Your furniture dictates the interior style and comfort of your home. If you’re out shopping, click here to learn how to save on furniture.
Did you know that, on average, it costs around $8,000 to furnish a one bedroom apartment? That’s quite the price tag, to say the least, and doesn’t include items like a washer and dryer, which are a must-have for any homeowner.
So if you just got your first apartment, or maybe you’ve upgraded to a larger home, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the empty space. You want to furnish it and make your place look and feel like home, but you don’t want to break the bank while doing so.
Luckily there are plenty of ways to find really nice furniture, including some pieces that are brand new, for low prices.
In this article, we’ll tell you about 7 ways you can save on furniture, so that, over time, you can turn your dream home into a reality!
Now then, let’s get started!
1. Shop Online
About 25% of adults in the United States purchase at least one item online each month. Online shopping is a huge deal in today’s society, and for a good reason, because there are so many benefits to shopping on the web.
Outside of being able to find just about anything you’d want to buy online, you can do it all from the comfort of your couch, which is an added bonus. Most importantly, you’ll be able to find some really good deals shopping online, which can help you cut the costs of most furniture pieces.
2. Thrift Stores
Yes, it’s true, you can actually find some pretty awesome stuff at your local thrift store.
Sure, it might take a bit of searching on your part to find something you actually like and can use, and you can’t do it from the comfort of your own couch, but it’s a great way to save money when purchasing furniture.
If you do decide to go to the thrift shop route, try to make a day out of it. Find some friends who want to tag along, and try to have fun, because the process can actually be quite the adventure when done right.
And who knows, you may find something you never knew you even wanted or needed, with a price tag that is sure to make your bank account smile!
3. Garage Sales
When it comes to garage sales, people are often almost giving away their belongings because they no longer need it or just want to free up some space around the house. This means you can get really nice pieces of furniture for insanely low prices, which is pretty great.
Like thrift shopping, garage sales are a bit tricky. You’ll have to always be on the lookout, and you’ll almost need to let them find you. But when you find something you absolutely love, and it costs next to nothing, it’s a great feeling.
4. Classified Ads
Using classified ad websites like Craigslist, you can find some of the best furniture, and for a great deal, too.
The classifieds are a bit easier to navigate than thrift stores and garage sales. You’ll see a description of the item, and sometimes even pictures, so you can more easily find the exact kind of stuff you’re looking for.
You’ll get the same benefit that you get from garage sales and thrift stores, where the prices are almost too good to be true. But you’ll be able to search from your couch again, which, for many people, is the best way to shop.
5. Outlet Malls and Overstock Stores
Outlet malls and overstock stores are a great place to find deals on all kinds of items, including furniture. Best of all? These items are brand new, and not used like the items found in the first three spots on this list.
So if you need a kitchen table or chairs for your living room, be sure to check out your local outlet mall or overstock store before buying something brand new from a traditional furniture store.
6. Clearance Sales
If you really want to shop at a traditional furniture store, and want brand new, never before used items, check out the clearance sales section.
You’ll often find older models that are still brand new, but simply didn’t sell for whatever reason, that the store is just trying to get rid of. Just ask a sales associate if they have a clearance section, or where you can go to learn more about what they have to offer that’s on sale.
Speaking of sales, display models for certain items can also often be purchased at a discount. So if you see something in the store that you like that’s on display, ask about buying the display version for a discount.
7. Scratch and Dent Sales
If you need larger items, like kitchen appliances or a washer and dryer, be on the lookout for scratch and dent sales. Oftentimes, you’ll find appliances with little to no noticeable damage, but huge price cuts, which can really help you save money.
Sometimes something just gets opened and removed from its box, and then returned to the store in perfect working condition, so the store can’t sell it at full price. This means you can get a brand new refrigerator, or other costly appliance, at a great bargain.
Most hardware stores have their scratch and dent items out on display somewhere in the store, so be sure to keep an eye out while you shop around.
How to Save on Furniture
Well, there you have it! Those are 7 ways to save on furniture when shopping for your home!
Remember, take your time and don’t feel too rushed to buy everything all at once. Go room-by-room and search for used pieces when you can. Outlet malls, overstock stores, and online sales are a great place to look, too.
And if you need a refrigerator, or a washer and dryer, look for a scratch and dent sale at your local hardware store. You can often find some pretty awesome stuff that looks as good as new for half the price.
Looking for more tips on how to shop? Check out our blog!