Finance Authority of Maine
FAME's 5 on the 5th
August 2012

 

Five Ways to Affordably Furnish Your Apartment or Dorm Room

 


It is almost time for many college students to pack up the car and head off to school.  You certainly don't want to spend a lot of money furnishing your dorm or apartment, but you do want to be comfortable.  Below are five tips to help you furnish your space as affordably as possible!

 

 

1. Make a List of Items That You Will Need

 

Start by thinking about what you NEED to have in your space.  Dorm rooms, and many apartments, have limited space so only bring what is essential.  Prioritize your needs and purchase the necessities at the top of the list first.  If you can't afford everything you need, see if you can do without the items for a bit, pick up a couple extra shifts at work, or ask for the items as a gift for an upcoming birthday or holiday.

 

 

2. Coordinate With Your Roommate

 

Having a roommate not only results your housing being more affordable, it also means that you can share the challenge of furnishing your space together.  In a dorm room, there is no need to have two refrigerators or two televisions.   Even in an apartment, duplicate items are often unnecessary.  Contact your roommate(s) and figure out who already owns what.  Next, see if you can make a plan to split some of the remaining purchases, saving both money and time shopping.

 

 

3. Visit Thrift Stores or Yard Sales

 

Thrift stores and yard sales are great places to find the items you need.  Additionally, many thrift stores are connected with a charity, so you are not only getting what you need, but helping others.  Both thrift stores and yard sales are great places to find pots, pans, bowls, utensils, lighting, and even furniture.  The merchandise at stores changes frequently, so check back often.  And yard sale shopping is just plain fun, so check out numerous sales.

 

 

4. Don't Forget About Hand-Me-Downs

 

We live in a country where we like to buy things new, but new often translates to expensive.  However, there are lots of used items out there just looking for a good home.  Have you visited your parents', grandparents', or other relatives' attic recently?  You would be surprised how many people have spaces full of good quality items they no longer need.  And often, you'll be doing them a favor by taking the items off their hands.

 

 

5. Shop Online and Save

 

Hop on your computer and check out the classified section of your local newspaper or craigslist.com.  Your school may even have a message board or forum where items are posted for sale.  Many people are looking to unload their old belongings when they buy new items.  Often old desks, chairs, tables, and shelves are still in great shape and have years of use left in them.  You might even be able to haggle with the sellers to get a lower price!   

 

 

College is expensive so cutting costs where you can is critical.  Figure out what you need, network with roommates and relatives to see what they have, and then have fun hunting for deals.  You'll be surprised not only by how much money you can save, but also by the hidden treasures you might find.  Good luck!

 

 

Finance Authority of Maine
www.famemaine.com
 
Tel:      (207) 623-3263
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