After a 5.5 year wait on the list following the breakdown of my marriage, i have been offered a council house. In the mean time i have been privately renting, which has been mostly funded by Universal Credit top ups to my wages previously, more recently, student loans as im a student nurse. Ive had bad luck with private renting, my first the landlords marriage also broke down and she required it bac, the second the landlord passed away and the family sold the house, so we are in the 3rd house in 5 years. Secure housing is my wish for my children. Im a single mum to 3 teenagers, and as they get closer and closer to adult hood, affording my rent has been a constant source of worry. I didnt want them to finish school and immediately be responsible to contributing to the house, and nor could i on nurses pay, afford the rent in the local area alone. A council house until i can afford my own home again is a godsend. I am extremely grateful for the offer. This reduction in rent and security will be life changing for us.
However, council houses come without carpets, my rented property includes white goods, my furniture isnt all suitable for the new place (ie. my children currently have cheap double beds, these wont fit into new bedrooms), and my sofa is too large for the new property. I have been offered a decoration grant, and whilst that is appreciated, the colour of the walls makes no difference to me in the immediate future. A safe secure affordable home is the priority. But i need to cook, and wash clothing.
I have a microwave, and an airfryer in the mean time, but i need to source these items.
Ive checked facebook marketplace, ebay, and preloved. Can anyone suggest anywhere else i can search for these items, so i can give my children a home they can bring friends to and enjoy and know it is there safe place for as long as they need it?