Saving money on furniture is simpler than some may think. Whether you’re moving out for the first time, or simply looking to revamp your house, furniture can get pricey. Luckily, there are many ways to avoid buying expensive furniture while keeping your home looking stylish. Don’t let your budget keep you from styling your home to your dream aesthetic!
Tips for Saving Money on Furniture:
1) Check Out Online Marketplaces
Doing a quick search on online marketplaces such as Facebook or Kijiji may lead you to find your dream couch or dining set at affordable prices, if not free! Many marketplace sellers list free furniture when moving as a cost-free way to get rid of their furniture. The only catch is you have to pick it up yourself or pay to have it delivered to you!
2) Google Resale Furniture Banks Near You
There are many furniture banks that resell furniture for great deals. You can find dressers, dining sets, TVs, couches and more. You may even be able to bargain with the store owners. Again, many of these places may not have delivery services, so make sure to check with the store owner. If the store does not offer any shipping methods, arrange a secure way of transportation from the store to your home before purchasing!
3) Check Out Walmart or Home Depot
If used furniture is not your forte, Walmart and Home Depot have affordable furniture options at lower prices than Ikea, Wayfair, and other branded furniture stores. This may also be a better option if you require shipping and do not have the means to pick up your furniture yourself.
4) Checking In with Your Neighbor’s Via Nextdoor.com
First things first, make an account on Nextdoor.com! This is a great way to keep in touch with your neighbours and stay up-to-date with your neighbourhood news and happenings. Once you’ve made an account, you can reach out to your neighbours by leaving a message on the board, letting people know you are searching for lightly-used furniture. Let them know your budget; who knows, maybe you have a neighbour who is moving and looking to get rid of their old goods for free!
5) Check Out a Yard Sale
Although this may be reserved for spring or summer shopping, a good old-fashioned yard sale may lead to some treasure! Come prepared with a means to relocate your furniture and bring your best bargaining skills. If you are not good at bargaining, maybe ask your best friend who works in sales to tag along!
6) Scout Your Neighborhood
Do a neighbourhood drive-by! Many people like to leave their lightly used furniture in their front yards for collection by anyone who would like it or for the municipal garbage collectors if no one else wants it. Consider taking a day off or spending your Sunday driving through different neighbourhoods to see what items you can score for free! Try to time your searches a day or two ahead of the garbage collection day for the neighbourhood.
Things to Avoid when Acquiring Second-Hand Furniture:
While second hand options are a great way to save money on furniture, you do have to exercise caution. here are some key things to look out for and avoid when acquiring second hand furniture:
– Say no to a used mattress! Many mattresses are thrown out because of bed bugs or deterioration, which can lead to potential back issues. Mattresses also tend to have a natural lifespan before they start to lose their support qualities. One man’s trash is not always another man’s treasure!
– Inspect furniture for damages! Some damages may be repairable, but avoid getting furniture that cannot be fixed or is not worth investing in the repairs!
– Avoid furniture with strange odours! Chances are the previous owners got rid of the furniture because of the overbearing odour! Odours are extremely difficult to remove!
– Check for signs of mold! The last thing you want to do is contaminate your place with mold, so avoid bringing in any furniture with signs of mold on it!
With these money-saving tips, furnishing your home on a budget becomes a rewarding and achievable endeavour. By exploring online marketplaces, resale furniture banks, and budget-friendly retailers like Walmart and Home Depot, you can strike a balance between affordability and style.
Leveraging community connections through platforms like Nextdoor.com and scouting neighborhood drives adds a personalized touch to your quest for free or lightly used furniture. Remember to exercise caution when acquiring second-hand items, avoiding potential pitfalls like used mattresses, irreparable damages, strange odors, and signs of mold.
With careful consideration, you can transform your living space without breaking the bank, making the journey to a stylish and budget-friendly home both exciting and feasible.
