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Moving into a place that needs a little bit of work (or a lot of work) may seem like a great idea initially, but it can be costly. There’s so much that goes into decorating a new home — from paint to furniture to new appliances — so it’s no surprise the money can add up quickly.
However, there are ways to save money when decorating your new home. While there are certain aspects of a home renovation you should not cut corners on, there are opportunities to be smart.
If you’re moving into a new place or are just thinking about redecorating your current home, here are a few easy ways to save some money.
I will never tell you to try and fix the plumbing or electrical system in your house (please, call a professional for that), but I will tell you to paint the walls yourself. Sure, it may seem like a pain, but you will save upwards of thousands of dollars, depending on how many walls you need to be painted.
Not to mention, a DIY paint job almost always looks as good as a professional paint job. Though it’ll take some time out of your life, take it as an opportunity to save a good chunk of change. Plus, painting can be fun!
Less is more, so don’t feel like you need to overdo it on accessories. Find a few pieces you love, but don’t crowd the space with unnecessary items. While it may feel tempting to cover every inch of your home, it’s important to find functional pieces.
Before purchasing something, ask yourself if you really love it and if you really need it. Everything in your home should serve a purpose.
While it’s important to have a quality couch, it’s less important to have a quality side table or floor lamp. It’s OK to splurge on the furniture items you know you’ll use every day (like a couch, bed, or TV), but consider saving on the small stuff.
For example, a $20 mirror from a thrift store can look just as great as a $200 mirror from a more expensive store.
Likewise, it’s important to invest in the big stuff. Whether you’re purchasing a new dining room table or a couch, make sure it’s something you’ll want to keep for many years, if not your whole life.
Investing in quality furniture will not only improve the overall look of your home, but it’ll prevent you from having to continually buy new pieces in the future. You don’t want to keep buying a new couch every five years.
There’s truly no better feeling than finding a piece of furniture or a decorative item at a thrift store. Not only is it usually unique, but it’s almost always cheap. While it may take some time to find the right pieces, thrift store shopping will save you a lot of money, depending on what you’re looking for.
Not to mention, if you’re willing to do some digging, check out Facebook Marketplace for quality furniture for nearly half the price. Whether you’re looking for new bedframes, desks, TV stands, coffee tables, or really anything in between, you can find great items online.
The bottom line? Don’t rush out and buy everything from a luxury store. Take your time, pick your pieces, and do your research. Decide what’s worth splurging on and what you hope to save on.
