Furnishing your home

Plan ahead to get your home in shape

While you’re waiting to receive an offer of permanent housing, it’s useful to start planning ahead for the essentials you’ll need to live comfortably in your home.  You may have to save for these items, which is best done by putting a little money away each week.  This means that, when the time comes to move in, you’ll be able to buy the items you need to set up home.

What will you need to buy?

  • Washing machine
  • Fridge
  • Cooker
  • Bed
  • Sofa
  • Pots and pans, plates, cutlery.

If you’re on a low income you can sometimes get help or low cost items of furniture from organisations such as Happy Homes in Allenton, or the Derby Furniture Project. 

Low cost loans

If you need to borrow money to buy essential items, Derby Homes recommends that you avoid using unauthorised lenders or ‘loan sharks’ and expensive lenders like Shopacheck. Instead, why not consider:

  • Saving with Derby United Credit Union for up to 12 weeks.  After that time you can apply for a low cost loan of up to three times the amount you have saved. For example, if you have saved £50 you may borrow up to £150 to buy an essential item on your list.