I hope you enjoy today's more casual video, talking all things moving, trying to do it sustainably, second hand furniture and much more. Please see all the extensive time stamps so you can skip between the parts you're most interested in xx Also apologies for the auto focus sound, I didn't realise this when filming!
Definitely no regrets on the King size bed. You spend SO much of your life in there. As my dad always says (about my mum): "you can always go visit each other but its nice to have your space sometimes too" lol. ALSO: I definitely recommend two desks, ideally on opposite sides of the flat! This means you can have video calls or move around and not disturb the other.
I never buy things that go together, I just buy things I like. Things end up going together because I tend to like particular things, and the eclectic blend we end up with is a style unto itself! I definitely really love keeping it organic, I find it reduced my anxiety about desifn
Not sure if anyone has yet mentioned this in the comments. But there are also buy nothing groups on facebook that connect you to your neighborhood. It's a great place to get second hand items for free when your neighbors are done using them. Also I have heard that habitat for humanity has large stores of second hand furniture.
I feel like photos really help make houses feel cozy, and picture frames are sooooo common at thrift stores. It's an inexpensive way to decorate, and make your place feel more personal. Also, flea markets are a great way to find secondhand and antique furniture and they're pretty common in most areas of the US.
You will have NO problem buying second hand in the U.S., we have thrift stores everywhere! Tons have great furniture. Garage sales are also a really big thing, and you may have better luck finder really good quality stuff there.
This might be a bit of a basic decorating tip, but house plants make everything cozy. I've gotten a lot of cuttings from family and friends too, which is a pretty sustainable way of decorating your house too, I think. I use a lot of recycled bits to put plants in, mugs and teacups from charity shops, glass jars for propagation. Kokedama plants are cute too, and you can make them with some foraged moss, rope and potting soil. I've made a moss pole from a branch I found, and covered it with moss using a bit of wire. A few candles in upcycled jars and pots also go a long way.
I wanna say, I've been living at my current place for two years and I've only really felt "done" with it recently. Started with a skeleton of a bed, table, couch and shelf and built it up from there. So try to enjoy the process and allow it to take its time! I also wouldn't worry too much about a certain style. I buy things that feel "me" and they totally mismatch on any colour scheme. If anything, a bit of mismatch can be super cosy. I'm super inspired by the interior design of the Pettson and Findus comics, as well as series "Love Is" by the artist Puuung. They look super second-hand-y as well.
The Sorry Girls are a Canadian DIY/design channel who prioritize second hand and sustainable sourcing and practices. I'm american and would recommend their guides on how to find second hand items since most of their advice works for the US as well
Take in mind (when you start buying things) to do it in order of priorities. It's more important to buy the sofa and then see what rug goes with it, that the other way around. Other than that... just enjoy the process. Sometimes we get in the mind of "I need to finish this" and don't take the time to appretiate the process of you 2 living together for the first time 🥰
So exciting your visa is moving along! Agree with others here - king bed is definitely worth it, I have the Avocado (vegan) and love it! It is on the firmer side, so that’s something to consider. Rugs can be really tough to find secondhand in the US (in my experience). That said, you may be able to find one in an estate sale (great for secondhand/vintage furniture) or perhaps at an antique store. You didn’t mention where you’re living in the US, but I definitely recommend looking into local consignment and/or thrift chains. Where I live, we have an amazing consignment chain where I’ve bought a rug, artwork, pottery, a nightstand, a table, and more.
I moved from the UK to the Netherlands in the middle of pandemic, to an empty house after renting a room in London - I feel you. I was also overwhelmed with getting things right for my first real home, making it look good. Then I realised I was trying to fit into other people's definition of success and sophistication - expressed with home decor that was supposed to be mine. Now I get things that make me smile, feel like home, draw my attention. The latter can be difficult with a minimalist mindset - but you do need to get things, some for practical reasons, some for wellbeing reasons. A set of needles and threads, and glue came handy for little repairs. Wood polish can really refresh second hand furniture.
I really like your vibe. You are always so calm and you talk in a very soothing manner, it's so comforting to listen to you. I like that you don't sound the least bit preachy or condecening - just good and cozy vibes all over
in America all places I’ve ever stayed (both apartments and houses) have all come with closets (wardrobes) so that is definitely something you can save your money on. Everything will be easy to find second hand since out here consumerism is really high; I find amazing items basically brand new! there are also groups on fb that you can get items for FREE secondhand that people are just giving away. much love from California 🫶🏼
I found that picking a certain color palette was helpful for making sure things go together. You can search online for collections of colors that go together.
My aunt is a professional interior designer, and she stands by the belief that if you put together a space intentionally and love how it looks, then it will always work, no matter what design "rules" it may or may not follow. It's so easy to get caught up in different design styles and rules, especially on Pinterest, that it can be easy to forget that your goal is putting together a space that works for you and your life, not for someone else's ideas of how you should decorate. Best of luck on your move!
shower curtains are very easy to find cheap second hand and washable, theres lots of pretty designs and they make great wall backdrops, I have one hung up behind my couch, and could also be something you use as a backdrop for filming that you can easily put up and take down
Go for the king bed if it will fit! My spouse and I got one after a year of marriage and it was the best decision we made when it comes to beds! The only new furniture we have is the bed and a couch. All the rest of our furniture is second hand, it is possible to get all your need through fbmarketplace, or thrift stores. I don’t care for super modern looks either, so it’s possible! You can do this!
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s always so helpful to hear. We’ve been talking about it a lot more since I filmed this and have been looking into sustainable mattress companies!
Absolutely get a king sized bed. You won’t regret it. Also kitchen/dining table could be the 2nd desk. Rugs, plants, and art that you buy over time will help warm up the space and make it feel like home.
Rugs, blankets, cushions and art on the walls definitely help make the most basic of set-ups cosy and full of character 🥰 As long as you choose items that you enjoy, the space will reflect your personality, which is what we're all here for! The nice thing about decorating a home as well is that you really only need a bed, somewhere to work, and stuff to eat food off immediately, and after that you can take time to figure out what you need and find what you like. I wish we'd taken more time over our apartment and gone second hand rather than just ransacking IKEA ☹️
I feel that good lighting is key for a cozy home. Maybe you could look into second hand lamps or even christmas decorations? (You know,the little lights that are put on the tree, I don't know the English word for it)
For a cosy décor, I would definitely recommend various (colourful) rugs, comfy cushions, winter (wool) blankets and summer (linen) throws, plants and more plants, dry flowers and wreaths, shelves filled with books etc. No need to buy specific decorative items, our shelves are mostly filled with colourful books spread around either vertically or horizontally, with vases with dried flowers next to and on top of them (even tall passata jars, nice beer bottles without etiquettes or memorable wine/champagne bottles - an engagement champagne bottle in our case - work, at least until you collect beautifully crafted pieces you actually want to keep forever), other natural items like big acorns or sea shells and obviously beautiful artworks that will help make your space feel like home :) Good luck with your next chapter, and don't let worries destroy the fun. It will all come together :)
Building textures is a good way to do cozy. I love a mix of linens, velvets, cottons, hessian, faux sheep skin.. if you keep your colours similar/ tonal it’ll be less ‘busy’ 🙃
I really wouldn't worry about not having a 'style' or 'taste' just buy things that you and your partner love and everything will come together over time. It really doesn't matter what other people think as long as you both like it, it's comfortable and functional for you X
Definitely go with your instinct for a larger bed. We didn't, and are in an annoying situation now where we're reluctant to upgrade because the current one is still useable. For cosiness, definitely get some cute mood lighting! Corner lamps and things like that. And try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the space 'look' good. Just by furnishing it and living in it intentionally, it will look good (and, more importantly, feel good). As a starting point though, it could help to choose a period of time whose interiors you're drawn to as an inspiration? Our house was built in the 60s so to honour that we've gone for a mid-century modern interior style with lots of colour. Anyway, enjoy the process - you've worked hard and waited so long to get here! xx
I’m so excited that your Visa process is moving along! We’re going to be so lucky to have you in the US for at least a while. As someone who has worked in the interior design business for 25 years, I’ve picked up a few tricks… first is to take your time! You don’t need to fill the place in one day. This will be such a wonderful time for both of you! You get the chance to explore your own style, and create a home that works for both of you and how you want to live and grow together. I’ve found that the best way to make a cozy home is to buy things that you both love. Somehow, they tend to fall together cohesively, even if they’re not from a specific style or period. Your loving them makes them YOUR STYLE and that’s all that matters. If, over time, something doesn’t work for you, sell it. Lol Get the king sized bed! Good sleep is crucial for a happy and productive life and it’s never the place to skimp. If you’re both working from home, get two desks. No two people work the same way and you will both need a space to focus that works specifically for you. Bookcases can be built very easily from inexpensive wood from a hardware store. My Mom was an academic and librarian and every bookcase, in my family home, was built by my parents and their friends ~ every one had a story. If I really knew you, I’d DM you but that feels a bit intrusive so if you’d like to chat please feel free to DM me and I’ll share what I’ve learned.
You'd be surprised by how much stuff you can find for free in America! It's sad but true that many Americans are hyper consumerists that don't think twice about throwing an apartments worth of furniture into the dumpster. I basically furnished half of my apartment with free finds. It did take me about 6 months but I'm proud of what I accomplished and SAVED!
