So you’ve moved into a new place. You may have shelled out more than you expected for movers, renovation projects, broker’s fees and other expenses. After perusing a design blog or two – where a $250 desk is considered “budget” – you may believe that it’s impossible to both eat and have a furnished living room without first selling your first-born child. But fear not. Though it will take time, patience and luck, it is possible to furnish a place cheaply.
Before You Buy
Just because you have less money to spend does not mean that you have fewer options; it simply means that it’ll take a little more effort in finding them. Before exploring those options, though, you’ll need to do the following first:
- Know what you want. Do you have a home decorating style preference or are you strictly utilitarian? What pieces do you want (e.g. futon or bed or couch)? Do you want the place to be furnished as quickly as possible or are you willing to bide your time? Which pieces will you use more often or are willing to splurge on? How will you arrange the furniture? For each piece of furniture, what look do you want, if any?
- Know what you can spend, both in time and money. Figure out how much time you’re willing to invest in finding items and fixing up items as well as how much money you’re willing to spend. Note, though, that you will have to include possible transport costs and repair costs (DIY or otherwise) as well.
- Know how much fixing-up work you’re willing to do. Getting furniture on a budget usually means getting used furniture, which comes in various degrees of wear and tear. Do you have the time and energy to paint, choose fixtures, upholster, etc.?
- Know how you will get the item to your home. Most times you will be responsible for delivery. Particularly if you don’t have a car, you’ll have to figure out transport options (e.g. hiring movers, begging family or friends to help).
- Know what you can fit. Measure everything! Not only must the item fit in the room, it also has to fit up the stairs or elevator, though the door and other entrance-ways, through hallways, in your car, etc. So measure elevators, staircases, doorways, doorway angles, hallways, etc. – as well as the item, of course.
- Know that it’s better to focus on quality rather than costs for certain items. Mattresses, beds and futons fall in this category – your back and future non-existent chiropractor bill will thank you for it. Upholstered furniture may also fall in this category depending on your fear of bedbugs and other critters.
- Know that it may pay to be flexible. For example, I yearned for the West Elm mini-Parsons Desk ($200) for a long, long time; I loved the clean lines and simple design. For several months, I checked the West Elm site every day to see whether it was on sale. However, I ended up falling in love with and buying a vintage enamel top table – which had the same attributes I liked about the Parsons Desk – at a house sale for far less than $200.
- Know that much depends on luck and acting quickly. Sometimes you’ll find the perfect item by chance, but many times you’ll find a perfect item only to be told that it’s been sold. Generally, the faster you make arrangements to buy or take the item the better, because others are looking for deals also.
Where to Find Furniture
The list of where to find cheap furniture is organized by approximate cost in descending order. Please note that almost all the listed places require cash payment upfront and do not deliver (cash and carry).
- Family or friends.
- Dumpster diving. Yes, yes, it seems disgusting but you’d be surprised at what shows up curbside on trash days. Particularly if you live in a city, furniture is often in good condition or just needs some touching up. The best time to look is during the end or beginning of the month because that’s when people move. Additionally, if you live near a college dorm, you may find some furniture and other household items being thrown out around the end of the school year.
- Garage or house sales. Garage and house sales often have the best deals because sellers are often more interested in getting rid of everything as opposed to getting the best returns. Most garage or house sales take place in the spring and summer. Listings may be found in public bulletin boards and signposts.
- Estate Sales. Estate sales are similar to garage and house sales in terms of the types of items sold; however, estate sales may have more formal procedures (e.g. sign-in sheets to determine the order in which people may go into the house) and may last several days. It’s best to go early (people often show up before dawn) and be willing to wait. Listings may be found at websites such as Estatesales.net, local classifieds and occasionally Craigslist. (Thanks to HollandaiseMess, ditzyblonde and chaoswhimsy&euphoria for the information.)
- DIY. If you’re resourceful and have the time, you can make your own furniture. Websites such as The Design Confidential have furniture-making plans and instructions. (via Apartmenttherapy)
- Thrift stores (cities) and antique stores (rural).
- Flea markets. Flea markets may be a good option in suburban or rural areas to find inexpensive furniture and other home decor items. For major metropolitan areas, however, the opposite is often true.
- Craigslist. Craigslist is good if you’re looking for a specific product, but items are often not as discounted as you would think it would be. However, prices are still much lower than retail (even with a sale).
- Furniture store sales. Sometimes it’s worth the time and funds to pay retail price, particularly if you want a specific item. Furniture sales usually occur in January when they start making room for next season’s inventory. You can also sign up for store e-mails for discounts and alerts.
Image via Wikipedia Commons
