How to Buy Cheap Large Furniture

Even large furniture pieces can be found inexpensively.

Whether you're trying to furnish your first house or apartment or just want to change your furniture, there's no need to spend a fortune--even on the big pieces, such as sofas and dining room suits. Find large furniture for less via various options. If you're OK with used furniture, that is often a better deal if found in like-new condition. However, deals on new furniture can be found too. With some planning and research, you'll find inexpensive key pieces to fill your home.

Instructions

1. Check websites that sell used furniture. One option is Craigslist. Nice-looking items on the website go quickly, so make sure you act promptly if you see something you like. Also check out Ebay (make sure to select something with a "pick up" option that is near you so you don't have to pay for shipping).

2. Scour garage sales or estate sales for cheap furniture. Be prepared to haggle, have cash and spend time searching.

3. Shop retail store sales (on the actual prices, not low financing). Good times of year to look are around Memorial Day, Labor Day, after Thanksgiving and right after the Christmas holidays. Always make a bee-line straight for the clearance section and ask if the markdowns on the rest of the store also apply to the clearance merchandise.

4. Check clearance centers of furniture stores or large retailers such as Macy's.

5. Take some time to go over the piece you're considering, whether it's in a store or at someone's home. Look it over for wobbly legs or cracked, ripped, loose wood or fabric. Lift up cushions and sit in all chairs. Always try to negotiate the price down with the seller if you see any problems that are easily fixable.

Tips & Warnings

• When going the online-search route, always choose sites that allow for seeing the furniture before buying it (such as when it's sold by an individual). You should always check the piece thoroughly before handing over money.

• Don't forget to figure in any delivery fees when making a purchase. The additional money may not make the piece such a deal.