Building off of that. On Facebook, you'll find lots of buy nothing communities as well. I'm part of my local neighborhoods buy nothing group and try to post there before sending things off to goodwill. (only thing is you have to be hyper vigilant to snag anything) BBC did a piece about these groups as well: ua-cam.com/video/T2Saa_NVotY/v-deo.html
Hey Immy! I really enjoyed watching this video - it was just so real! Sometimes looking at other peoples' channels and social media it can seem like everyone has everything figured out, but it can't be true. So thank you for sharing. I have moved abroad myself and moved around here lots. Every time me and my husband move to a new place, we take things super slow. We bought a new mattress but pretty much everything else is second hand. The one thing we try to get quickly is some chairs (we still don't really have a dining table, just a small cafe style folding one) so we can eat comfortably. Everything else can wait. Local second hand shops are a great place to look for used furniture, so is FB marketplace (that's in Canada). We do have some basic kitchen supplies that we keep but the majority of stuff we still get second hand every time. A lot of local landfills here have re-use tables/ sheds that people leave their unwanted stuff at and we found some great things there. Also, Le Creuset pots are my favourite but I'd recommend looking in physical charity shops instead of buying second hand online, because they are still very pricey on E-bay and such. I'm sorry you've been stressed, I totally understand. It's such a big process but it's worth it! I hope everything goes smoothly for you two!
i LOVE thesorrygirls!!! they have so many great designs!! they do all levels of diy (anything from hot glue to power tools) and they try to do everything with as little waste as possible!! 10/10 would recommend for inspo!!
In the summer and spring, there are lots of garage sales and estate sales in the suburbs. Also there's always thrift stores, habitat for humanity restore sells furniture, and facebook marketplace.
My partner and I live in a big house in the wilderness of northern 🇨🇦… neither one of us is originally from this wild paradise. Every piece of furniture in our house (with the exception of one reclining chair and our bed) is second-hand, homemade, refurbished, or passed down from our families or friends. We love to scrounge great stuff!! When I look around my home… I see CHARM, COMFORT and MEMORIES. What more could you ask for in your home? We host lots of friends, musicians, and family members in our home… they love coming here. Why am I telling you this? Well… new stuff, brand names, and fast furniture is not our style, and we have a lot of love for our little nest. Immy… I am sooo excited to follow the next chapter of your journey and see your little nest. If it’s like everything else that you do… it will be done up with sustainable style and a cozy-aesthetic that only you can do! If you’re looking for input… I would love to see more content related to this topic, as building a comfy nest is pivotal to one’s happiness and contentment at home. Thanks for this great video today, Immy. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🪑🛋🛏 PS - please tell your Mom that I think she has fabulous taste.
Hi Mary! I have the same situation in my home, with everything secondhand. My mattress was new, but that was many, many years ago! (It's a futon mattress and is still very comfortable.) But my bed frames have always been secondhand. Got my latest one from FB Marketplace. :) I'm betting your home is delightfully cozy, comfortable, and stylish in the perfect way for you and your partner. ♥♥ I totally agree with you that Immy's style will be just what she and her fiance need and will be cozy and comfortable. 😊
@@jemma50 Hey Jemma… I think as one ages there is an increased tendency to spend more time at home. In my younger days I was always on the go and staying home was kinda boring. I love staying home now, (perhaps this is a spin-off of the pandemmy)… but a cozy home makes staying home very pleasurable. Have a great weekend. Ⓜ️ary
@@marycharlebois6627 So true, Mary. I have always been a bit of a homebody, yet that seems to be increasing as I get older. A cozy home is everything to me. May your weekend be all that you need. Enjoy! ♥
Lighting (as well as textiles you've already mentioned, like rugs, blankets and curtains) also helps with making a space cozy! Having multiple fictures emitting soft light is a lot nicer on the eyes than one stark lightsource in the middle of the room, so using natural light together with smaller fictures around the space helps a lot!
I would recommend checking to see if you have a Habitat Restore in the area you move to. You can usually find pretty quality used furniture for cheap there, whereas there's mostly just pieces made from particle board and other cheap materials at thrift stores like Goodwill (or so has been my experience).
Getting second hand house furniture is such an exciting process. I have just found my dream bedroom dresser and tv cabinet (my partner cannot live without the tv) for around 200$ second hand. Same with my desk and just about everything else in the house. But yes, we also bought a brand new king size mattress.
The other thing I can think of to make things cozy in your apartment is lighting! I have a little lamp I've carried with me for a while and it adds so much to the room.
Thrifting Tip: Check to see if there are any big universities near you and if they have a surplus store. They will sell furniture items/electronics they no longer need for ridiculously cheap. I just got a fully functioning desktop monitor for $20 and they had massive desks for $15 (marked down from $30 as a Memorial Day sale).
Something my partner and I did when we moved into our current apartment was buy a second hand projector. Neither of us are big TV people, but we like to snuggle and watch movies on occasion. Having something that's not super bulky or always visible, but easy to use when we need it has worked really well for us. I think we bought ours on FB marketplace (in Seattle, WA). The only thing with a projector is you either need a good blank wall, or a white sheet!
We bought a small (600 sq ft) house 16 years ago. All our furniture (except our mattress) is second hand. We "decorate" with plants, our favorite books and very special items given to us in the past. We bring a cohesive feel by refinishing all our wood pieces in the same stain. We keep things neutral (not white) with a pop of color. We don't have a sofa or a tv, so you can definitely do without them if you want. I also don't like a lot of stuff on walls. Our space is small, so it doesn't take much to overwhelm the space. When we first moved in, we slept with our mattress on the floor. We thrifted a loveseat, a coffee table, a coffee pot and some "guest" mugs. We then took our time to pick the items we loved most (things take longer when you thrift). You don't need to get everything immediately!
My bf and I just got a king in the last year and it changed our life in a really positive way. Highly highly recommend getting a king if you have the space for it.
Hi Immy! Here are a few things I've learned from me moving in with my partner in an appt, with limited funds and a lot of hand-me-downs, thrifting, and also wanting my space feel like a home, like an interior.. * when you enter any space, whether it's a restaurant, shop, a family's or friends house, look around critically and try to grasp why you like or dislike it. This can help you find your own style and what you find important (ie colours matching, a lot of stuff or very minimalistic, big furniture items, use of light, wallpaper, etc...) * even if you have a smaller space, don't only use small furniture items! this can make everything look cluttered. if you can use a complete wall for a bookcase or storage or whatever, do it! having 5 little cupboards with tons on top because your nicnacs don't fit isn't gonna feel home-y. * let the decorating come naturally and gradually, and don't go adding everything at once. your style may change, you're gonna get house warming gifts, you're gonna be lacking space for this or that, you're gonna use 1 thing for multiple options, you're gonna have souvenirs,... adding over time is gonna give you the space for both saving money and really seeing what's missing. * look at your home without furniture,... what's the style of the space itself? does it have a lot of natural light? do you have a nature or city view? do you have high ceilings or sconces? What's the color of the floor? These things are harder/impossible to change, and can really make or break your interior with everything you add. If you have a lot of natural sunlight fe, warm tones are gonna be extra beautiful. * try to be honest about what kind of person you are. If you don't clean a lot, don't add a lot of 'clutter' on your surfaces. Don't think 'now i'm gonna be totally different' because you won't be :D and even if you get to that point, let that come naturally and don't make it too difficult in the beginning. if you're looking at a table to thrift but there's a bit of work to it to make it your vibe, try to see if you're *actually* going to do it, if you have the time, place, money and energy, or if you'd better wait for another option. buffing and painting big furniture probably isn't going to happen if you live in a tiny appartment. * go to the library or borrow some interior magazines. They come with so much inspiration and they give more info on *why* something looks so good and put together than social media. * use your wall space. paint or put up wall paper, hang frames or mirrors, put plants higher up. and for the frames: do as the musea and galleries do: not too high; eye level is best. * do trust yourself a bit and choose things you actually love. you may consider of course, but don't overthink everything. If your heart's set on a bright yellow coach, well, then buy it! it's your house, your home, and if it makes your heart skip a beat, you won't regret it when the trends change or if someone comments on the fact that you "should buy a neutral couch and decorate only with pillow covers" * when going to buy a couch, sit/hang/lay in it like you would at home when you're alone, not like how you would sit visiting someone. It should be comfy, cosy, and support you. I wish you both the best of luck with everything coming your way!
loved this video! I'm very excited to see more videos about your move and your new home. I moved from germany to new zealand because of my boyfriend and lived there for the past 2,5 years. (we are now moving to germany so i can study). I know how stressful the visa process is (even though I think nothing is as strict as the US). I also couldn't work for about 6 months while i was applying and waiting for the visa. It was a very hard and depressing time for me because i was home alone all day with nothing to do, in a city I didn't know and without any friends or people to talk to. I really recommend you to look for volunteer work, hobbies and meet ups in your area so you can create a good routine and have some social contact next to your partner while you're unable to work. Otherwise it can feel very dependent and lonely. But its also incredibly exciting to live in a new country and it will be awesome for you to have that experience. I've lived in Scotland and Australia too and the US would be next on my wish list but unfortunately its nearly impossible to get a visa for work if you don't have a partner.
If you buy a fabric sofa hire a professional carpet cleaner machine. I lent my couch to my sister and she has a dog so when she returned it was covered in dog hair. After I shampooed it clean it literally came out brand new. It’s something that would be great to periodically do to really clean it up too
When it comes to finding your style, I'd trust yourself more. I love my parent's style and have always seen it as very put together, but they've both remarked that they've just bought pieces that they like, and now there's a very cohesive style that has come out of it. For me, a similar thing has unfolded with my first apartment. I love hard wood and the color blue, and that shows up so much in my space and I think my apartment looks really cute and cohesive even though I didn't put a ton of specific thought into it You've got this!
