How to Furnish an Apartment

When you've moved out of your family's house for the first time, furnishing an apartment can seem like a daunting task. But whether or not you have the funds in the bank, there are a number of ways to create a home that suits your taste and budget. Sometimes it will take compromise, so save money by finding treasures at yard sales, at the curb on bulk garbage night or in friends' basements.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Go to your local home store or discount store and buy the furniture and decorative items you need, such as dressers, mattresses, tables, couches and lighting. Make sure you measure the rooms and walls in your apartment before buying to ensure that the furniture will fit once you bring it home. Many stores offer home delivery for a fee. You can also liven up your living space by painting the walls and displaying large works of art.

2. Ask friends and family if they have anything to give or sell to you. This is a great way to reduce the cost of furnishing an apartment. Often, someone has a sofa in the basement that he no longer needs, or kitchen items like blenders and mixers that he wants to sell for a nominal price. Other items to ask about are dishes, flatware, drinking glasses, towels and bedsheets, side tables and wall hangings.

3. Have a housewarming party. It's a not-so-subtle way to have friends and family come over to see your new apartment, and they're likely to bring small gifts for the home, such as bedsheets, baking pans and kitchen gadgets. If you get something you don't need, you can always return it for another item or store credit.

4. Look for bargains in your neighborhood. You'll find older furnishings at garage sales and yard sales, but many times it's a pleasant surprise to find a coffee table in good condition, or a TV stand that matches your decor. Look for items with minor blemishes. Also, haggle a bit with the seller to lower the price a few dollars, furthering your savings--you'll have more cash to spend on other furnishings for your apartment.

5. Check out local thrift stores. People make donations to stores run by nonprofit organizations and other groups that help the less fortunate. These places are great especially if you prefer a more retro look, as you can find great items from the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s to fit your decorating scheme.

6. Go "shopping" on bulk garbage night. This an especially thrifty way to furnish your apartment, since the only cost would involve cleaning the items and minor repair. A lot of private homes put couches, dining sets, TV stands and other furniture curbside for early-morning pickup following an unsuccessful yard sale or a house cleaning, and many of the offerings are in fairly good condition.

Tips & Warnings

• Always shop within your budget.
• Apply for store credit cards if they offer 0% interest deals for an extended period of time.
• Take an inventory of what you need before you shop.
• Bring a friend and a truck if you are picking up large pieces of furniture.
• Decorate an apartment with your own artwork.
• Be careful about what kind of items you retrieve from the curb. Many urban areas have bedbug and other pest problems, so it's best to pass on mattresses and fabric-covered furniture.