I’ve been a regular fixture here at MyVoucherCodes since 2018. Starting as a deal expert, diligently perusing the web for some serious discounts, I’ve since gone on to write heaps of content as the home and garden editor. Sharing what I have learned so that you can save yourself a few quid on home essentials, and the odd luxury.
Whether it’s putting together some flatpack furniture or upcycling an old bed frame into a herb garden, slap a screwdriver in my hand and watch me turn into a giddy schoolchild. But when I’m not tinkering with a toolbox, you can either catch me being irritatingly loud on a bass guitar, doodling ridiculous animals for Instagram, or cooking up some hair-brained concoction in the kitchen (bacon and waffle sandwich anyone?).
Why am I the Home and Garden editor?
Home improvement has always been a love of mine. As a teeny tiny child, you’d often find me popping unlimited money cheats into The Sims so I could build the house I wanted. And while I’d love to harp on about the fact I was best in class for A-level DT, more recently I’ve become a homeowner. While nothing can prepare you for the cavalcade of cardboard that comes from moving home, it’s taught me a ton about the necessities and the niceties of living in a house that’s yours.
Firstly, it’s expensive, especially at the moment. You’ve got insane bills to contend with, and some of those luxuries might fall just on the other side of your budget. That’s why I love sharing what I’ve learned about dropping prices. Whether it’s turning budget furniture into high-end statement pieces with a coat of paint, finding ways to cut costs on kitchen appliances or just taking your old tat and giving it a new lease of life, you don’t need to splash the cash for your dream home.
My Top Saving Tip
My top tip for saving on home and garden would be to buy pre-loved. While a brand-new oak table sounds just delightful, it’s going to cost a bomb. While a second-hand table might have a few nicks and scratches, it’s nothing a light sanding won’t solve. And while that flat-pack alternative looks shiny and new, it probably won’t last anywhere near as long.
What’s the best saving I’ve made?
I recently bought a Samsung Series 5 EcoBubble washing machine from AO, and let me tell you, it’s made my life a lot easier. Washing and drying in one cycle, the future is here! And to cap it off, it plays a saucy little jingle when it’s finished. Appliances are costly bits of kit, so my piggy bank was pleased when I got £50 off with a discount code.
On the flip side, I’ll never forget heading to Tesco on one fateful Boxing Day and picking up an entire Christmas goose for £2.50. In one weekly shop, my eyes were opened to the perks of buying just out of season, and the goose was doubly delicious because you could taste the savings.
My Favourite Retailers
Ao.com are a firm favourite of mine. Their kitchen appliance selection is second to none, and thanks to the ability to stack multiple discount codes, you can get a fair few quid off your order. And with their installation service, you can take it easy if you don’t fancy plumbing in a washing machine yourself.
I’m a sucker for the simplicity and versatility of a kallax shelving unit, and that’s why I love Ikea. There’s nothing better than strolling through and checking out their range of innovative offerings and stuffing your face with meatballs at the halfway point. Yeah, you might get a little lost if you don’t follow the floor arrows, but I guarantee you’ll find yourself saying “ooh, that’s clever” once or twice.
Finally, I’d like to give a shout-out to Asda for sorting out my weekly shop. But on top of that, they supply me with budget kitchen supplies, and plain sweatshirts (I challenge you to find a more versatile item of clothing).
