Furnishing a new home or a new apartment can be stressful, especially if you don't have a plan. There are multiple factors to consider, like
- Your budget.
- Space dimensions.
- Lighting.
- Design.
- and more.
So even if you start the project with optimism, it can become a challenging experience if you lack a plan. Luckily, furnishing your new space doesn't need to be a headache. Instead, shopping for furniture can be fun and much easier if you plan and organize your ideas.
Creating a Budget
Creating a realistic budget is especially important once you sign a lease and pay your security deposit. You'll need to consider any monthly payments or other expenses you have when creating your furnishing budget.
If you have a low budget, keep in mind that you can always purchase less expensive furniture and replace it once you've settled in and saved more money. In addition, ask yourself questions about your current situation, like:
- "How long do you plan on living in this space?"
- "When you move, are you going nearby or across the country?"
- "Do you have pets and children that will ruin the furniture?"
- "How much time do you usually spend at home?"
If you have pets or are planning to move across the country in a few years, keeping your budget relatively low may be best. However, spending more on your furnishings may be best if you plan to settle in your new space for a while, especially since you'll get more use out of them.
Spend or Save
Even though it's always nice to save money, sometimes spending more on furniture is tempting. If that's the case, then consider the following factors:
- Practicality: Will you use the piece often, or is it an impulse purchase? If it's the latter, then consider purchasing something less expensive.
- Price Range: Does the piece of furniture warrant a steeper price tag? It may be worth considering investing in your desk, couch, or bed.
- Secondhand: Can you purchase a used piece of furniture? Typically, you can find higher ticket items in used condition at a more affordable price.
Shopping for Furniture
Shopping for furniture can be exciting if you know what you want and where to look. However, before you visit your local furniture shop or check online, measure the dimensions of your space. Get the floor and wall space dimensions and write it all down. Ultimately, this will save you much stress while you're at the store and uncertain if something will fit in your living space.
Next, it'll be time to decide if you want to shop online or in person. For example, you can buy pretty much any furniture online; however, you may still prefer to shop in-store to see the items in person.
Choosing a store that fits your budget and style needs is best. If you are working with a lower budget, try looking at your local secondhand stores and consignment shops. You can also check online marketplaces for people selling in your area. Also, depending on where you live and the time of year, you might be able to snag quality pieces of furniture that people are selling. Be on the lookout for estate, moving, or garage sales.
If you have a large budget, you will have more options. Try researching online and then visit the store to review your options.
Should I Rent?
Renting furniture is a viable option too. It's perfect for people who don't plan on living in their space for long or want to wait to buy furnishings. However, renting does offer some flexibility. For example, some companies allow you to rent while making low monthly payments. Then, if you end up liking the piece of furniture, you'll be able to purchase it by paying the difference.
Renting furniture does give you access to high-quality, clean furniture until you're ready to buy your own. Also, it is fast and easy because you typically don't move the furniture yourself. When your rental term ends, the company will arrange pickup for the item. Plus, if you're living in a place temporarily, you'll save money.
Takeaway
Furnishing your new place is a big step, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Typically, it is best to write out a plan for your furnishings, including your budget, what you need, and the dimensions of your space. Planning will help make the process easier.