It's always a daunting task - moving into a new house completely bare of any home comforts.

Not only is it a major headache finding the right furniture but there is also the small matter of affording it all.

But now one Southampton landlady has found the ideal solution - and decked out her entire house for less than £200!

Lou Lockhurst has been able to do just this by buying her furniture from the new Sue Ryder charity shop near West Quay.

She said: “I own a property in Southampton that I’ve previously rented out unfurnished but earlier this year I was approached by new tenants who needed the property to be furnished.

“I had heard some really good things about the new charity shop so I went along and met Tom Wright the store manager.

"I gave him the list of items that I needed which included; bed, table, chest of drawers and a sofa – all of which I managed to get for under £200.

“The items were all good quality and it was all delivered for free.

"They actually took back the sofa as it didn’t fit through the doorway and delivered a replacement – on the same day!"

Sue Ryder Southampton store manager, Thomas Wright, said: “Shoppers have previously turned their noses up at second-hand furniture, but now it’s back on the agenda with a bang.

"With attitudes changing, not only is it good to be ‘green’, but shopping for second-hand furniture is now seen as cheap, fun and even trendy.

“Local landlords come to the shop to buy everyday items like tables and chairs knowing that they are getting a really good bargain.

"Funds raised from this store will help Sue Ryder to continue to provide the best possible care and support for people living with life limiting conditions."

The charity provides help for people suffering with cancer; heart failure; respiratory failure; acquired brain injury; multiple sclerosis; Dementia; Huntington’s disease; Parkinson’s disease and Motor Neurone disease.

Their stores are located in Lordshill, Portswood, Shirley, West Quay, Ringwood, Highcliffe and Bitterne.

If homeowners stretch their budget to just £500 this is what you could buy at the West Quay charity shop:

  • Arm chair - £40
  • Chest of drawers - £35
  • Dining table and 6 chairs - £135
  • Double bed - £80
  • Single bed - £50
  • Sofa - £85
  • TV stand - £20
  • Wardrobe - £55

*Prices depend on quality and availability of stock.

By Will Rimell