3 Expert Tips for Saving Money When Buying Furniture

When it comes to getting your own place you will have two very expensive purchases to make; appliances and furniture. Let us say you have already got the appliances and are about to tackle the furniture purchases. Oops….you are a little lower on the funds than what you thought!

Stretching your furniture funding doesn’t have to be complicated! You may have your heart set on that beautiful dark cherry bedroom set, but there are creative ways to get it (or something similar) without totally breaking the bank. Plus you may be able to add in a few other pieces that you never thought about before your initial shopping trip.

Please remember that the following are just a sampling of the alternative options of buying brand new furniture. Always check to see if there are additional options in your area before making a final decision.

1. Consider Renting

Before committing to a purchase why not just rent your furniture? Depending upon your situation it may be cheaper to rent than to own. For example, if you are in college and renting an apartment for a single semester, renting your furniture could save you a bit of money (and it could save you time and effort since you won’t have to move it).

That being said, there is a difference between Renting and Rent-To-Own–which would be another reason you should do your homework before committing to renting furniture.

The most commonly known option is Rent-To-Own; which are companies such as Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center. Stores like this are where your rental payments go toward the full final purchase price, plus interest. After the final payment is made, you own the furniture. Keep in mind though, that any delinquency in payments may lead to repossession of your furniture, so think your finances through prior to committing, especially if you have (or will soon have) a lot of student loan debt to repay.

Your other option is simply renting furniture. (Not to own) Monthly rental payments will allow you to use the furniture as long as you need it, and then it is hauled away when it is no longer needed. Furniture rental websites like rentfeather.com and cort.com also allow you to trade out furniture if your space or taste changes. Options for all types of spaces are available; all you have to do is look.

2. Hit the Auctions

Estate auctions are great places to find good used furniture. Often enough you find higher quality furniture at the auction that is the same price, or less, than what you would pay for new at the store. The express difference is the QUALITY.

Often enough, if you attend the auction of an older couple, their furniture is made of sturdier components than what is used now on similar pieces. Imagine buying a solid oak dining room table that you know will last forever, for the same price as a cheap particle board and plastic table at the store. Which one of those two tables do you think would be a better investment in the long-run?

Do not get us wrong, any auction could bear any number of great furniture finds, but you have to learn to shop smart. Before making a final decision on any piece, take time to inspect it. Ask yourself these questions:

• Does it look like it has been well taken care of?
• Are there any stains on the piece? And if so, can they be cleaned or removed?
• Do you see any structural integrity issues? (In the case of larger, heavier pieces like beds or cabinets)
• In the case of chairs and couches – Is it comfortable? (Sit on them)
• Will you need to restore, fix, or recover it?

If yes to the above – is the purchase worth all the extra money you will have to put into it?

Always, ALWAYS remember to look at the price tag! If that price is too good to be true then start asking questions. After all, if you really want it maybe they will knock off a couple more dollars for you.

You can also use these same tips at yard sales, Habitat-For-Humanity stores, and Goodwill stores in your area.

3. Think Through Your Space

The term “cheap” does not always get paired with most furniture. By that, we are saying sometimes you cannot get the big furniture pieces you want with the low budget that you have.

Look around your space and consider the sizing of all the furniture you think you need. Could you possibly live with having smaller versions of what is in your vision versus the regular size?  Would you be able to work with a loveseat instead of a full size couch? Are there some things you simply do not need right this minute?

We are asking this because changing the size or even eliminating a piece could save you a boatload of money. Living with the basics for right now can allow you to save up money to purchase additional pieces at a later date or to save for your dream vacation instead. Maybe you will even have enough to completely redecorate your home or apartment!

 

Remember, less is more. Houses that are cluttered with furniture, large pieces and decorations look tacky and distasteful. More often than not, having a few pieces of well placed quality furniture goes dramatically further than buying every piece you can afford. Approach buying furniture with a more contemporary, minimalist mindset, and you’ll be glad you did.