If you are moving into your first apartment, you might have a tight budget. Whether you're just beginning college or planning your post-university life, you want to furnish that first apartment without emptying your wallet completely. Luckily, there are various ways to get everything you need for your first place AND stay within your budget. Check out some of these apartment moving tips!
Figure out what you need
First, create a list of the items you'll need to furnish your new apartment. Consider your roommates, if applicable. If this is your first apartment, you're probably not going to be living alone. So, involve your roommates in the process of buying furniture. If your place has a living area and/or dining room, you could probably use some of the following items:
- Couch/sofa
- Dining/kitchen table
- Armoire
- Armchairs
- Coffee table
- TV stand
Once you've made a comprehensive list of things you need for the apartment, try to develop a floor plan. Use your knowledge of the space -- or a blueprint, if possible-- to plan which pieces of furniture will go where. This step can also help you figure out what might not fit. Update your list as necessary. Be sure to prioritize the items when creating your list, and discuss with your roommates before making any final decisions.
Shop around for items
Now that you have a list of what you want/need for your first apartment, you need to purchase the items. In some cases, you'll need to buy furniture from places like IKEA, which is a cost-effective alternative to most furniture stores. IKEA happens to be a one-stop shop for first-time renters or homeowners, where you can get everything you need for your new home.
There are also several other ways to furnish your first apartment. For example, you can look to family and friends for old pieces of furniture. Need a couch or a set of dining room chairs? Looking for a television stand for the living room? Friends and family members might be throwing away an item without your knowledge, so it never hurts to ask. If somebody you know is planning to get rid of a piece of furniture you can use, offer to take it off their hands! Sometimes, people you know will let you take old couches and tables for free, especially if they intended to throw them away anyway.
Whether you seek out furniture from stores like IKEA first or look directly to friends and family, it is important to shop around and weigh your options. The best way to stick to your budget is to make the most cost-effective decision every step of the way. Saving money on certain pieces of furniture can leave you with more money to spend on decorations, a new mattress or even a new television! (You do want a bigger TV, right?)
Make your apartment feel like home
Buying furniture is only the first step. Now, to complete the process of settling in, you must make your new place feel like home. To accomplish this, you should decorate your first apartment the way you want it to look. If you're living with roommates, combine your styles and make it your own! To save on decorations and accessories, use websites like Etsy and handmade craft stores. Many of the most unique pieces of artwork and decorations can be found through these outlets.
Welcome home!