Start-up costs

What do I need?

The earlier you think about this question, the better. Many people move in without a proper plan or only half a plan and hope it’ll be OK on the day.

Feedback from people whose tenancy didn’t work out includes ‘I didn’t turn my flat into a home’ and ‘the debts piled up and I couldn’t handle it, so I left.

So if you’ve got the money or goods ready to turn your flat into a home as soon as possible, you’re already well on the way to making a success of your tenancy.

Moving in budget

Not as complicated as it might sound. A budget starts with a list.

You need to add up how much money you have got or can get - to give you a total amount you can spend.

You then need to make a list of things you want. Often, what you want will not always be the same as what you actually need and can afford.

So give each item a priority. We suggest the following.

Priority 1 - absolutely basic – without these, don’t even think about moving.

Bed
Bedding, towels etc
Cooker / microwave
Kettle
Toaster
Fridge

Priority 2 - you really need these to make a home

Furniture – chairs, table, etc
Carpets
Curtains
Fridge – freezer
Washing machine
A set of kitchen stuff – pots, pans,
utensils
Television