A Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a good place to start to look for furnishings after an unexpected weather catastrophe, says Answer Angel Ellen Warren.
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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Like so many unfortunates, my home — which I had just bought and decorated as I had dreamed of — has turned into a nightmare because of a weather disaster. The building is still standing but most of the furniture had to be destroyed because of the 3 feet of floodwater filled with all sorts of pathogens, fecal matter, etc. It will be months before the interior is restored but in the meantime, I need to start thinking about refurnishing. Blessedly, we can stay with generous relatives during the rebuild. Because of the prohibitive cost of flood insurance, little of my furniture losses are covered. I no longer can afford the quality I had in my dream home so I am looking for frugal buying tips for everything from bed headboards to bureaus, appliances and couches to shelving to a desk (I worked from home) and on and on. It isn’t a big home but my list of must-have items is at 25 and growing and more are added all the time. Any shopping tips appreciated.
— Melissa A.
Dear Melissa: This unexpected catastrophe must be devastating. It’s great you are getting family support to help you through this brutal, emotional and financial nightmare.
You’ve already taken a first right step by making a list. Prioritize the items: beds, some chairs, a desk or table (for working at home), and lamps (if they too were destroyed). Get the basics you can’t live productively without.
But where to buy and store the items until the house is ready? Storage units aren’t cheap, but a friend or relative’s basement or garage also are options.
As for acquiring what you need for your post-flood life, check thrift stores run by religious groups and other nonprofits. A Habitat for Humanity ReStore, if there is one near you, would be a good place to start. Many stores will deliver for a modest fee.
When I went looking for you, I found a like-new sofa bed by a high-end manufacturer for $350, TV tables with drawers that retail for $400 for under $70 and barely used, comfortable upholstered chairs for $49, to name just a few items.
If you need appliances, some thrifts have washers, dryers, stoves and refrigerators for as low as $129. I am not talking about for-profit consignment shops that must charge more to pay the shop and the consignors. These are just starting points for what you’re facing. I am so very sorry for the pain you’re enduring.
Angelic Readers 1
For Pate, who asked where to donate a fur coat and fur jacket, theater-loving readers Marcia S. and Michelle B. suggest contacting local theater companies, or high school/college drama departments or clubs. Says Laurel B.: “They are often happy to accept free unique items to put in their costume collections.” Adds Diane M.: “Help budding thespians in the process.”
Stacey B. offers another option: “It is essential the people of Ukraine receive these fur coats, jackets, hats, earmuffs, headbands, etc., as they are without heat and proper shelter.” From Ellen: An internet search turns up numerous ways to send warm clothing or donations to Ukrainians who must endure a harsh winter in dangerous conditions.
Angelic Readers 2
For the reader who couldn’t understand why bra makers put the strap adjustments in the hard-to-reach back of the strap instead of the front, Fran C. says: “Having it on the front causes a visible lump under your clothes, especially noticeable with tightly-fitting tops.” About those inconvenient back adjustments, Joanne S. says: “I bet it was a man’s brilliant idea to make women’s blood pressure rise.” Janet S. buys Warners bras with front adjustments. Mary Ann M. says some Bali bras also have front strap hardware.
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