For students living in off-campus college apartments, the best option is to find one that comes completely furnished. However, it’s not always possible to find an apartment near campus that already has furniture, or if it does, it may not have everything you need. Even furnished apartments require the purchase of pots, pans, cooking utensils, vacuums, mops and more. The price can add up. However, with these tips, you don’t have to break the bank to buy everything you need.
Six Tips on how to Furnish College Apartments on a Budget
Yard Sales
Almost everything can be found at yard sales, from dishes and silverware, to beds, coffee tables, vacuums and more. Items are usually sold for a relatively cheap price as the seller is motivated to get rid of it. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask the seller if they are willing to give the item to you for free if the item isn’t sold by the end of the day.
Hand-Me-Downs
Do you know anyone who is moving? Ask them if there is anything they plan to get rid of and see if you can have it. Ask parents, grandparents and other relatives if there are items they don’t need that you can take.
For example, ask if you can have one of the 10 pots your grandmother has, or the bedside table sitting in the basement that no one needs. You’d be surprised how many items you need for an apartment that you can get this way. When you’re out for a walk or on a drive, check the curbs, too. Plenty of people leave old furniture they don’t want by the roadside.
Craigslist
Craigslist isn’t always the best option, as often furniture can be overpriced, but it doesn’t hurt to look to see if someone locally has something you need for sale. It’s even better if they’re willing to deliver it to you for free.
Throw a Party
Have your parents throw you a party, such as a high school graduation party, and ask for gifts for your apartment. Towels, hangers, hampers, even laundry soap, all make great cheap gifts that guests can buy.
Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army and other thrift stores sell more than just clothes. They sell kitchen supplies, furniture and plenty of other items for your apartment. It may not be the cheapest option, but it’s cheaper than buying new.
University Surplus Stores
Not all Universities have a surplus store, but if they do it’s a great place to find used furniture, tools, lamps and more, all for a reasonable price.
College apartments are generally temporary residences, so they don’t need all of the odds and ends that a more permanent home might need. Start by making a list of everything you cannot live without and then begin looking for those items at thrift stores and yard sales, or see if your family and friends have what you need for free. Any apartment can be furnished for cheap this way.
Where do you get your furnishing necessities on the cheap? Let us know about your money saving tips in the comment section below.
Equal Housing Opportunity
3 Comments. Leave new
i find that going to yard sales are a great cheap way to furnish on a budget. Stick to the higher class neighborhoods too to get the best deals
You can find a lot of online yard sales on facebook and other sites. You can snag some really neat things really cheap.
[…] frugal. College is a time when you’re applauded by your friends (and parents) for finding inexpensive solutions or alternatives to the norm. In many ways, the college years offer great life lessons in […]