DIY and home advice on starting from scratch

By ViceVixen

Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster. I am a mom of two kids moving out on my own (with them) for the first time on Dec. 1st. I am moving into a big raw space (15x30) that I am going to subdivide into 3 rooms- 2 bedrooms and a sitting room. It's sort of a cohousing situation so I don't have to worry about kitchen and bath stuff.

However, I am leaving almost all of my furniture and taking very little but our clothes and a TV. I've never been able to decorate despite loving DIY and house stuff, so I am looking forward to my new place and finally having a home.

I'm starting to source and my question to everyone is two-fold- first, if anyone knows of a resource for managing a household, like a list, so I don't forget anything.

Secondly, I have lots of links but I am looking for a place to source inexpensive basics like lighting, cabinets, etc. I will need to buy a lot at once and really have nothing to start with (couches, etc.) I have a limited budget but I know this will be an expense.

Any good links for buying house stuff on the cheap would be much appreciated. Or ideas for small spaces. Or just general things you think would be helpful when you're essentially building a place from scratch.

Thanks in advance!

Tagged:
starting_over sourcing lighting paint pendant_lamps industrial cohousing kids bunk_beds

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November 22, 2007

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PlanCanvas

November 25, 2007

Hi Vixen,

We have quite a few products that may suit your situation at www.plancanvas.com. We sell modern furniture plans that are really easy to build and don't cost much at all.

Please let us know if there is anything that you may need specifically that we don't offer, and we'll try to fix you up!

ViceVixen

November 24, 2007

Firstly, as a noob, thank you so much for all the informative and well thought out replies. I will be keeping costs low, and I am handy with paint and did set design in high school, so I imagine I will make friends with fishing line as well. And I wll clean out clearance christmas lights this year. >grin<

I'll definitely try freecycle and CL for some furniture, but will have to shell out for lighting and mattresses. And DIYDiva, it's nice to see a kid in the future who was grateful for her experience, as I hope mine will be. What is your job, if you don't mind me asking?

I have colors already picked out- their room will be orange, red, and pool blue on white, and the living room is kiwi and pink, black and white. My room is tiffany blue, gold, and chocolate. :)

I will definitely post pics but I found out today I am working in 10x15 times three. Gotta lay that out :)

FTR, I am moving to a loft in Newark, NJ. :)

imjewelee

November 24, 2007

Ooops .... you are so right Kathc the website is Freecycle.org and it has played in my head to come back here and change it, so I did . Great place!!

Gracie

November 23, 2007

Thrift stores, freecycle and craigslist.com, all are great sources. You will have to put your skills to a challange to redo somethings, but it will be worth your effort because you did it and it is yours. Paint can be bought at stores cheap if you look in their "oops" bins, and do not overlook Habitat for Humanity ReStores, perfect place to get all kinds of things.

If you are looking to seperate your space into sections for privacy (sleeping, living, etc.), try going to one of the ReStores and buying used bi-fold closet doors. You can get several panels, attach them with piano hinges, and set up as temporary moving walls. At least it will give you a sense of privacy for sleeping and dressing areas.

Wish you the best of luck, I will keep you and your children in my prayers!

Gracie

kathc

November 23, 2007

I don't know if imjewelee got the freecycle address right. It's freecycle.org where I live. It's amazing. Also look at yard sales, Craig's List, all of your friends and relatives, the Salvation Army and Goodwill Stores. If you sew, you're way ahead of the game. If not, there are a lot of no sew options. Also, paint is one of the best ways to give your new place a cohesive look- on your walls or furniture. It can tie different styles and finishes together. As for managing a household, try Flylady.net. She's great for all kinds of cleaning and organizing tips. Good luck and have fun!

imjewelee

November 23, 2007

Hi I do not know where you live but here in Birmingham Alabama there is a website for FREE stuff!!!! People are getting rid of anything and everything. It is called Freecycle.com so maybe you have something like that in your state. Big time thrifter here.........always had to make my own way do my own thing and wanted expensive stuff ........ well thrift stores are the best. Explain your situation to the Manager and maybe she or he will make a great deal for you!! Never hurts to ask. Pray to GOD for whatever he says ask and you shall receive and he knows your needs. Live BIG sounds like you are on the right track already. Julee

P.S. Once you get your place .........take pics and Diydiva is an awesome designer she is helping me right now.