Purchasing a home is a massive, yet exciting undertaking. But what about all of the additional expenses that are part of the equation? Many homebuyers forget to account for them.
One of the most costly purchases outside of major appliances is furniture. It’s a must-have, unless you don’t mind passing time on the floor.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go further into debt to make your new home cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Besides planning ahead so you won’t engage in impulse shopping, there are other ways to save a ton of money on furniture, both new and used. We recommend you look into these options even if you’re just in the market for one or two pieces of furniture. There are so many ways to get a deal on an upgrade. Consider:
1. Craigslist
You may be skeptical about shopping for furniture on Craigslist, so here’s the trick: Search for listings in high-end areas to increase your chances of locating the high-caliber goods. Just be sure that the cost of repairs and cleaning, if necessary, doesn’t add substantially to the purchase price.
Want to maximize your savings? Check out Freecycle.org for free furniture.
2. Reupholstering and refinishing
Do you actually need new furniture, or can you spruce things up with a face-lift? If the latter is true, try having your items reupholstered or refinished. The internet is full of how-to tips and ideas. One that is rich with ideas is DIYNetwork. And home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s will offer lots of advice.
Then accessorize your upgraded furniture in your home with new decor, such as pillows, lamps and rugs.
Conduct an online search for interior design ideas and try visiting stores such as Home Goods, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, to locate accent pieces and accessories. Small changes can make a huge difference and save you a ton of cash.
3. Moving sales, yard sales, estate sales
Is anyone in your area moving to another city? If not, check out individual and community garage sales to take advantage of bargains. The “everything must go” mentality will more than likely grant you access to the best deal available.
And if you run across an estate sale, keep in mind that the best items go fast, notes to Apartment Therapy. However, “if you come after the rush (later in the day or the next day), you will feel less frazzled and are in a better position to haggle,” the website says.
4. Going-out-of-business sales
The retailers must clear out the inventory and equipment in their facility before the doors officially close for good. If you have some flexibility, wait until the final weeks of operation to shop. Even if the selection is limited, you will save a substantial amount of cash on the furniture you select.
5. Thrift stores
The items are donated and quite likely will vary greatly in how gently used or abused they were. Still, you might find some great deals that can look like new with a little attention.
6. Discount furniture stores
In Florida, we have clearance centers, including American Freight and Big Lots, that sell name-brand furniture at big discounts. Rooms to Go outlet stores also sell items with slight scratches and dents. Check to see if these stores or ones like them are in your area.
Also, your local furniture store may have great discounts on floor models and items that are a bit dinged.
7. Furniture swapping
No cash available for new furniture? Try trading with others who have items that interest you. Another way to find partners is via Craigslist, but make sure what they are offering is comparable in terms of value to your goods.
8. Consignment shops
Furniture at these locations is usually decent enough to generate a profit for the shop, as well as some cash for the original owner. And the boutique shops sometimes carry high-end designer brands.
9. Special promotions
The best time to buy furniture is when stores have to make room for new inventory. The timing varies, but check around holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, plus the months of February and August. Hold off a while, and the price might drop even more.
Meanwhile, May is a good time to buy a mattress, says DealNews.
Track the prices on your favorite pieces so you can pounce when there’s a major markdown.
MarketWatch says that sale items are often placed at the back of a store, so that customers are forced to walk through the full-priced items to get there. Don’t get distracted. Make a beeline for the discounted stuff.
10. Haggling
The advertised prices for furniture are not set in stone, and the store owner can easily drop the price and still make a decent profit. Says MarketWatch, “Most furniture retailers mark up their prices by about 80 percent (and in some cases more) to maximize profits.”
11. Price matching
Check the fine print and politely approach management if you discover that they offer price matching for identical or similar products offered by another retailer.
12. Wholesalers
The inventory in these stores tends to turn over frequently, so pop in as often as you can to take a look. And if you see something you like, jump on it immediately. But be on the lookout for slightly damaged goods.
What tactics have you used to save big bucks on furniture? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
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