These things have a way of working out in the long-run. Try not to let the anxiety get the best of you and just enjoy each day as it comes. Also, I wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself for your apartment to "look good for filming." I watch the channels I watch for the creator's personality, not for whatever's in the background. If we see a background that's more Immy instead of Immy's mom's decorating style, well, then I'll feel like I know you better, and that's great, whatever your "style" is -- even if it's literally weeks of moving boxes!
If you’re looking for all of the little things your might need (say for your kitchen) another thing you might want to try is an estate sale! Not sure if they have those in the UK, but in the US sometimes when people move or if the owner of a house has passed away, they sell everything in a large sale that usually takes place over a few days. If you go towards the end of the sale you can get a better price you can find all of the kitchenware or furniture items you might need secondhand and all in one place!
I know you have some roots in Michigan! I think you may really like Traverse City. There are great movie theatres, co-op grocery stores, a zero waste shop, nature and it’s extremely walkable/walkable if you can move closer into town. Home is where the heart is, wherever you choose will be magic! As for design advice my father-in-law once told me “slowly buy what you love, and once it’s in your home it will all look good together.” Good luck!!
Relax and go slowly. My husband and I just bought things that we both liked. In 40 years there have only been 2 paintings that we both love. Useful pieces of furniture that can be quite eclectic when put together. When a new piece comes into your space give yourself time to adjust to it. Some of our few pieces have a Chinese influence, others classic, some more modern. Choose a base colour for furniture and add more colour into accessories as you need. And enjoy the slow, well thought out process. It is fun and if homely and comfortable is want you are going for then trust that it will happen. There is no one or right way.....
How exciting!! I will say, I feel like US secondhand shops are…less great than the UK. At least, the big box stores are. My biggest issue with secondhand furniture has always been transport, as neither me nor my partner have a large car so I often can’t buy things secondhand that I really want to 😭
If you move to a place with a lot of rentals, going through the alleys/garbage pickup at the end of the month can be useful! A lot of people put out decent furniture (my desk chair is a garbage chair I've had for two years now), and even if you don't find anything, it can be kind of a fun walk looking at everyone's trash!
Craigslist is a good resource for second hand stuff. Its like Facebook Marketplace but not on Facebook. Also chairs are a really easy thing to forget that you need but when you get to your brand new empty apartment, one of the first things you’ll think is “where are we going to sit?” And it’s nice to have a few extra when you have people over for dinner or something.
I'm not sure what area you're moving to, but I live in the US and you're right that most of these things are gonna be easy to find second hand! Most towns I've been to have no shortage of giant thrift stores, and Facebook marketplace is definitely a thing although I only have one astounding success story with it :) I don't find as many treasures there as most UK vloggers I've seen! I would HIGHLY recommend going to estate sales if there are any near you because you know the furniture is in good working order and the prices are usually great. It's also a good way to find kitchen appliances and tools if you'll be needing those. This is such an exciting process and I think you're right to take it slow and gradually accumulate things you actually like rather than buying something that'll do. I've really been enjoying your channel lately and love how you prioritize sustainability!!
Good lighting can really help a space feel warm and cozy! I live in a rental with all white walls and to make things less sterile we got some lamps with different colour lamp shades that create warm pink and orange and yellow mood lighting. One or two depending on the size of a room is plenty!
Definitely get a king bed! Even if the room only just fits it. Best decision ever. .. for style, I echo the advice above to just pick things that speak to you because it will all form a style together. Don't doubt yourself. ... I love your comment on taking it slow. I struggled with this bc I felt like we needed a table and chairs, for example, right away. We ended up using hand me downs and never replacing but I do think if you can find something used for cheap cheaper that you can then use asap and then resell when you find something else that suits you, that's not a bad idea for a few staples like a desk for your partner or anything else that feels essential. Also consider refurbishing or making your own for some things. Ie. You can attach a piece of wood to a wall near your bed to make a floating night stand. And a lot of times you can find scrap wood posted for free online. I built my son a club house and a good portion of it was someone's old deck fence because they didn't like the style even though it was in perfect shape. I love those finds!! ... Also for decor, you can position your items to looks asthetically pleasing and not just like storage - things like your cameras and books, hats, jewelry, etc. So you don't end up buying decor but you are still styling. ... Also second hand pots and propagated plants are my favorite design. .... Good luck. Deep breath. You got this.
Definitely go for two separate desks, in separate rooms/ walls if you have space. Sometimes it’s annoying to have someone beside you when you’re trying to work, or they might need to make conference calls.
Posh and Lavish mattresses are the best! I highly recommend checking them out. My husband and I got one 5 years ago and we still talk about how it was the best purchase we’ve ever made. Highly recommend getting their pillows too. It’s like sleeping on a cloud. ☁️ 😴 and they are made in California!
Hi, I've been watching your videos for years but it's my first time commenting. I am American, I've moved internationally 4 times, we are currently in Germany. My experience is that shipping anything, particularly now, is prohibitively expensive. So, I recommend just bringing things you cannot replace in the US because, as you say, things can be much less expensive to replace compared to shipping them. If you can manage to just bring everything with you on the plane, paying for extra luggage will be cheaper than shipping or sending boxes via DHL or FEDEX. Remember, Americans consume a lot more than other countries, so they dispose of items a lot more, thus the reason second hand shops are so big. Anyway, my 2 cents. Glad your immigration process is moving along, those things are never easy, no matter the country. Good luck!
I wouldn’t worry too much about furnishing your place until you get it. You may find that things like a coffee table won’t work but a couple of end tables do…but you really won’t know until you get your place. Personally…I feel that you should focus on your visa’s & just saving, saving, saving. I’m in Southern California & we have stores here called 99 cent stores where you can get inexpensive New items like cutlery, kitchen items, etc so I think you’ll be fine about the furnishing bit. My one thing I had to discover about having my own place & furnishing it was…I realized I like straight angles, not rounded…like my bed’s headboard, my furniture, my dining table…Square/straight edges make me happy whereas rounded really made me feel unsettled. Sounds weird but it made a HUGE difference when buying items. Blessings & Hugs! 🧡🌻
I relate so much with the US visa stuff and moving to a new country. Just wanted to let you know there's a light at the end of the tunnel of paperwork and immigration fees. For UA-cam designers, I recommend Mr. Kate, Her 86m2, XO MaCenna, The Sorry Girls and Lone Fox. All of these use a ton of secondhand stuff when designing.
I love your approach to your home - It needs to be comfy and personal. It does not need to be a perfect space for anyone else but you and your fiancé. Life is never perfect. I haven't owned a TV ever since I was a late teenager and I'm now 30. Love it
So looking forward to following this journey! I moved in with my partner 2 years ago, furnishing a 2 bed flat for £1200, entirely secondhand bar a mattress and record player. We forgot toaster and kettle, storage bits, extension cords. Hermonine Chantel is great for secondhand house decor inspiration!
The book Buy Me Once has a very helpful guide to figuring out you style, be it in clothing or in interior or something else. Worth checking out, because it saved you a lot of time and frustration when looking for furniture if you know what would fit in your dream space
get the biggest and baddest bed - you spend a lot of time in it and it is a major feature, especially in a small apartment. And the king size is great! I have it, even as a single.. love the space when just throwing myself on the bed… 😁
Wonderful video! When my sister moved out into her first apartment when she was in college, we drove around the campus and found SO many sofas on the side of the road! We surprisingly found a nice sofa that fit her apartment, and it was free! The only hard part was driving home with a sofa on the car 😆
My bf built me a desk hutch with repurposed wood and at some point will build me a new desk the same way. When we get married I am 100% having him build us bookshelves because books are required lol, plus as you said you can put other stuff on them too. Also basically every bedroom is designed with a closet but depending on the apartment they can be quite small, probably not a problem for you but a note nonetheless.
For coziness, I recommend accent lights with warm or soft white lightbulbs instead of overhead lights and cool white lightbulbs. Spaces also look more elegant with less furniture and if there is some space between the furniture and the wall, rather than pushing the furniture against the wall. Also minimize the number of colors you have in the space for a more cohesive look. These are all things that have worked for me at least. Hope they help!
My partner and I moved into an unfurnished place for the first time last year and tried to buy mostly second hand furniture although we struggled with Facebook marketplace a bit bc we don’t have a car to pick stuff- so British heart foundation was our saviour because they deliver! I know Pinterest can be good for ideas but you definitely want it to feel your own- we’re both very colourful people so have made furniture that’s otherwise quite boring very us by painting our chairs, wardrobe, chest of drawers and even picture frames. Or if that’s not your vibe, just re-varnishing the top of our dining room table made it look soooo much nicer. So I guess my advice would be not to only look at how furniture looks already but more at how good quality it is, and if you could make it your own. If you have solid wood furniture then it’s a lot easier to make it your own (bc you can sand, paint and varnish more easily). Also just know that it takes time to get it to feel right, but it’s worth the time and effort to make it feel like your home! Good luck with everything!!
