How to Furnish a House

New couples starting out are looking for ways to furnish their homes on a shoestring budget. However, many do not have the thousands of dollars to spend on quality furniture. All it takes is a little ingenuity and money smarts. Read on to learn how to furnish a house.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Sewing machine
• Computer

Instructions

1. Talk to relatives, friends and co-workers as some have hand me down furniture that they are willing to pass along for free. Take all items that are offered. It's easy to refurnish that old table from Aunt Angie with a little elbow grease and a can of paint. It takes little effort to re-frame those tacky old pictures that were sitting in Uncle Albert’s attic. Imagination is all that is needed to make these items work.

2. Visit flea markets and yard sales. Many times hidden treasure is hidden among the junk. It's not uncommon to stumble upon a complete set of dishes for under $10 or other fabulous finds.

3. Go to the local discount or outlet store to get remnants of carpets. If willing to do the work with your friends you can install a new carpet in your living room for under $100. Just buy your friends some beer and they will be happy.

4. Get a membership to a wholesale house. There you will be able to purchase a television, DVR and other electronics at discounted prices.

5. Make curtains for your home. A sewing machine, some flat bed sheets and a pair of scissors are all that is necessary to make your own curtains for under $10.

6. Go to the dollar store. There are hundreds around the country. You can purchase cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, candles, accessories, doilies and hundreds of other items at a very reasonable price.

7. Beg your parents to let you take the bedroom set. They will probably be glad because they have ideas of their own for that soon to be empty room.

8. Look for sales on linens and towels, and do not be afraid to buy marked down items that may have a few factory flaws. Even if the hem might be off on the towels that you buy, the towel still dries the dishes and that is the goal.

Tips & Warnings

• The quality of the furnishings that will be in your home should not be a major priority. You can always upgrade as you earn more money. Take anything that anyone of your friends, relatives and co-workers are willing to give you for free. With a bit of imagination you can make these odds and ends work in your abode.

• Clean out all the items that you receive for free. Repaint the items if needed. Use slip covers for a couch that was given to you for your living room.