14
    +3

    Look up a Good Karma network on Facebook close to where you will live. Plenty of household goods and furniture handed out in good condition

  • ihfree on 15/08/2024 - 15:25
    +3

    I'd be looking for second hand items. All the second hands sites are worth browsing for furniture.

    • Set up watches for what you want on eBay/Gumtree/OzBarrgain.
    • Join "Pay it forward" groups on Facebook
    • There are some Hard Rubbish groups which could also be worth a look. I've found many decent items from Kerbside

    I'd also watch out for any general sales(eg AfterPay Day/eBay sales/Perks) for anything you don't want second hand.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:19

      Awesome ideas mate, thank you so much. I'm gathering everyones resources they are suggesting and gunna have a go tonight setting up watches and the likes.

  • mskeggs on 15/08/2024 - 15:34
    +9

    Find someone moving overseas getting rid of a house of gear. Offer them a discount to take everything, then rent a van/truck and you are good to go.
    They will be very happy to just deal with one buyer.

    • 87percent on 15/08/2024 - 15:44
      +5

      Yeah when a friend moved here, we found someone that was selling everything in their house. Saved a heap of money

    • Porker on 15/08/2024 - 15:47
      +4

      Similar to above, we found someone that had a massive gambling debt and basically sold everything in their house on the cheap.

      Now that I've written this…. I hope it was their house I bought all the stuff from! :p

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:20
      +1

      Sound advice! And also from everyone on this comment as well.

      Very heavy ag area, tons of backpackers. I've seen it a few times people trying to sell everything so might give that a hot crack!

  • Ghost47 on 15/08/2024 - 15:46
    +1

    I've personally given away stuff on Marketplace for free that I needed to get rid of quickly so I would keep an eye on that if I was you.

    Focus on what you really need instead of nice-to-haves. If I was moving into a new place I would happily sleep on an air mattress on the floor.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:23
      +2

      Yeah I probably will for a bit. I'm taking some of the camping gear and be enjoying the great outdoors, just indoors haha.

  • datafellows on 15/08/2024 - 15:51
    +1

    Post in your local Facebook group and ask if anyone has any household items to give away. I’ve seen some posts with very positive results.

    • 87percent on 15/08/2024 - 16:57
      +2

      This was my other suggestion. My wife is on a local one, and whenever she needs something, there’s always someone that will lend/give it

  • OMGJL on 15/08/2024 - 16:09
    +2

    moved over to NSW few years ago, for what I remember, if I start over again, i'd do this:

    get electricity/gas sorted,

    go to ikea, buy a mattress, those are in a compressed wrap, easy to carry to the house, depends on price/energy, can leave bed frame for a few days, if weather allows, you can even leave it for a bit longer.

    grab one of the cheap dinning table and chair along the way too, so you have a place to sit down do paperwork/computing/food.

    buy a felix SIM, 20Mbps is good enough for phone and hotspot for the time being, don't worry about NBN.

    grab some TCN/Ultimate giftcards, get a small fridge in the $400 range, if you are on yourself it doesn't have to be big at all, as you won't able to finish the food in it and things will still go bad after a while in fridge.

    above should get enough essentials going, just find a job and progressively buy/upgrade other furnitures.

    another way is if you are on yourself and doesn't care about living conditions too much, you can find a "rooming house" (room to rent/boarding house) to live with other ppl for the time being, some have shared fridge/power/internet, you can focus on job hunting/working almost straight away.

    in terms of food, grab a bag of salad from local coles/worth, and some pre-made food you can bake and eat.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:29
      +1

      Hey mate this is an absolute stellar post! So many good suggestions.

      Luckily I have a very stable, well paying WFH job - I'm actually in a really good position to be doing something like this, better off than most would be. But I am a bit of a tight arse so I plan to live free and frugal haha.

      Noting a ton of this. Thank you so much.

      • OMGJL on 15/08/2024 - 18:06
        +2

        right, I judged your situation based on "on the cheap", glad to hear you weren't struggling with life.

        so to revise the idea,

        get power/gas/nbn sorted. (superloop still have 2 month free gigabit upgrade)

        get mattress going, bed frame can wait if required

        get TCN/Ultimate Giftcard, use them wisely, focus on the crucial stuff first, and you can wait for the rest to come down in price meanwhile, deal won't happen all at once.

        I personally don't like 2nd hand sofa/bed/fridge, all with the same reason: germs can build up. You won't know if the previous owner is gross or not. I personally rather low-mid quality first hand stuff than 2nd hand for those that directly body touching goods.

        but if you can get by for the time being, always wait for the good stuff to come down in price.

        • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 18:45
          +1

          Well realistically, I am intending to be a frugal as possible should my situation get extremely expensive later on.

          All sound advice and suggestions. I like the idea about the gift cards and utilities - just gunna have to play the game and get best deals/churns possible.

  • try2bhelpful on 15/08/2024 - 16:11
    +3

    Go to the posh areas and look at the Op shops. You can get good quality furniture for good prices.

    • wombatzzz on 16/08/2024 - 08:36
      +1

      Go to posh areas and look for council kerb-side cleanups….so much awesome stuff gets chucked (primarily furniture etc)…unit blocks are great as there is always someone moving out

  • Dollar General on 15/08/2024 - 16:15
    +3

    Perhaps look into house sitting until your head is clear and ready to tackle the new start

  • Euphemistic on 15/08/2024 - 16:25
    +2

    Dont be obsessed with having the 'magazine cover' decor. Get what you need to survive then add/upgrade over time. Theres nothing wrong with second hand or freebies for most stuff.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 17:30

      1000% agree. I only need the simple crap, so thank you for keeping the thought process in line.

    • Ghost47 on 15/08/2024 - 18:24

      Get what you need to survive then add/upgrade over time.

      I would rather buy once personally, e.g. instead of getting a dining table and a desk just buy a really nice standing desk and eat at that if I need to. Ultimately creates less waste too.

      • Euphemistic on 15/08/2024 - 19:13
        +2

        Doesnt mean you cant buy nice first. Just means dont go get a full suite of furniture. Buy a nice couch, new mattress everything else can wait or be second hand, scavenged.

        Buying second hand and then selling or giving away when youre done doesnt create more waste. Buying cheap and nasty kmart stuff does make waste because itll be thrown away rather than reused.

  • mitt on 15/08/2024 - 16:40
    +1

    If you want good value, not just outright cheapest, look at FB marketplace in rich suburbs. You can often get really good furniture really cheap.

    Also if you know someone with a trailer borrow it for a week, having it on hand immediately lets you respond to good deals on short notice.

  • brad1-8tsi on 15/08/2024 - 16:55
    +1

    I did that in 2018.

    I had clothes, some towels, some cutlery and plates; a fold up table and chairs.

    I splurged on decent all cotton Sheridan sheets.

    I went to K-Mart and bought some basic kitchenware, some bowls and a cheap toaster & electric jug.

    Got a free bed frame off marketplace & bought a $400 mattress.

    Got a doona & pillows off Catch

    2 pots & a frypan for $60 at Victoria's Basement.

    Bought a microwave & clothes washer for $250 off a friend that was moving interstate.

    I also minded some furniture for a few months and found stuff on council clean-ups

    Keep an eye out on the "low waste living" FB groups and local buy, swap sell.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 18:39

      Wow I never thought about some of this, so thank you! Great suggestions.

      • brad1-8tsi on 16/08/2024 - 07:30

        You are most welcome.

        I don't know your circumstances but buy quality on the important stuff (eg: I spent $3k on a Sony 75" TV as I wanted something decent) but the toaster & jug were $15 each.
        I still love the feel of my cotton sheets.

        Look after your mental health. Spend the money to get immediate help if that is needed. Good mental health means you have a better capacity to do your job properly and earn money to get your housing sorted out.

        Good luck dude

        • Euphemistic on 16/08/2024 - 08:25

          Good sheets can make an ordinary bed pretty good. It all depends where your priorities lie. Some will want good cutlery because a cheap fork or spoon can feel yuck in your mouth. Maybe a nice kettle makes you happy because you have 7 cups of tea each day.

          Id buy the cheapest kettle but a decent toaster because i dont drink hot drinks but toast is daily. Good sheets and mattress but cheap bed frame. Decent couch and TV but find a coffee table or repurpose a pallett.

  • CurlCurl on 15/08/2024 - 17:04
    +1

    Don't know where you are in NSW. If you are in the Sydney basin the Salvos have a massive warehouse at Minchinbury.It has everything bar fridges and washing machines.

    Cutely, saucepans, crockery, brand new mattresses, tables, chairs, lounges, glasses, coffee tables etc.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=salvos+minchinbury&sca_esv=6…

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 18:40

      Unfortunately I am very regional NSW lol. We have Vinnie's and salvos though, will check them out. Thank you.

  • askvictor on 15/08/2024 - 17:06
    +1

    I did this a couple of years ago. Not being in a hurry really helps. Plenty of people getting rid of things free on Good Karma Network groups (or similar) on Facebook. There's also some free-stuff/freecycle groups on Facebook. Sign up to all of them, and within a few weeks a lot of things you need (e.g. bed, tables, couch) come up. Be ready to pick them up quickly (GoGet van or bunnings hire-ute are useful). You can also 'trade up' over time.

