Maybe you are buying or renting your first space or are moving to a new home in a new area. If you currently have a house full of furniture, you may find yourself not want to move it or looking to refresh what you have. If it is your first place, you might not have anything to move at all. Either way, furnishing a new space can be an expensive and time-consuming proposition. We’ve collected a few tips to help find functional and fun finds - even on a shoestring budget.
Don’t Rush: Once you’ve moved into your new space, it’s not necessary to furnish every room right away. In fact, prioritizing the rooms, your needs and your budget should be top of your list. Take the time to inventory what you currently have and what you will need for each room, then assign each room a priority. Finding deals that include the furniture you want takes time, so don’t panic.
Make a Plan: Great finds are everywhere – if you know where to look. Make a list of online sites, like Craigslist, LetGo, Kaiyo, Chairish, Krrb, OfferUp, 1stdibs, and Facebook Marketplace. (Pro tip: some of these specialize in vintage or higher-end consignment pieces, so categorize the sites.) Even Amazon has used and refurbished furniture for sale on the site. Set up your accounts and be strategic about the terms you use to search. Again, taking your time will net you the best buys and the best quality furniture.
Check Locally: There are number of great furniture consignment shops popping up all around metro areas. Check those out. Of course, flea markets are great sources as well.
Make the Offer: There is no reason to rule out that vintage piece because it is outside of your furnishing budget. Bookmark or save the URL of the listing and keep checking. Or, just make an offer. You might be surprised at how motivated the seller may be to move the piece out. For in-person consignment or flea marketing shopping, don’t be afraid to haggle. Most sellers expect that and have marked the pieces accordingly.
Put the Word Out: Social media is your friend when it comes to furnishing your new space on a shoestring budget. Friends and family may not have items listed but would love to see them out of their space. Post a short wish-list of key items on your social networks and ask for leads. Some of the best and most inexpensive items may be only a family member or friend away.
Put Creativity to the Test: Repurposing, reusing, recycling and upcycling isn’t just good for the environment – it’s also great for your wallet. Finding old pieces that you can’t imagine being functional and then turning them into a great piece is not only fun it’s rewarding, too. If you aren’t crafty, find a friend who is. Most furniture flips are inexpensive and don’t take a lot of time. Before you know it, you’ll have something fresh and fun. Places like Habitat for Humanity ReStores are perfect for finding rewarding reclamation projects.
Your new space doesn’t have to be furnished with the most expensive items to look great and function perfectly for your needs. If you are making a move soon and need moving or even storage assistance, give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call! We specialize in local and long-distance moving, as well as temporary and long-term storage. Our portable storage containers are perfect for any situation, and our 60+ nationwide facilities can service much of the continental United States. Give us a call today at 1-800-722-5728 or go online to get a free quote and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!