By Paul S. Lalley
So, maybe you're thinking about getting your own space, or maybe you've already taken the plunge, signed the lease and are now faced with bare floors and empty walls. It's tough getting started. You'll need dishes, cookware, furniture and stuff to make the space truly yours. Well, here are some tips for turning any empty space into your home. Where to Look
The keys to furnishing any space on a budget are imagination and energy. You don't need a pile of cash, but you will need energy and imagination. Start scoping out the classifieds for tag sales, garage sales and rummage sales. You'll be able to pick up dishes, silverware, pots and pans--even furniture. And you can haggle on price! You'll find at these backyard bazaars that one person's trash is your treasure.
Thrift stores, run by charity organizations, are terrific sources for dishes, furniture, kitchen items and small appliances. The items change daily so visit often and you'll discover bargains galore. There's usually no haggling here. Prices are clearly marked. By the way, when you buy from these stores, you support the good work they do--an added bonus.
You can often find bargains at used furniture stores, though these retail outlets tend to be more pricey than tag sales and thrift stores. Check the yellow pages for used furniture stores near you. Retail stores often have "scratch and dent" sales for things like TVs and stereos. You can save a bundle on a boom box with a scuff, or a TV that's been a demonstration model for a month. Just make sure the item comes with a complete manufacturer's guarantee; that is, a guarantee from the company that made the item.
You may also find a lot of useful stuff in your own basement or garage. Ask family members if they have an old set of towels gathering dust somewhere. Maybe somebody is replacing a TV or changing the drapes. Ask around to see what's available. And remember: always ask first.
Got a big wall space to cover? Posters are cheap, colorful and they make a statement about you. Check out the selection at the local mall and get creative on a shoestring.
You get the idea - there are lots of places where you can track down good stuff for cheap, or even free. It just takes a bit of imagination and some energy to find the bargains and save the money. So get out there, have some fun and...happy hunting!
Warnings
Okay, here are some warnings about setting up your first home--some suggestions to help protect yourself when you're starting out. Let's start with a biggie: when furnishing on a shoestring, don't buy a bunch of new furniture on credit. The ad may say "No money down!!" and "Easy monthly payments!" to get you to sign that sales contract, but those monthly payments take a big bite out of your finances each month. Don't spend money you don't have. Live your life on a cash basis, only spending what you have.
Think twice before using "rent-to-own" stores and services where you rent furniture, TVs, refrigerators and other appliances by the week or month. Again, you'll end up sending a part of your paycheck to the rental place every week, and you can be sure you'll get tired of that pretty quick.
Here's a tip that'll save you some aggravation. When you're furnishing on a budget, you often end up with used furniture, right? Okay, don't buy used mattresses or box springs `cause you don't know what could be living in them. If your Aunt Millie's giving you the mattress from the guest room, that's fine; but if you don't know who's been sleeping on it, don't bring it home.
Be careful about buying used TVs, stereos, computers and other electronics, unless you know the folks who are selling them. You may be better off waiting to buy new when you have the money. That way, you've got a guarantee and some peace of mind.
Another good tip: when you buy stuff at tag sales, thrift stores and such, you own it! No returns, no refunds, no guarantees--nothing! Be a good consumer. Check out the merchandise. Look for cracks, dings and dents. Plug it in, turn it on, take it for a test drive, so to speak. It's your hard-earned money - spend it wisely.
And last but not least from the Department of Warnings, think before you act. That table isn't a bargain if it won't fit through the apartment door. And, do you really want a piano, even if it's free?! Buy to fit your needs, your space and your personality. Is it something you want to live with? If not, it's no bargain, even if it's free.
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Paul Lalley is a long-time, freelance author who writes "how-to" content for dozens of websites. Need fresh content for your site? Contact Paul at
wordsinc@aol.com.
Home Furnishing on a Shoestring