    For basic necessities, if a good-enough thing wasn't on gumtree or marketplace, I went to Ikea.

    Only problem is saying 'enough' - this kind of thing can be habit-forming (like ozbargain ;)

  • foxmulder on 15/08/2024 - 17:17
    +1

    Monitor garage sales near you. See garagesalefinder.net.au

  • El cheepo on 15/08/2024 - 17:25
    +1

    Start simple and build up slowly.

    If your starting over alone you don’t need the biggest and best right away.

    Don’t worry about what people will think, just get your basics and build on it slowly.
    Aint no shame in a mattress on the floor or only having 1 chair if thats all you can afford at the beginning. Aim to build up over time, not immediately and it won’t seem so overwhelming.

    • w33w00 on 15/08/2024 - 18:41

      Yes, this will be a very humbling experience. Thank you friend, very sound advice.

      • ozbjunkie on 16/08/2024 - 09:10

        Be innovative too.

        For example, mattress on the floor would be better on slats (or pallets) on top of bricks, even if you don't have a bed base, just for air circulation.

        Mattress straight on the floor can have moisture issues.

        If you need storage, hardware shelves from hardware stores are more robust, even if a little ugly.

        • rumblytangara on 16/08/2024 - 10:27

          Pallets might be chemically treated… personally I'd just dump the mattress on the floor and face the risk of mould rather than the risk of insecticides.

  • DemocracyManifest on 15/08/2024 - 17:34
    +2

    It’s not worth it getting a second hand washing machine. Unless it’s free and you know for sure it doesn’t leak/trip fuse. Most appliances are the same. People are always giving a sway furniture for free.

  • JIMB0 on 15/08/2024 - 17:58
    +1

    Have a look on hard rubbish. People throw out perfectly good furniture all the time including mattresses.

  • woodg on 15/08/2024 - 18:19
    +2

    Try your local garbage tip. Not the tip itself, though. My local tip has a Resource Recovery Centre where people can drop of items that still have a useful life, like tables, chairs, desks, bed frames, etc.

  • pharkurnell on 15/08/2024 - 20:18

    Starting from 0 is not as appealing as it sounds… and nowhere as easy

  • Randxyz123 on 15/08/2024 - 21:21
    -1

    Make sure you sign up to a few credit card deals. May as well get some points while you have to sort all this out.

    I’d try FB marketplace and if you have a community facebook page for your area post in there.

    You mentioned you had a job, see if your employer has any deals with companies. Even just to get a desk and chair or discounted gift cards.

  • Silly-sausage88 on 16/08/2024 - 08:11

    Check the local Pay It Forward Facebook pages. I'm currently preparing for the birth of a baby and have pretty much got everything I need free ❤️

    • try2bhelpful on 16/08/2024 - 08:20

      With the baby stuff just Google around for recalls on products, just to be careful.

      Best of luck for a safe birth and the future with bub.

  • ozbjunkie on 16/08/2024 - 09:07

    I'm moving house in a few weeks and getting rid of most stuff outside my bedroom.

    It's not new, but it is entirely free.

    PM a list of stuff you'd like.

  • Poor Ass on 16/08/2024 - 11:33

    Due to personal reasons, I am currently looking to move into a new house soon and start my life over.

    I'm so going to get negged but could you share the story?

  • ReaperX22 on 16/08/2024 - 11:36

    I don't know if you have a car/one of decent size, but keep an eye out for council cleanups/regular cleanups in specific areas near you too - literally half our living area furniture and one of our bedroom bedsides are from the side of the road (a couple smaller cabinets that could have been small TV stands in the past, 2 coffee tables, etc). Proper wood stuff too not just laminate stuff that doesn't hold up as well. Some just need some cleaning/some love and removing bad sections of plywood/loose nails etc.

    We've gotten a few outside benches/tables this method too, though re tables had to disassemble (went home and grabbed an allen key), or it was around the corner and we carried it (2 people) a block to home lol. Yes we looked silly but meh free furniture/reduce waste!

    Also agree for getting a new mattress, but could certainly get a frame used if in good condition, just check for mould on the bed-head sections/under slats if you go this route.

    • Poor Ass on 16/08/2024 - 12:18

      I thought I was the only poor ass here

  • Canjoos on 16/08/2024 - 12:18

    Your local suburb Buy Nothing Facebook group

  • blitz on 16/08/2024 - 12:19

    I am currently looking to move into a new house soon and start my life over.

    Good on you, OP, and good luck!

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