Moving into your first Calgary home is exciting, and there’s a lot to be done. While it might be tempting to run out and buy everything in sight, having a plan is really the way to go. Getting organized, deciding what you really need and narrowing down your budget will save you time and money and leave you without that unwanted buyer’s remorse.
Bedroom
For your bedroom, you’ll need some sheets. If you haven’t decided on your wall coloring and exact décor or are the type that likes to change things up with the seasons, pick something neutral. Plan on buying two sets, one for the bed and one for the wash, and choose pure, long staple cotton for a long-lasting, elegant look. Also purchase a simple throw for the foot of the bed in white, cream or navy blue. It’ll come in handy on those cold winter nights and can double as a throw for the couch when you’re snuggling with the family for movie nights.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, pillows or a mattress topper, try not to go cheap. These items all really hold true to the saying ‘you get what you pay for’. Spending too little will only amount to plenty of uncomfortable nights of sleep and items that need to be replaced after only a few years.
Avoid going crazy when purchasing throw pillows for the bed. They can be pretty, funky and fun, but they’ll almost always land on the floor, cluttering your room and eventually landing in the pile to be sent to your favorite charity.
Bathroom
When outfitting the bathroom, stay away from purchasing lots and lots of towels. Sure you need them to dry off after a shower or bath, but too many will quickly clutter your linen closet and amount to mounds of laundry. Plan on two towels per person, preferably in a shade other than white. White towels look crisp and clean, but only when they’re new. After little time, they get dingy and need to be replaced.
Kitchen
You’ll spend a lot of time in your kitchen cooking family meals and socializing with friends. Don’t go cheap on your pots and pans. Select higher end, cast iron skillets and stainless steel sauce pans and sauté pans. You don’t need a lot of cooking gear, so spend more on each piece rather than purchasing too many of a less expensive item.
A great set of knives will serve you well in the kitchen too. Buy a set to display in a countertop butcher’s block or magnetic knife holder for a decorative accent in any kitchen.
If you’re in the market for some small appliances, think about what you’ll really need and use. Not every family is going to juice every day, prepare meals fresh with the food processor or pull out the toaster oven. Don’t overbuy on these small appliances, and be especially careful about single-use appliances, to keep your kitchen clear of clutter and easy to work in.
Décor
This is probably the most fun item to purchase, and it’s the one that the most people go overboard with. Don’t purchase too many purely decorative items. Instead, keep your home simplistic and streamlined. Hang up pictures and display plants and other decorative features that you really love rather than purchasing everything you see. Also, put most of your focus on buying couches, end tables, a great coffee table, fantastic lighting and other functional pieces to get the most bang for your buck.
It’s natural to feel excited when you first move into your new Calgary home, but don’t let those purchases get away from you. Think smart, decide what you really need and only shop with your list in hand. This will help you to get the most for your money and put together a home that your family can truly enjoy.