Things to buy for our first home

mrcheez

The_Morrigan wrote: »

Just an FYI - lidl have some household stuff on their specials this week (saw a sweeping brush on the email )

I think that's next week no? 28 July afaik ... got my eye on that as well

The_Morrigan

mrcheez wrote: »

I think that's next week no? 28 July afaik ... got my eye on that as well

Maybe! I don't know what day of the week it is to be honest lol

Little Miss Cutie

And DIY stuff on 31.07.14 http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/SID-DD6CA0CC-E7FB1C7B/www_lidl_ie/hs.xsl/Offers.htm?id=236

I will be first in line for filler and paint brushes

mrcheez

Ooh stapler gun. Can finally repair the chairs that came with the house...

One thing you'll realise is that you NEVER stop buying things for your first home

murph226

George Foreman.

Mrs OBumble

mel.b wrote: »

Don't forget ... and dish tray for the sink either!

Why does someone need one of these?

orchidsrpretty

I'd recommend buying the big items way before you move in. We moved into our house and were using a blow up plastic sofa and a inflatable bed for the first two months while we waited for furniture to be delivered. Was really frustrating as I wanted my house to be nice so we could have party's etc. Get some new toilet seats too, you want to be able to fully relax when you are sitting on your own toilet, not wondering who's been using it in the past.

Best of luck. Such an exciting( and expensive!) time. Enjoy.

ABajaninCork

The toilet seat part I agree with. The furniture I don't! Why over-extend yourself ? What's wrong with guests sitting on the floor? That's what I did when I got my first flat. Simply couldn't afford it at that time, and our friends understood that. My guests didn't mind floor sitting and carpet picnics because I had no table either!!

If you're that fussed get some cheap bean bags for people to sit on...

meeeeh

I agree. We took our time and got stuff we really liked. Plus I think it is nice to get the feel for the place and decide what you want and where you want it. For me it's better to do things slowly unless you are getting a good interior designer, not one of those who stick couple of cushions somewhere, upholster the head board and put couple of candles into the bathroom and call it hotel chic. (Sorry I had to rant)...

the_syco

Surprised no-one has mentioned candles yet.

A bag of tealights (get them in the pound shop), a clear jamjar (so that wind doesn't blow your candle out) and a box of long matches (to avoid burning your fingers lighting candle in the jamjar) can be a life saver if the electricity goes out. And ensure it's an easy to get to place.

Near the fuse box is a good idea, as it's usually where you'll be going when the power goes.

mrcheez wrote: »

Power tools and one of those 101-bit sets you get in Aldi/Lidl.

In regards to the power tools; get the mains plug version, as the battery one can be annoying when the battery goes midway during the day, and you have to stop for a few hours whilst it charges.

Also, ensure your screwdriver bits have a drill piece, so you can use the power drill to screw your flat pieces together.

murph226 wrote: »

George Foreman.

Put a few cup mats under the front legs, and you can fry eggs off it. Toast potato waffles by in the toaster by toasting twice.

George Foreman and microwave can be lifesavers if you have no cooker.

=-=

Finally, don't buy the small blue Ikea couch. Mate got one, and it's now referred to as the "unwanted guest" couch, as it's that uncomfortable :P

mrcheez

the_syco wrote: »

In regards to the power tools; get the mains plug version, as the battery one can be annoying when the battery goes midway during the day, and you have to stop for a few hours whilst it charges.

I purchased both types, I find the wired ones can sometimes be too much for the task (or tricky to use in cramped situations where the wire gets in the way):

- Bosch wired hammer power drill (tough jobs): ideal for drilling holes in walls etc

- Rok 9.6V cordless drill (light jobs): ideal for building furniture or unscrewing hinges, etc.

The Bosch is pricey, and the Rok was something like €12 in WoodiesDIY, but I use both interchangeably as the Bosch can sometimes be too powerful for light jobs.

The_Morrigan

Oh on the power drill theme - get one of them there electrical wire finder thingies....like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJGqh-XJVpk

Also a lot of the new builds don't have the traditional measurements in use anymore as apts and houses are at odd angles to fit into the complex. I remember in Adamstown a lot of the owners had issues hanging curtains because there was a piece of metal slap bang in the middle of each window frame instead of a joist - in my own apartment the wooden joists are on either side of the centre, meaning my curtains aren't even. :rolleyes: This is something to look out for when hanging curtains or shelves or art.

meeeeh

I won't pretend I know anything about power tools. They just magically appear in our house, loads of them. And they are also magically left on the kitchen counter.... Anyway I know you can get stuff with exchangeable batteries. So you can charge one while use the other.