Moving into a larger house or refurbishing your home is an expensive process regardless of the budget you set yourself. With so much to consider and buy, finding ways to save money without compromising on quality and aesthetic appeal may feel impossible. The good news is that the process can be seamless and pain-free with the proper planning, patience, and self-discipline.
Take the time to search online for sales, like shopping deals on Lasoo, or research local secondhand thrift stores in your area. The added effort will allow you to find fantastic pieces without breaking the bank.
Make a List
This may seem like a simple and relatively obvious first step but never underestimate the importance of making a list before purchasing anything. By drawing up a list and organizing it by room, priority level, and estimated cost, you will have a visual idea of everything you want, how much it will cost, and how it matches your budget.
Using this resource, you can break up your purchases and change your pieces should inspiration strike without straying too far from your budget baseline. Additionally, it will help you stay focused on your ‘big picture’ idea and not be distracted or tempted by every piece of decor you may find appealing along the way.
Go Slowly
Designing and furnishing your home is a marathon, not a sprint. When caught up in the excitement of buying new furniture, you risk rushing through the process of buying every piece you want and see, which can quickly push your way past your budget.
While it may be difficult to restrain yourself, it is vital not to rush when filling a room. It is possible to live and entertain in a space that isn’t fully complete, and a room brought together slowly and thoughtfully will feel like a better reflection of your ideas than one quickly pulled together.
Shop Secondhand
Buying secondhand furniture is often a fantastic way to grab significant deals when furnishing your home, especially when purchasing larger pieces like couches, dining tables, and cabinets. While it may take more time, energy, and patience compared to shopping at your local department store, the entire process will help stimulate your creative brain.
Furthermore, purchasing secondhand items often means buying pieces that are no longer made or relatively unique, allowing you to give your home a distinct one-of-a-kind charm that mass-produced items simply won’t do.
Buy New Hardware, Not New Furniture
If you find yourself bored with the dresser you have seemingly had forever or want to replace your desk but lack the budget to do so, swapping out the dull and outdated hardware for something new and unique will give any piece of furniture or room feature an instant makeover for a fraction of the price. These small tasks can be completed over a weekend and require no special skills or tools to do so.
Many instructional videos and step-by-step guides are available online to help you navigate your adventure into home DIY.
Use Annual Sales Effectively
We live in a highly consumerist world. While the constant sales, promotions, and deals that bombard you on a day-to-day basis may feel overwhelming and frustrating, viewing annual sales as an opportunity to purchase items already on your list can make the entire process feel more intentional and easier to navigate.
Each sale focuses on different big-ticket items, and it is crucial to educate yourself in advance to be prepared once the time arrives. Appliances and mattresses typically go on sale during September, particularly over Labor Day weekend. Big ticket furniture will have the best deals on Black Friday, while Cyber Monday is ideal for gizmos and gadgets. If you are after outdoor furniture, wait for the weather to change and temperatures to drop around October for discounted prices.
Embrace DIY
There is no better time to test your DIY skills than furnishing your home on a budget. In most cases, our skills often exceed our expectations, helping you build and create beautifully unique and personal pieces to elevate spaces around our home.
If you struggle to find a piece of furniture you want or can’t justify paying the price, consider bringing your version to life. If your skills allow, build the item from scratch to fit the size and design of the room and the existing pieces. Alternatively, alter a budget-friendly or secondhand version to match your desired outcome.
Reuse Old Furniture
If your first instinct is to discard old, unwanted furniture, take a moment to consider how you can reuse it in other rooms of the home. An old armoire could easily double as a dishware cabinet, while an unwanted dresser can be utilized in a laundry room as a folding table and extra storage for off-season clothing.
Get Creative
When furnishing and styling your home, it is essential to remember that there are no set rules in home design, merely suggestions. Designing any space is a very subjective process and should reflect your personal ideas and desires for your own slice of paradise.
When you find yourself stuck looking for a particular piece of furniture, think outside the box to find a more creative solution. Two side tables can easily double as a small coffee table, while a stool or mismatched chair can double as a cost-effective nightstand.