Circular wins for your new home

Shop pre-loved first

See what is available at your local charity shops, Habitat for Humanity or other second hand shops in Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht or search online at DoneDeal.ie, Adverts.ie, on Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted. Local auction houses and carboot sales can be found on our events page. Keep an eye on quality, and know that help is never far away

Choose flexible pieces

Adaptable furniture that moves with you can last you multiple rooms and homes. Think longer term and choose pieces you truly love.

Invest wisely

A good mattress might be worth buying new, but things like chairs or interior decoration choices are often perfect for pre-loved picks. For example, purchasing paint can prove prohibitive for some, but there are incredible options if you know where to look. For furniture, simple DIY skills can help too.

Consider renting

Short-term furniture rental may suit people with uncertain long-term living situations.

Buy refurbished appliances

Refurbed.ie, Budget Appliances and Buy It Direct could help you plan your kitchen. Check out our maintenance tips to keep them going longer.

Energy efficiency saves

A-rated appliances might cost more up front, but they could cut bills for years.

Choose multi-use items

Space matters. A food processor works harder than single-use gadgets, as do cast-iron pans that go from the oven to the hob oven to hob.

Essentials

Start with basics, add items only if you actually need them. Things like glasses, plates and cutlery can be found in charity shops, often in perfect condition.

Join local groups

Facebook groups are great for surfacing support. Joining WhatsApp groups, or seeking out online or in-person community notice boards can help, too

Find sharing networks

Where is your nearest tool library? Are there community gardens you can take knowledge and support from? Mud Island Community Garden offers a library of things to their members including everything from drills to a bike stands. Find a swap or pop up library near you on our events page

Discover local services

RepairMyStuff.ie is great for finding repair shops, ask neighbours for recommendations on supports closer to home. Great supports can be found here, and courses are available for many projects. Find more sharing and other circular spaces in Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht.

Start conversations

Borrow a drill, offer to share what you have, join community events and neighbourhood Whatsapp groups

Start with simple fixes

Unblocking drains, bleeding radiators, basic painting touch-ups - you can find great help on YouTube

Know your limits

If in doubt, it's always best to call professionals (especially when it comes to gas or electrical works)

Build reliable contacts

Good plumbers, electricians and more can come from neighbour recommendations

Join workshops

Look for local repair cafés, community centers, or hardware store demos. You could transform that charity shop find with a simple upholstery or polishing workshop by The Dublin Polishers or Revamp Tramp. Find other events and workshops at our events page.

Your new home is the perfect time to build habits and relationships that cut waste and save money long-term. You might not be in a position to hit every point on this page. Start with what feels manageable – every connection and skill adds up.