One thing I’ve done is use canva (or anything similar) to visualize the sizing of items. I make a canvas that correlates to the size of the room, then make some rectangles that measured to the size of a couch/rug/etc to see if it all would fit. Not perfect, but it definitely helped!
eBay is really good for secondhand things, you’ll find lots of those Le Creuset pans on there. And definitely get a king size bed - it’s SO important for sleeping well
A major help is to choose three of your favourite colours and bius cushions, furniture, blackets and other objects in those colours. This will make eveyrthing fall into place visually without a feeling of mess. You couldn't imagin what a difference this makes. The number 3 is powerful haha
If you have the space, I would definitely go for the king bed (but measure the room first!) Especially if pets are in your future. My husband and I have 2 cats, and even with a king, it sometimes still feels too small 😁 I've also heard advice to try to accumulate pieces slowly, that way you kind of learn what you need and what feels right in the space. (Might be harder since you are a UA-camr and might need a background, but I know The Simple Environmentalist just had a wall she decorated for her videos, but only bought things she needed and didn't try to fill up the space just to fill up the space. As far as making things cozy, lighting can go a long way. And a projector might be a good compromise between having a large screen when you need it, but not wanting a television taking up attention in the room.
Hey Maria… are you Maria who also follows Immy on Patreon? (If not, please ignore this comment.). If so, I wanted to say a sincere Thank-you for your lovely reply to my question about etiquette on social media regarding lengthy comments. I tried to Reply to your thoughtful and kind compliment on Patreon but there is no “Reply” icon (other than to write a comment in response to the creator’s post). I really appreciated the lovely compliment that you wrote and I highly respect what you have to say. Your words really put my mind at ease and helped to eliminate a bit of my self-consciousness about being long-winded and long-worded. Thanks again for the time and thought that you put into your response. I really appreciate it!! Have a great upcoming weekend. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary PS - I totally agree with measuring the bedroom space first before buying a king size bed… a big bed can swallow up a tiny room.
We spend 30% of our lives in bed. I know you already know this, but I think it's important to emphasize. Invest in a bed you will love and rest well in. If you want a big one, get a big one and use that under-bed real-estate for storage. My bed is 16" tall so I keep my off season clothes, instruments, and extra bedding below. I'm a Brit living in Michigan and I swear by FB Marketplace and local church thrift stores. Fyi I found a le creuset for $7 at one. Oh yes and good ol' garage sales! Also, pro tip for surviving long winters here is to fill your home with cozy organic materials. Jute baskets over plastic baskets, wood furniture over faux wood laminate furniture, and fabrics made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, etc.).
I think you may enjoy watching The Sorry Girls channel. They are based in Canada, but have been doing makeover and DIY projects for years now. They also take on projects in the states especially fellow Utubers. Perhaps they could help you. They also thrift all the time, so who knows.
Not sure if you'll see this since it's not a super recent video but my husband and I just moved 1000 miles from Houston, TX to Denver, CO. I know you had previously mentioned you may move to Colorado and it has been amazing here so far and we've only been here 4 days! And we have got a ton of furniture off of FB marketplace. I honestly prefer it lately to thrift stores bc you can search exactly what you want without having to comb through multiple stores and we've also got so much for free.
You can watch how-to videos on interior design. I really like Nick Lewis but he mostly does critiques I find haha- I also don't like encouraging people to buy ikea stuff but anyway. I'm glad I'm not alone in that I'll be furnishing my first flat at 30- I've always lived in at least partially furnished places. Also, thinking about decluttering- I literally just moved across the world (and about to move again), I got rid of so, so much stuff (even though I thought I was a minimalist before). Moved over with 2 suitcases and within the first month got rid of at least another 10 items haha. Don't stress too much- we can never be perfect. I'll try again this time but I have no doubt I'll transport some stuff I don't really need.
There are sooo many thrift stores here in the US! I like watching lone fox and the sorry girls for thrift shop home decor ideas:). Also you should set cost limits for each room like $500 for the bedroom and show us how you do it!
Loved this video, I’m so excited for you, Immy! I always watch your videos when I’m stressed because they’re so calming 🥰 The Lone Fox on UA-cam does great beginner interior design videos!
I am renovating a living room with my husband and also had this worry that I won't be able to put it together the way how I see things on Pinterest pictures. I'd recommend watching Posh Pennies on UA-cam - she gives great tips of do's and don'ts for interior design. I think the most valuable advice is to choose your colour palette and buy things one at a time starting with the bigger, more expensive stuff and adding layers as you go. If you wonder whether something would match - you can check on Pinterest if anyone has combined those colours or textures before and how they'll look. For instance, I was wondering whether brass coloured sockets would look good on grey walls or my featured wall (with grey and burgundy colours). I looked on Pinterest and it actually looked great. Now we've put them on the walls and they look great indeed and give a more expensive feel to the room.
This is a really exciting time for you both. Regarding the La Creuset pots and pans, they are amazing but I’ve tried shop own brands in the UK and they are great. Lots available second hand, both on Facebook marketplace and EBay.
I'd recommend second hand Ikea furniture, both from Facebook marketplace and the As/Is section at the store. It's easy to match the pieces, their furniture is also very easy to resell if you decide that you are not using something enough, plus the stores now carry spare parts.
Hello Immy, I have been watching your videos for about 2 years now and always look forward to them, for so many reasons.😁 Moving overseas is such an exhilarating time. When I was about your age, maybe a bit younger, I Emmigrated to Australia. I really identify with your experience. We sold a lot of our stuff; some that I later regretted! Some of the tips I have to offer are around the culture shock that comes with the transition from being in a place as a visitor and living there. We all think we are familiar with a place, until we live somewhere on a more permanent basis. Maybe you are already across this-I certainly thought I was. I recommend taking with you things that remind you of the UK & your own cultural roots; it was a shock to me that despite my move being happy & exciting, (and I was so ready for it) after the initial period, late in the first year or so, I felt homesick! I never thought of myself as having a ‘culture’ until after I moved; then I realised that we all have that, no matter how globalised we think our world is! I never expected this. But the home comforts I took helped a bit, things like the mixing bowl (my grandma used one) that I had, similar to yours/your Mum’s; favoured utensils; crockery; oh and an ‘English Tea Pot’, the brown type with cream rings around the top; a tea cosy; small linens, like tea towels and an apron. I love your idea of taking blankets from home; they will be a comfort. If I recall correctly, you are planning to live in the US for 2-3 years or so, so that may make it so different for you; I was moving for good! Also, technology was not as switched on as it is today, so that makes a BIG difference! Lastly, I love your planning in today’s vid, I think that deciding on your bed size is really key as it will dictate how big your sleeping area needs to be. Plus, It’s taking your possible future into consideration! Oh also, as you can’t work until you get your SS number, will you still film for your channel? All the best with your planning, hope this is useful! Kindly, Sharlot🌻🌱
Go for a king! Especially if you're gonna get a new, comfortable mattress go for the king so you aren't tempted to switch later. We ran into that issue. We also have an Avocado mattress so I recommend checking that out. In terms of Facebook marketplace, it's amazing. I'm in the US and I find so much there. Good luck with the rest of your visa process! My husband and I are in a similar process and it's really tough. All the positive thoughts beyond sent your way!
Not sure what part of the US you’re moving to but I know on the east coast flea markets are amazing to find art. I love bought some incredible pieces second hand for a fraction of the price
If you haven't heard of them before, local Buy Nothing groups are an amazing resource that are hyper local. (You can find your local one on their website.) Also something to keep in mind is that a lot of the larger thrift stores here reserve nicer items to sell online for a higher profit. You are more likely to find higher quality goods at garage or estate sales. There are websites dedicated to finding these in your area as well. My suggestion would be since you have the time, you can live in your space and notice what you need over time. (Do you always want to put your coffee on a side table but there isn't one? Easy fix.) I've recently started following some home decoration channels on YT that have really helped me define my décor style that might be helpful to you. One step at a time! Good luck :)
I'd think about some nightstand little tables beside bed, good chairs for workplaces, maybe some additional shelves for the kithen, depends on what it will have already. Different lamps: near bed, on the workplaces. Something for storing clothes, but as we see you are used to just reil for them, it is simple and cheap option. Some stands for little things, like bathroom stuff, electronics etc...
We do have Facebook Marketplace in the US and Craigslist and I think Offerup. There are a lot of people who have great luck finding things in thrift stores in the US but it depends on the area. Just so you know Goodwill is raising their prices in many locations so sometimes you will see that a t-shirt is $5 in Goodwill but the shirt is also $5 new. It helps to look up how much things are worth while thrifting I think. Also what you said about finding items slowly is wonderful because then you're more likely to keep the item! Good luck!
😂My spouse has a oversized floor pillow that looks more like a full bed we purchased for our last space. It's the only item he refused to let go of when we moved to our 358sq foot studio in the city. I can't have a proper sofa because of it BUT the dog and him love that huge floor pillow🤣
I hope you enjoy today's more casual video, talking all things moving, trying to do it sustainably, second hand furniture and much more. Please see all the extensive time stamps so you can skip between the parts you're most interested in xx Also apologies for the auto focus sound, I didn't realise this when filming!
Definitely no regrets on the King size bed. You spend SO much of your life in there. As my dad always says (about my mum): "you can always go visit each other but its nice to have your space sometimes too" lol. ALSO: I definitely recommend two desks, ideally on opposite sides of the flat! This means you can have video calls or move around and not disturb the other.
Excellent post
I never buy things that go together, I just buy things I like. Things end up going together because I tend to like particular things, and the eclectic blend we end up with is a style unto itself! I definitely really love keeping it organic, I find it reduced my anxiety about desifn
Not sure if anyone has yet mentioned this in the comments. But there are also buy nothing groups on facebook that connect you to your neighborhood. It's a great place to get second hand items for free when your neighbors are done using them. Also I have heard that habitat for humanity has large stores of second hand furniture.
