When one of the major items in your home decides to stop working, it can be an expensive time for your family. You need to get a new one as soon as possible, but this can lead to impulse buying which is never a good thing. Here are eight things you must do when you need to buy new items for your home and don’t want to spend too much.
Check if you can fix the item first
One of the first things you should do when something breaks in your home is to check that it can’t be fixed first. You don’t want to end up spending a few hundred dollars on something that could have been fixed easily. Therefore, ask a family friend to come and have a look at the item first to see if they know what’s wrong. You could also call a specialist who may be able to diagnose the issue and be able to fix it for you. Remember to check if the item is still within its guarantee, as they may be able to come out and replace it with a new one for you. If it’s not working because of a fault you caused, you could always claim it on your insurance. You may have to pay an excess charge, but it will likely be less than a new item will cost.
Look for coupons and deals online
Another thing you must do when you need to buy new items for your home is look for coupons and deals online. You may be able to find a good percentage off an item such as a TV or a fridge which could save you a lot of money. You should sign up to stores email alerts so you can find out when they are doing a discount. You can also look on sites such as Groupon, which do vouchers on household products. That way, you know you are getting a good deal on the item.
Make sure you check online reviews before buying anything
You should also be making sure you check online reviews before you buy any items for your home. You don’t want to end up spending money on something that won’t last two minutes. You need to research about the product and check out what websites are saying about how it works and whether there are any issues. You can also find the best reviews at Smart Consumer so you can validate your decision about purchasing an item. Don’t make an impulse decision because you are desperate for a new product for your home. If you are unsure about anything, you should ask a sales assistant for advice on the item. They should be able to inform you of it’s best features, and they might recommend you a different one that’s more suited to your needs.
Ask family and friends if they know anyone selling one
Another thing you must do when you need to buy new items for your home is check if you know anyone that is selling one first. Ask your friends and family if they know someone who has one they would like to get rid off. That way, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on the item if it’s second hand. Of course, there’s no point getting one from someone that’s really old as it won’t end up lasting long. But sometimes you can find some great deals on items some families have only had a year or two. You can also check on auction sites like Ebay to see what people are selling that you can have in your home.
Make sure you test new ones first
You need to make sure you test new items before you make a purchase an item for your home. You may not actually like it when you get it home, so ensure you have a go when you are in the shop. Test out the television to make sure it has a great range of functions you will use in your home. Also, have a look inside the washing machine and ask the sales assistant to explain the different buttons. It will help you to know you are making the right choice.
Consider the time of the year
Another thing you must do when you need to buy new items for your home is to consider the time of year. There are certain times of the year that items will be a lot cheaper to go and purchase. As it says in this feature, at the end of the month and on weekdays you are bound to get some great deals on items. You can also find some major appliances at a cheaper rate during the holiday season and the start of the year.
You check how much energy it uses
You should also be making sure you check how much energy or water the item uses when you buy it. You need to make sure it’s energy efficient so that you don’t end up spending a fortune on bills. For example, top freezers are a lot more energy efficient. You should read more about buying appliances here; it will save you a lot of money in the long run if it doesn’t use as much energy.
Make sure you choose something that will fit
Another thing you must do when you need to buy new items for your home is to make sure you choose something that will fit properly. You need to measure the area so you know the exact measurements of the space where the item will go in. There’s nothing worse than choosing something and then finding it won’t fit when you get home.
You need to check the guarantee of the product before you buy a new item for your home. If it has a long guarantee, you will be able to contact them if something goes wrong with the item. You should find out an estimated lifespan of an item before your purchase, so you know you are making the right decision.
Before purchasing items, I do try to check reviews. I think that is important, and I do remember to make sure the item fits before I purchase. That can be a worry!
twinkle at optonline dot net
These are great tips. I always do a lot of research before making a big purchase.