Furnishing your first home with second-hand finds: how to collect it all without a van

Getting the keys to your first place is a brilliant feeling. Then you walk into the empty rooms and realise you need a sofa, a bed, a table and somewhere to put your clothes. Lots of people furnish their first home with second-hand finds from Marketplace, Gumtree, charity shops and family, and it's a great way to get good-quality pieces. The tricky part is that they're usually spread across different towns, and most of us don't own a van.

Here's a simple way to plan it.

1. Make a list before you buy

Measure each room, the front door and the stairs, and note them on your phone. Then, when you spot a sofa or wardrobe, you'll know straight away whether it'll fit through the door.

2. Ask each seller the same few questions

- What are the rough sizes? - Does it come apart, and are the fixings together? - Which floor is it on, and is there parking nearby? - Can they hold it until a set day?

3. Group your pickups

If you can, line up collections for the same day or weekend. Ask sellers whether they're happy for a driver to collect on your behalf, and swap phone numbers so the driver can let them know when they're on the way.

4. Getting it all home

If it won't fit in your car, you can post the job free on Pink Pumpkin Logistics (https://pinkpumpkinlogistics.co.uk), a UK site where local drivers quote and you choose the one you're happy with. There's no obligation to accept a quote. You can list all the pickup towns in one job, or post separate jobs. Include the items, sizes, floors at each end and the times that suit.

(Honest note: this is our own site. We move items only, so putting furniture together, and clearing anything you don't want, is down to you.)

5. If money's tight

If you're struggling to afford the basics, there are local furniture charities and reuse projects that can help, often through a referral from your housing officer, council or Citizens Advice. Many of them deliver too, so ask them first.

6. Make it yours

Once everything's in, give it a clean, add a few cushions or plants, and enjoy it. Second-hand furniture brings a bit of character to a first home.