I feel like photos really help make houses feel cozy, and picture frames are sooooo common at thrift stores. It's an inexpensive way to decorate, and make your place feel more personal. Also, flea markets are a great way to find secondhand and antique furniture and they're pretty common in most areas of the US.
You will have NO problem buying second hand in the U.S., we have thrift stores everywhere! Tons have great furniture. Garage sales are also a really big thing, and you may have better luck finder really good quality stuff there.
This might be a bit of a basic decorating tip, but house plants make everything cozy. I've gotten a lot of cuttings from family and friends too, which is a pretty sustainable way of decorating your house too, I think. I use a lot of recycled bits to put plants in, mugs and teacups from charity shops, glass jars for propagation. Kokedama plants are cute too, and you can make them with some foraged moss, rope and potting soil. I've made a moss pole from a branch I found, and covered it with moss using a bit of wire. A few candles in upcycled jars and pots also go a long way.
Wishing you lots of luck - don’t lose the joy of this special time in your life with worry about “stuff” and getting it right!
Thank you for the reminder, it’s so easy to lose sight of the joy ❤️🥰
I wanna say, I've been living at my current place for two years and I've only really felt "done" with it recently. Started with a skeleton of a bed, table, couch and shelf and built it up from there. So try to enjoy the process and allow it to take its time! I also wouldn't worry too much about a certain style. I buy things that feel "me" and they totally mismatch on any colour scheme. If anything, a bit of mismatch can be super cosy. I'm super inspired by the interior design of the Pettson and Findus comics, as well as series "Love Is" by the artist Puuung. They look super second-hand-y as well.
The Sorry Girls are a Canadian DIY/design channel who prioritize second hand and sustainable sourcing and practices. I'm american and would recommend their guides on how to find second hand items since most of their advice works for the US as well
Take in mind (when you start buying things) to do it in order of priorities. It's more important to buy the sofa and then see what rug goes with it, that the other way around. Other than that... just enjoy the process. Sometimes we get in the mind of "I need to finish this" and don't take the time to appretiate the process of you 2 living together for the first time 🥰
So exciting your visa is moving along!
Agree with others here - king bed is definitely worth it, I have the Avocado (vegan) and love it! It is on the firmer side, so that’s something to consider.
Rugs can be really tough to find secondhand in the US (in my experience). That said, you may be able to find one in an estate sale (great for secondhand/vintage furniture) or perhaps at an antique store.
You didn’t mention where you’re living in the US, but I definitely recommend looking into local consignment and/or thrift chains. Where I live, we have an amazing consignment chain where I’ve bought a rug, artwork, pottery, a nightstand, a table, and more.
I moved from the UK to the Netherlands in the middle of pandemic, to an empty house after renting a room in London - I feel you. I was also overwhelmed with getting things right for my first real home, making it look good. Then I realised I was trying to fit into other people's definition of success and sophistication - expressed with home decor that was supposed to be mine. Now I get things that make me smile, feel like home, draw my attention. The latter can be difficult with a minimalist mindset - but you do need to get things, some for practical reasons, some for wellbeing reasons.
A set of needles and threads, and glue came handy for little repairs. Wood polish can really refresh second hand furniture.
I really like your vibe. You are always so calm and you talk in a very soothing manner, it's so comforting to listen to you. I like that you don't sound the least bit preachy or condecening - just good and cozy vibes all over
Thank you so much 🙂 I would never want to preach, I think thats the best way to turn people off
in America all places I’ve ever stayed (both apartments and houses) have all come with closets (wardrobes) so that is definitely something you can save your money on. Everything will be easy to find second hand since out here consumerism is really high; I find amazing items basically brand new! there are also groups on fb that you can get items for FREE secondhand that people are just giving away. much love from California 🫶🏼
I found that picking a certain color palette was helpful for making sure things go together. You can search online for collections of colors that go together.
My aunt is a professional interior designer, and she stands by the belief that if you put together a space intentionally and love how it looks, then it will always work, no matter what design "rules" it may or may not follow. It's so easy to get caught up in different design styles and rules, especially on Pinterest, that it can be easy to forget that your goal is putting together a space that works for you and your life, not for someone else's ideas of how you should decorate. Best of luck on your move!
shower curtains are very easy to find cheap second hand and washable, theres lots of pretty designs and they make great wall backdrops, I have one hung up behind my couch, and could also be something you use as a backdrop for filming that you can easily put up and take down
Go for the king bed if it will fit! My spouse and I got one after a year of marriage and it was the best decision we made when it comes to beds! The only new furniture we have is the bed and a couch. All the rest of our furniture is second hand, it is possible to get all your need through fbmarketplace, or thrift stores. I don’t care for super modern looks either, so it’s possible! You can do this!
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s always so helpful to hear. We’ve been talking about it a lot more since I filmed this and have been looking into sustainable mattress companies!
Absolutely get a king sized bed. You won’t regret it. Also kitchen/dining table could be the 2nd desk. Rugs, plants, and art that you buy over time will help warm up the space and make it feel like home.
Rugs, blankets, cushions and art on the walls definitely help make the most basic of set-ups cosy and full of character 🥰 As long as you choose items that you enjoy, the space will reflect your personality, which is what we're all here for! The nice thing about decorating a home as well is that you really only need a bed, somewhere to work, and stuff to eat food off immediately, and after that you can take time to figure out what you need and find what you like. I wish we'd taken more time over our apartment and gone second hand rather than just ransacking IKEA ☹️
I feel that good lighting is key for a cozy home. Maybe you could look into second hand lamps or even christmas decorations? (You know,the little lights that are put on the tree, I don't know the English word for it)
For a cosy décor, I would definitely recommend various (colourful) rugs, comfy cushions, winter (wool) blankets and summer (linen) throws, plants and more plants, dry flowers and wreaths, shelves filled with books etc. No need to buy specific decorative items, our shelves are mostly filled with colourful books spread around either vertically or horizontally, with vases with dried flowers next to and on top of them (even tall passata jars, nice beer bottles without etiquettes or memorable wine/champagne bottles - an engagement champagne bottle in our case - work, at least until you collect beautifully crafted pieces you actually want to keep forever), other natural items like big acorns or sea shells and obviously beautiful artworks that will help make your space feel like home :) Good luck with your next chapter, and don't let worries destroy the fun. It will all come together :)
Building textures is a good way to do cozy. I love a mix of linens, velvets, cottons, hessian, faux sheep skin.. if you keep your colours similar/ tonal it’ll be less ‘busy’ 🙃
I really wouldn't worry about not having a 'style' or 'taste' just buy things that you and your partner love and everything will come together over time. It really doesn't matter what other people think as long as you both like it, it's comfortable and functional for you X
Definitely go with your instinct for a larger bed. We didn't, and are in an annoying situation now where we're reluctant to upgrade because the current one is still useable. For cosiness, definitely get some cute mood lighting! Corner lamps and things like that. And try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the space 'look' good. Just by furnishing it and living in it intentionally, it will look good (and, more importantly, feel good). As a starting point though, it could help to choose a period of time whose interiors you're drawn to as an inspiration? Our house was built in the 60s so to honour that we've gone for a mid-century modern interior style with lots of colour. Anyway, enjoy the process - you've worked hard and waited so long to get here! xx
I’m so excited that your Visa process is moving along! We’re going to be so lucky to have you in the US for at least a while. As someone who has worked in the interior design business for 25 years, I’ve picked up a few tricks… first is to take your time! You don’t need to fill the place in one day. This will be such a wonderful time for both of you! You get the chance to explore your own style, and create a home that works for both of you and how you want to live and grow together. I’ve found that the best way to make a cozy home is to buy things that you both love. Somehow, they tend to fall together cohesively, even if they’re not from a specific style or period. Your loving them makes them YOUR STYLE and that’s all that matters. If, over time, something doesn’t work for you, sell it. Lol Get the king sized bed! Good sleep is crucial for a happy and productive life and it’s never the place to skimp. If you’re both working from home, get two desks. No two people work the same way and you will both need a space to focus that works specifically for you. Bookcases can be built very easily from inexpensive wood from a hardware store. My Mom was an academic and librarian and every bookcase, in my family home, was built by my parents and their friends ~ every one had a story. If I really knew you, I’d DM you but that feels a bit intrusive so if you’d like to chat please feel free to DM me and I’ll share what I’ve learned.
You'd be surprised by how much stuff you can find for free in America! It's sad but true that many Americans are hyper consumerists that don't think twice about throwing an apartments worth of furniture into the dumpster. I basically furnished half of my apartment with free finds. It did take me about 6 months but I'm proud of what I accomplished and SAVED!
Building off of that. On Facebook, you'll find lots of buy nothing communities as well. I'm part of my local neighborhoods buy nothing group and try to post there before sending things off to goodwill. (only thing is you have to be hyper vigilant to snag anything) BBC did a piece about these groups as well: ua-cam.com/video/T2Saa_NVotY/v-deo.html
Hey Immy! I really enjoyed watching this video - it was just so real! Sometimes looking at other peoples' channels and social media it can seem like everyone has everything figured out, but it can't be true. So thank you for sharing. I have moved abroad myself and moved around here lots. Every time me and my husband move to a new place, we take things super slow. We bought a new mattress but pretty much everything else is second hand. The one thing we try to get quickly is some chairs (we still don't really have a dining table, just a small cafe style folding one) so we can eat comfortably. Everything else can wait. Local second hand shops are a great place to look for used furniture, so is FB marketplace (that's in Canada). We do have some basic kitchen supplies that we keep but the majority of stuff we still get second hand every time. A lot of local landfills here have re-use tables/ sheds that people leave their unwanted stuff at and we found some great things there. Also, Le Creuset pots are my favourite but I'd recommend looking in physical charity shops instead of buying second hand online, because they are still very pricey on E-bay and such. I'm sorry you've been stressed, I totally understand. It's such a big process but it's worth it! I hope everything goes smoothly for you two!
