Starting fresh on my own with my DCs. How much dosh do I need?

[LalasMama]

I have decided after months of frustration, to leave DP. We have two DC together. They are 2 and 1 yo.
I have viewed 3 houses to rent today and have decided on one. The rent is 525pm and I need a months rent and 500 bond up front. I have enough for that. I will be starting completely from scratch. All I shall be taking with me is washing machine and tumble drier, a cot and double bed, small tv and 2 chests of drawers. The house I have chosen has fitted wardrobes in all 3 bedrooms so wont need wardrobes.

How much do I realistically need to get me started?

TIA

I would tell people you are on the look out for furniture and if they know of anyone who has stuff they want to shift on then you would be interested to see if it is a very low price.

Go to auctions, we have one in my home town and dinning room tables and chairs you can pick up for 40 quid for the lot, or sofas - thats no one wants for 5- 10 pounds but you have to get home, nothing wrong with the sofas and I have seen some really decent quality sofas (better than warehouse types) go through for next to nothing.

It depends whether you want only new or are happy with pre loved items

If you're unemployed you can apply for a community care grant £1500. Alternativley check out free cycle etc. Where in the country are you? I know lots of places in Cheshire that do v discounted furniture.

I'm employed (although low income) so dont think I'm entitled to any grants or anything. Not fussy on whether things are new or used. Just trying to work out how much everything will cost me. Already sorted a sofa and it's brown leather so should easily find a chair or something to go with it.

Definitely sign-up for free-cycle in your area. You will probably be able to get lots of the things you need for free from their. And of course, recycling is very green!

Go to the CAB or social services and ask for a referral to your local furniture project, you can pick up everything you need for

Seconding the Freecycle suggestion. Also, try Freegle. You can put up a 'wanted' request there- people are very helpful, I find.

I suggest you draw up a list defining:

• essentials
• could do without for a while

Concentrate on getting the essentials like sofas and wait til you're more on your feet to get everything on the second list.