Redecorate current house or wait until I move to decorate new property?

[KrystalKrystal]

I'm currently in a housing association property but due to move to a more suitable home because of one of my children's medical needs who requires certain medical equipment installed (we're in band B).

I've been holding off on redecorating as I was hoping we'd be moved by now, however I've been bidding for the last three years and keep coming up as number 1-5, 11-20 in latest bid or not prioritised (as we're not homeless but homeseeker and those who are homeless have priority on majority of properties). I understand many are also bidding and some have been on the list longer.

I'm wondering if I should redecorate now or just wait and use that money to decorate the new house? (Which is what I originally intended) As the garden is overgrown and needs to be cut and cleared out, we could do with new flooring upstairs only as I hate the current carpet, new beds and mattresses are also needed. I feel that we would at least be more comfortable in our home while waiting to move, as I hate it (its not in a bad state, just needs a bit of updating) but I'm wondering is it a waste of money to do this now? However, we could be here another three years minimum. I do work full time.

What do you think?

As you have already waited 3 years, i would decorate. Living in limbo waiting is bad enough, worse when you need to renovate.
I would do it as cost effectively as you can. Clearing the garden doesnt have to cost much. I would start with that, as you can use it over summer. People are often giving/selling garden items away for cheap or free on facebook. Try plants in pots that you can move with if you want.
Beds will move with you, so go for itm and carpet - keep an eye on facebook, or try a local supplier, they may have a good deal.

Thank you. That's my thinking the new furniture we'd just take with us anyway so its not a complete loss to buy. I'd have to hire someone to clear and cut the garden as I can't do it myself.

Do you know anyone with teens who are willing to clear it? For pay, obviously. Just thinking of ways to try and save incase you suddenly get a house.

That's a very good idea, thank you. I'll ask around

I've had a lightbulb 💡moment. I'm actually quite good at DIY so could attempt the upstairs flooring myself. I've never installed flooring before but in my youth did many home DIY projects, however am unsure if I have the patience to do it now 😂.

I would start on the garden and buy a few tools which will be useful for new house, or look for them on Facebook marketplace.

We moved and the garden was hugely overgrown as previous owner was ill, I couldn’t walk at the time as needed surgery but it was surprising how much I could do sitting in a chair and doing small areas at a time, it all adds up and the garden is unrecognisable 2 years later.

I actually put my property on here to ask people, plus also asked some AI tools to see if it would be a good investment to decorate the property and would I get money back. For me it was... about £3000 spend and likely about £20000 upside.

I started decluttering two years before I downsized. Now every piece I have in the new home is used. No excess pieces gathering dust. Minimalism in the new home is great - more time to activities I enjoy.

It's housing association, not owned.

@KrystalKrystal what's in your contract re the state of the garden when you leave??

don't you want to get it done first your own use? It's not decorating.

i wouldn't bother with changing the carpet if it's just not liking it. How much time do you spend looking at the upstairs carpet? Save that money for your new place (🤞🏼)

if you can afford it & they really need replacing for comfort, not just looks, then I'd get the new beds.

I was thinking the garden has to be cleared either way as I don't want to get charged by my HA when we do eventually move. I know someone that happened to.

Grr it keeps 'dropping' quotes!! My comment about housing association was to @Littlebeausheepish

@KrystalKrystal yeah, that's what I figured, so you might as well get the garden done now & at least get some enjoyment/use out of it!! The app 'Nextdoor' for my area is FULL of adverts & recommendations at all levels!

Hi @KrystalKrystalis Gumtree active in your area? In my area there are lots of free/ low cost items that might help you sort out your current home without costing you too much?

I'll check out Next door. Thanks

I completely forgot about Gumtree. I'll try then too. Thanks

İf it's three years minimum and you have the time, I'd definitely redecorate. You can always take the flooring with you if you invest in wooden flooring.

Are you managing okay without being able to install the medical equipment?