Suggestion: if you’re bringing any electronics (like say a Narwal), don’t forget to have a couple of power outlet adapters from day 1.
i LOVE thesorrygirls!!! they have so many great designs!! they do all levels of diy (anything from hot glue to power tools) and they try to do everything with as little waste as possible!! 10/10 would recommend for inspo!!
In the summer and spring, there are lots of garage sales and estate sales in the suburbs. Also there's always thrift stores, habitat for humanity restore sells furniture, and facebook marketplace.
My partner and I live in a big house in the wilderness of northern 🇨🇦… neither one of us is originally from this wild paradise. Every piece of furniture in our house (with the exception of one reclining chair and our bed) is second-hand, homemade, refurbished, or passed down from our families or friends. We love to scrounge great stuff!! When I look around my home… I see CHARM, COMFORT and MEMORIES. What more could you ask for in your home? We host lots of friends, musicians, and family members in our home… they love coming here. Why am I telling you this? Well… new stuff, brand names, and fast furniture is not our style, and we have a lot of love for our little nest. Immy… I am sooo excited to follow the next chapter of your journey and see your little nest. If it’s like everything else that you do… it will be done up with sustainable style and a cozy-aesthetic that only you can do! If you’re looking for input… I would love to see more content related to this topic, as building a comfy nest is pivotal to one’s happiness and contentment at home. Thanks for this great video today, Immy. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🪑🛋🛏 PS - please tell your Mom that I think she has fabulous taste.
Hi Mary! I have the same situation in my home, with everything secondhand. My mattress was new, but that was many, many years ago! (It's a futon mattress and is still very comfortable.) But my bed frames have always been secondhand. Got my latest one from FB Marketplace. :) I'm betting your home is delightfully cozy, comfortable, and stylish in the perfect way for you and your partner. ♥♥
I totally agree with you that Immy's style will be just what she and her fiance need and will be cozy and comfortable. 😊
@@jemma50 Hey Jemma… I think as one ages there is an increased tendency to spend more time at home. In my younger days I was always on the go and staying home was kinda boring. I love staying home now, (perhaps this is a spin-off of the pandemmy)… but a cozy home makes staying home very pleasurable. Have a great weekend. Ⓜ️ary
@@marycharlebois6627 So true, Mary. I have always been a bit of a homebody, yet that seems to be increasing as I get older. A cozy home is everything to me. May your weekend be all that you need. Enjoy! ♥
appreciate the slow beginning, been stressed and the quite start calmed me down
Lighting (as well as textiles you've already mentioned, like rugs, blankets and curtains) also helps with making a space cozy! Having multiple fictures emitting soft light is a lot nicer on the eyes than one stark lightsource in the middle of the room, so using natural light together with smaller fictures around the space helps a lot!
I would recommend checking to see if you have a Habitat Restore in the area you move to. You can usually find pretty quality used furniture for cheap there, whereas there's mostly just pieces made from particle board and other cheap materials at thrift stores like Goodwill (or so has been my experience).
Getting second hand house furniture is such an exciting process. I have just found my dream bedroom dresser and tv cabinet (my partner cannot live without the tv) for around 200$ second hand. Same with my desk and just about everything else in the house. But yes, we also bought a brand new king size mattress.
The other thing I can think of to make things cozy in your apartment is lighting! I have a little lamp I've carried with me for a while and it adds so much to the room.
Thrifting Tip: Check to see if there are any big universities near you and if they have a surplus store. They will sell furniture items/electronics they no longer need for ridiculously cheap. I just got a fully functioning desktop monitor for $20 and they had massive desks for $15 (marked down from $30 as a Memorial Day sale).
Something my partner and I did when we moved into our current apartment was buy a second hand projector. Neither of us are big TV people, but we like to snuggle and watch movies on occasion. Having something that's not super bulky or always visible, but easy to use when we need it has worked really well for us.
I think we bought ours on FB marketplace (in Seattle, WA). The only thing with a projector is you either need a good blank wall, or a white sheet!
We bought a small (600 sq ft) house 16 years ago. All our furniture (except our mattress) is second hand. We "decorate" with plants, our favorite books and very special items given to us in the past. We bring a cohesive feel by refinishing all our wood pieces in the same stain. We keep things neutral (not white) with a pop of color.
We don't have a sofa or a tv, so you can definitely do without them if you want. I also don't like a lot of stuff on walls. Our space is small, so it doesn't take much to overwhelm the space.
When we first moved in, we slept with our mattress on the floor. We thrifted a loveseat, a coffee table, a coffee pot and some "guest" mugs. We then took our time to pick the items we loved most (things take longer when you thrift). You don't need to get everything immediately!
My bf and I just got a king in the last year and it changed our life in a really positive way. Highly highly recommend getting a king if you have the space for it.
Hi Immy! Here are a few things I've learned from me moving in with my partner in an appt, with limited funds and a lot of hand-me-downs, thrifting, and also wanting my space feel like a home, like an interior..
* when you enter any space, whether it's a restaurant, shop, a family's or friends house, look around critically and try to grasp why you like or dislike it. This can help you find your own style and what you find important (ie colours matching, a lot of stuff or very minimalistic, big furniture items, use of light, wallpaper, etc...)
* even if you have a smaller space, don't only use small furniture items! this can make everything look cluttered. if you can use a complete wall for a bookcase or storage or whatever, do it! having 5 little cupboards with tons on top because your nicnacs don't fit isn't gonna feel home-y.
* let the decorating come naturally and gradually, and don't go adding everything at once. your style may change, you're gonna get house warming gifts, you're gonna be lacking space for this or that, you're gonna use 1 thing for multiple options, you're gonna have souvenirs,... adding over time is gonna give you the space for both saving money and really seeing what's missing.
* look at your home without furniture,... what's the style of the space itself? does it have a lot of natural light? do you have a nature or city view? do you have high ceilings or sconces? What's the color of the floor? These things are harder/impossible to change, and can really make or break your interior with everything you add. If you have a lot of natural sunlight fe, warm tones are gonna be extra beautiful.
* try to be honest about what kind of person you are. If you don't clean a lot, don't add a lot of 'clutter' on your surfaces. Don't think 'now i'm gonna be totally different' because you won't be :D and even if you get to that point, let that come naturally and don't make it too difficult in the beginning. if you're looking at a table to thrift but there's a bit of work to it to make it your vibe, try to see if you're *actually* going to do it, if you have the time, place, money and energy, or if you'd better wait for another option. buffing and painting big furniture probably isn't going to happen if you live in a tiny appartment.
* go to the library or borrow some interior magazines. They come with so much inspiration and they give more info on *why* something looks so good and put together than social media.
* use your wall space. paint or put up wall paper, hang frames or mirrors, put plants higher up. and for the frames: do as the musea and galleries do: not too high; eye level is best.
* do trust yourself a bit and choose things you actually love. you may consider of course, but don't overthink everything. If your heart's set on a bright yellow coach, well, then buy it! it's your house, your home, and if it makes your heart skip a beat, you won't regret it when the trends change or if someone comments on the fact that you "should buy a neutral couch and decorate only with pillow covers"
* when going to buy a couch, sit/hang/lay in it like you would at home when you're alone, not like how you would sit visiting someone. It should be comfy, cosy, and support you.
I wish you both the best of luck with everything coming your way!
loved this video! I'm very excited to see more videos about your move and your new home. I moved from germany to new zealand because of my boyfriend and lived there for the past 2,5 years. (we are now moving to germany so i can study). I know how stressful the visa process is (even though I think nothing is as strict as the US). I also couldn't work for about 6 months while i was applying and waiting for the visa. It was a very hard and depressing time for me because i was home alone all day with nothing to do, in a city I didn't know and without any friends or people to talk to. I really recommend you to look for volunteer work, hobbies and meet ups in your area so you can create a good routine and have some social contact next to your partner while you're unable to work. Otherwise it can feel very dependent and lonely. But its also incredibly exciting to live in a new country and it will be awesome for you to have that experience. I've lived in Scotland and Australia too and the US would be next on my wish list but unfortunately its nearly impossible to get a visa for work if you don't have a partner.
If you buy a fabric sofa hire a professional carpet cleaner machine. I lent my couch to my sister and she has a dog so when she returned it was covered in dog hair. After I shampooed it clean it literally came out brand new. It’s something that would be great to periodically do to really clean it up too
When it comes to finding your style, I'd trust yourself more. I love my parent's style and have always seen it as very put together, but they've both remarked that they've just bought pieces that they like, and now there's a very cohesive style that has come out of it. For me, a similar thing has unfolded with my first apartment. I love hard wood and the color blue, and that shows up so much in my space and I think my apartment looks really cute and cohesive even though I didn't put a ton of specific thought into it
You've got this!
Second hand twinkle lights really make a space warm and cozy!!! Warm lighting goes a long way to building a homey atmosphere.
These things have a way of working out in the long-run. Try not to let the anxiety get the best of you and just enjoy each day as it comes.
Also, I wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself for your apartment to "look good for filming." I watch the channels I watch for the creator's personality, not for whatever's in the background. If we see a background that's more Immy instead of Immy's mom's decorating style, well, then I'll feel like I know you better, and that's great, whatever your "style" is -- even if it's literally weeks of moving boxes!
If you’re looking for all of the little things your might need (say for your kitchen) another thing you might want to try is an estate sale! Not sure if they have those in the UK, but in the US sometimes when people move or if the owner of a house has passed away, they sell everything in a large sale that usually takes place over a few days. If you go towards the end of the sale you can get a better price you can find all of the kitchenware or furniture items you might need secondhand and all in one place!
I know you have some roots in Michigan! I think you may really like Traverse City. There are great movie theatres, co-op grocery stores, a zero waste shop, nature and it’s extremely walkable/walkable if you can move closer into town. Home is where the heart is, wherever you choose will be magic! As for design advice my father-in-law once told me “slowly buy what you love, and once it’s in your home it will all look good together.” Good luck!!
Relax and go slowly. My husband and I just bought things that we both liked. In 40 years there have only been 2 paintings that we both love. Useful pieces of furniture that can be quite eclectic when put together. When a new piece comes into your space give yourself time to adjust to it. Some of our few pieces have a Chinese influence, others classic, some more modern. Choose a base colour for furniture and add more colour into accessories as you need. And enjoy the slow, well thought out process. It is fun and if homely and comfortable is want you are going for then trust that it will happen. There is no one or right way.....
Mattress, couch, desk, chairs and lighting is essential. Everything else comes with time, patience, and many trips to the thrift stores.
I subscribed to you because you are very wholesome and soothing to watch.
Thank you :)
How exciting!! I will say, I feel like US secondhand shops are…less great than the UK. At least, the big box stores are.
My biggest issue with secondhand furniture has always been transport, as neither me nor my partner have a large car so I often can’t buy things secondhand that I really want to 😭
If you move to a place with a lot of rentals, going through the alleys/garbage pickup at the end of the month can be useful! A lot of people put out decent furniture (my desk chair is a garbage chair I've had for two years now), and even if you don't find anything, it can be kind of a fun walk looking at everyone's trash!
Craigslist is a good resource for second hand stuff. Its like Facebook Marketplace but not on Facebook. Also chairs are a really easy thing to forget that you need but when you get to your brand new empty apartment, one of the first things you’ll think is “where are we going to sit?” And it’s nice to have a few extra when you have people over for dinner or something.
I'm not sure what area you're moving to, but I live in the US and you're right that most of these things are gonna be easy to find second hand! Most towns I've been to have no shortage of giant thrift stores, and Facebook marketplace is definitely a thing although I only have one astounding success story with it :) I don't find as many treasures there as most UK vloggers I've seen! I would HIGHLY recommend going to estate sales if there are any near you because you know the furniture is in good working order and the prices are usually great. It's also a good way to find kitchen appliances and tools if you'll be needing those.
This is such an exciting process and I think you're right to take it slow and gradually accumulate things you actually like rather than buying something that'll do. I've really been enjoying your channel lately and love how you prioritize sustainability!!
Good lighting can really help a space feel warm and cozy! I live in a rental with all white walls and to make things less sterile we got some lamps with different colour lamp shades that create warm pink and orange and yellow mood lighting. One or two depending on the size of a room is plenty!
Little wooden or rattan baskets are great for storage and can be decorative also
Love this! It's also super helpful and inspiring, as I'm moving soon too 😊
I love the commentary. "I really wish it wasn't called a 'king size' bed." Haha! I never thought about it like that, but so true!
Definitely get a king bed! Even if the room only just fits it. Best decision ever. .. for style, I echo the advice above to just pick things that speak to you because it will all form a style together. Don't doubt yourself. ... I love your comment on taking it slow. I struggled with this bc I felt like we needed a table and chairs, for example, right away. We ended up using hand me downs and never replacing but I do think if you can find something used for cheap cheaper that you can then use asap and then resell when you find something else that suits you, that's not a bad idea for a few staples like a desk for your partner or anything else that feels essential. Also consider refurbishing or making your own for some things. Ie. You can attach a piece of wood to a wall near your bed to make a floating night stand. And a lot of times you can find scrap wood posted for free online. I built my son a club house and a good portion of it was someone's old deck fence because they didn't like the style even though it was in perfect shape. I love those finds!! ... Also for decor, you can position your items to looks asthetically pleasing and not just like storage - things like your cameras and books, hats, jewelry, etc. So you don't end up buying decor but you are still styling. ... Also second hand pots and propagated plants are my favorite design. .... Good luck. Deep breath. You got this.
Definitely go for two separate desks, in separate rooms/ walls if you have space. Sometimes it’s annoying to have someone beside you when you’re trying to work, or they might need to make conference calls.
Posh and Lavish mattresses are the best! I highly recommend checking them out. My husband and I got one 5 years ago and we still talk about how it was the best purchase we’ve ever made. Highly recommend getting their pillows too. It’s like sleeping on a cloud. ☁️ 😴 and they are made in California!
Hi, I've been watching your videos for years but it's my first time commenting. I am American, I've moved internationally 4 times, we are currently in Germany. My experience is that shipping anything, particularly now, is prohibitively expensive. So, I recommend just bringing things you cannot replace in the US because, as you say, things can be much less expensive to replace compared to shipping them. If you can manage to just bring everything with you on the plane, paying for extra luggage will be cheaper than shipping or sending boxes via DHL or FEDEX. Remember, Americans consume a lot more than other countries, so they dispose of items a lot more, thus the reason second hand shops are so big. Anyway, my 2 cents. Glad your immigration process is moving along, those things are never easy, no matter the country. Good luck!
So many thoughts
I wouldn’t worry too much about furnishing your place until you get it. You may find that things like a coffee table won’t work but a couple of end tables do…but you really won’t know until you get your place. Personally…I feel that you should focus on your visa’s & just saving, saving, saving. I’m in Southern California & we have stores here called 99 cent stores where you can get inexpensive New items like cutlery, kitchen items, etc so I think you’ll be fine about the furnishing bit. My one thing I had to discover about having my own place & furnishing it was…I realized I like straight angles, not rounded…like my bed’s headboard, my furniture, my dining table…Square/straight edges make me happy whereas rounded really made me feel unsettled. Sounds weird but it made a HUGE difference when buying items. Blessings & Hugs! 🧡🌻
I relate so much with the US visa stuff and moving to a new country. Just wanted to let you know there's a light at the end of the tunnel of paperwork and immigration fees. For UA-cam designers, I recommend Mr. Kate, Her 86m2, XO MaCenna, The Sorry Girls and Lone Fox. All of these use a ton of secondhand stuff when designing.
I love your approach to your home - It needs to be comfy and personal. It does not need to be a perfect space for anyone else but you and your fiancé.
Life is never perfect.
I haven't owned a TV ever since I was a late teenager and I'm now 30.
Love it
So looking forward to following this journey! I moved in with my partner 2 years ago, furnishing a 2 bed flat for £1200, entirely secondhand bar a mattress and record player. We forgot toaster and kettle, storage bits, extension cords. Hermonine Chantel is great for secondhand house decor inspiration!
We bought an Avocado mattress and it is amazing! Kind of a splurge for us but totally worth it.
The book Buy Me Once has a very helpful guide to figuring out you style, be it in clothing or in interior or something else. Worth checking out, because it saved you a lot of time and frustration when looking for furniture if you know what would fit in your dream space
get the biggest and baddest bed - you spend a lot of time in it and it is a major feature, especially in a small apartment. And the king size is great! I have it, even as a single.. love the space when just throwing myself on the bed… 😁
Wonderful video!
When my sister moved out into her first apartment when she was in college, we drove around the campus and found SO many sofas on the side of the road! We surprisingly found a nice sofa that fit her apartment, and it was free! The only hard part was driving home with a sofa on the car 😆
YAY!!! I just started watching the video and I am so happy for you!!! Congratulations!
My bf built me a desk hutch with repurposed wood and at some point will build me a new desk the same way. When we get married I am 100% having him build us bookshelves because books are required lol, plus as you said you can put other stuff on them too.
Also basically every bedroom is designed with a closet but depending on the apartment they can be quite small, probably not a problem for you but a note nonetheless.
For coziness, I recommend accent lights with warm or soft white lightbulbs instead of overhead lights and cool white lightbulbs. Spaces also look more elegant with less furniture and if there is some space between the furniture and the wall, rather than pushing the furniture against the wall. Also minimize the number of colors you have in the space for a more cohesive look. These are all things that have worked for me at least. Hope they help!
My partner and I moved into an unfurnished place for the first time last year and tried to buy mostly second hand furniture although we struggled with Facebook marketplace a bit bc we don’t have a car to pick stuff- so British heart foundation was our saviour because they deliver! I know Pinterest can be good for ideas but you definitely want it to feel your own- we’re both very colourful people so have made furniture that’s otherwise quite boring very us by painting our chairs, wardrobe, chest of drawers and even picture frames. Or if that’s not your vibe, just re-varnishing the top of our dining room table made it look soooo much nicer. So I guess my advice would be not to only look at how furniture looks already but more at how good quality it is, and if you could make it your own. If you have solid wood furniture then it’s a lot easier to make it your own (bc you can sand, paint and varnish more easily). Also just know that it takes time to get it to feel right, but it’s worth the time and effort to make it feel like your home! Good luck with everything!!
One thing I’ve done is use canva (or anything similar) to visualize the sizing of items. I make a canvas that correlates to the size of the room, then make some rectangles that measured to the size of a couch/rug/etc to see if it all would fit. Not perfect, but it definitely helped!
eBay is really good for secondhand things, you’ll find lots of those Le Creuset pans on there. And definitely get a king size bed - it’s SO important for sleeping well
A major help is to choose three of your favourite colours and bius cushions, furniture, blackets and other objects in those colours. This will make eveyrthing fall into place visually without a feeling of mess. You couldn't imagin what a difference this makes. The number 3 is powerful haha
If you have the space, I would definitely go for the king bed (but measure the room first!) Especially if pets are in your future. My husband and I have 2 cats, and even with a king, it sometimes still feels too small 😁
I've also heard advice to try to accumulate pieces slowly, that way you kind of learn what you need and what feels right in the space. (Might be harder since you are a UA-camr and might need a background, but I know The Simple Environmentalist just had a wall she decorated for her videos, but only bought things she needed and didn't try to fill up the space just to fill up the space.
As far as making things cozy, lighting can go a long way. And a projector might be a good compromise between having a large screen when you need it, but not wanting a television taking up attention in the room.
Hey Maria… are you Maria who also follows Immy on Patreon? (If not, please ignore this comment.). If so, I wanted to say a sincere Thank-you for your lovely reply to my question about etiquette on social media regarding lengthy comments. I tried to Reply to your thoughtful and kind compliment on Patreon but there is no “Reply” icon (other than to write a comment in response to the creator’s post). I really appreciated the lovely compliment that you wrote and I highly respect what you have to say. Your words really put my mind at ease and helped to eliminate a bit of my self-consciousness about being long-winded and long-worded. Thanks again for the time and thought that you put into your response. I really appreciate it!! Have a great upcoming weekend. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary PS - I totally agree with measuring the bedroom space first before buying a king size bed… a big bed can swallow up a tiny room.
@@marycharlebois6627 yes, it's me! Glad I could put your mind at ease ❤️
We spend 30% of our lives in bed. I know you already know this, but I think it's important to emphasize. Invest in a bed you will love and rest well in. If you want a big one, get a big one and use that under-bed real-estate for storage. My bed is 16" tall so I keep my off season clothes, instruments, and extra bedding below.
I'm a Brit living in Michigan and I swear by FB Marketplace and local church thrift stores. Fyi I found a le creuset for $7 at one. Oh yes and good ol' garage sales!
Also, pro tip for surviving long winters here is to fill your home with cozy organic materials. Jute baskets over plastic baskets, wood furniture over faux wood laminate furniture, and fabrics made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, etc.).
I think you may enjoy watching The Sorry Girls channel. They are based in Canada, but have been doing makeover and DIY projects for years now. They also take on projects in the states especially fellow Utubers. Perhaps they could help you. They also thrift all the time, so who knows.
Thank you so much for the recommendation ! 👀🥰
Also check out XO McKenna. She does all these cool thrifting videos!
Not sure if you'll see this since it's not a super recent video but my husband and I just moved 1000 miles from Houston, TX to Denver, CO. I know you had previously mentioned you may move to Colorado and it has been amazing here so far and we've only been here 4 days! And we have got a ton of furniture off of FB marketplace. I honestly prefer it lately to thrift stores bc you can search exactly what you want without having to comb through multiple stores and we've also got so much for free.
That is awesome! Thank you so much for letting me know! Denver is still on our top 3 list
@@SustainablyVegan Yay! I'm glad to hear that. Can't wait to find out where you both decide on 🤗
Always love your content!!!!!!!
Plus love hearing the cat purring behind the scenes!!!
You can watch how-to videos on interior design. I really like Nick Lewis but he mostly does critiques I find haha- I also don't like encouraging people to buy ikea stuff but anyway. I'm glad I'm not alone in that I'll be furnishing my first flat at 30- I've always lived in at least partially furnished places. Also, thinking about decluttering- I literally just moved across the world (and about to move again), I got rid of so, so much stuff (even though I thought I was a minimalist before). Moved over with 2 suitcases and within the first month got rid of at least another 10 items haha. Don't stress too much- we can never be perfect. I'll try again this time but I have no doubt I'll transport some stuff I don't really need.
There are sooo many thrift stores here in the US! I like watching lone fox and the sorry girls for thrift shop home decor ideas:). Also you should set cost limits for each room like $500 for the bedroom and show us how you do it!
Loved this video, I’m so excited for you, Immy! I always watch your videos when I’m stressed because they’re so calming 🥰 The Lone Fox on UA-cam does great beginner interior design videos!
I am renovating a living room with my husband and also had this worry that I won't be able to put it together the way how I see things on Pinterest pictures. I'd recommend watching Posh Pennies on UA-cam - she gives great tips of do's and don'ts for interior design. I think the most valuable advice is to choose your colour palette and buy things one at a time starting with the bigger, more expensive stuff and adding layers as you go. If you wonder whether something would match - you can check on Pinterest if anyone has combined those colours or textures before and how they'll look. For instance, I was wondering whether brass coloured sockets would look good on grey walls or my featured wall (with grey and burgundy colours). I looked on Pinterest and it actually looked great. Now we've put them on the walls and they look great indeed and give a more expensive feel to the room.
This is a really exciting time for you both. Regarding the La Creuset pots and pans, they are amazing but I’ve tried shop own brands in the UK and they are great. Lots available second hand, both on Facebook marketplace and EBay.
I'd recommend second hand Ikea furniture, both from Facebook marketplace and the As/Is section at the store. It's easy to match the pieces, their furniture is also very easy to resell if you decide that you are not using something enough, plus the stores now carry spare parts.
Hello Immy,
I have been watching your videos for about 2 years now and always look forward to them, for so many reasons.😁
Moving overseas is such an exhilarating time. When I was about your age, maybe a bit younger, I Emmigrated to Australia.
I really identify with your experience. We sold a lot of our stuff; some that I later regretted!
Some of the tips I have to offer are around the culture shock that comes with the transition from being in a place as a visitor and living there. We all think we are familiar with a place, until we live somewhere on a more permanent basis.
Maybe you are already across this-I certainly thought I was.
I recommend taking with you things that remind you of the UK & your own cultural roots; it was a shock to me that despite my move being happy & exciting, (and I was so ready for it) after the initial period, late in the first year or so, I felt homesick!
I never thought of myself as having a ‘culture’ until after I moved; then I realised that we all have that, no matter how globalised we think our world is!
I never expected this. But the home comforts I took helped a bit, things like the mixing bowl (my grandma used one) that I had, similar to yours/your Mum’s; favoured utensils; crockery; oh and an ‘English Tea Pot’, the brown type with cream rings around the top; a tea cosy; small linens, like tea towels and an apron.
I love your idea of taking blankets from home; they will be a comfort.
If I recall correctly, you are planning to live in the US for 2-3 years or so, so that may make it so different for you; I was moving for good!
Also, technology was not as switched on as it is today, so that makes a BIG difference!
Lastly, I love your planning in today’s vid, I think that deciding on your bed size is really key as it will dictate how big your sleeping area needs to be. Plus, It’s taking your possible future into consideration!
Oh also, as you can’t work until you get your SS number, will you still film for your channel?
All the best with your planning, hope this is useful!
Kindly,
Sharlot🌻🌱
Go for a king! Especially if you're gonna get a new, comfortable mattress go for the king so you aren't tempted to switch later. We ran into that issue. We also have an Avocado mattress so I recommend checking that out. In terms of Facebook marketplace, it's amazing. I'm in the US and I find so much there. Good luck with the rest of your visa process! My husband and I are in a similar process and it's really tough. All the positive thoughts beyond sent your way!
Buying a super king sized bed was the best thing we did for our relationship lol
Not sure what part of the US you’re moving to but I know on the east coast flea markets are amazing to find art. I love bought some incredible pieces second hand for a fraction of the price
If you haven't heard of them before, local Buy Nothing groups are an amazing resource that are hyper local. (You can find your local one on their website.) Also something to keep in mind is that a lot of the larger thrift stores here reserve nicer items to sell online for a higher profit. You are more likely to find higher quality goods at garage or estate sales. There are websites dedicated to finding these in your area as well. My suggestion would be since you have the time, you can live in your space and notice what you need over time. (Do you always want to put your coffee on a side table but there isn't one? Easy fix.) I've recently started following some home decoration channels on YT that have really helped me define my décor style that might be helpful to you. One step at a time! Good luck :)
Also another note since you won't have a car or truck to pick up larger items, you can rent a UHaul truck for a day rate on an as-needed basis.
I'd think about some nightstand little tables beside bed, good chairs for workplaces, maybe some additional shelves for the kithen, depends on what it will have already. Different lamps: near bed, on the workplaces. Something for storing clothes, but as we see you are used to just reil for them, it is simple and cheap option.
Some stands for little things, like bathroom stuff, electronics etc...
We do have Facebook Marketplace in the US and Craigslist and I think Offerup. There are a lot of people who have great luck finding things in thrift stores in the US but it depends on the area. Just so you know Goodwill is raising their prices in many locations so sometimes you will see that a t-shirt is $5 in Goodwill but the shirt is also $5 new. It helps to look up how much things are worth while thrifting I think. Also what you said about finding items slowly is wonderful because then you're more likely to keep the item! Good luck!
😂My spouse has a oversized floor pillow that looks more like a full bed we purchased for our last space. It's the only item he refused to let go of when we moved to our 358sq foot studio in the city. I can't have a proper sofa because of it BUT the dog and him love that huge floor pillow🤣