Finding Great Furniture For Less

Image by dombrassey via Flickr

 

 

Many people are in need of new furniture, from students to new families.  No one really wants to spend too much, so where (and how) can you find quality furniture that won’t break the bank?

There are people out there that are willing to trade or even give away some furniture that they simply don’t need anymore.

Friends and Family / Freecycle.org /Craigslist:  You may want to talk to friends and family first, who knows maybe they are willing to help and get rid of things they don’t want anymore.  Freecycle is a great place to find people who are willing to give something near you.  Craigslist may be another option if you are willing to spend a little bit.

Don’t bother taking something however because it’s being offered.  If you really cannot use the item, it will simply be taking up space in your home. 

If the item is broken, and you have a habit of putting things off- skip it. 

Avoid accepting things like mattress, while they will cost more the expense will still be better than inviting potential allergens and pests into your home.

Thoroughly clean everything before it enters your home.

Don’t avoid taking things due to superficial issues.  If the price is indeed right, remember you can always sand and paint items.

 

Recommended:

New grinch applications for the iPod touch and iPhone!

Same-Sex Marriage Hit!

 

 

Cost Saving Decorating Tips

 

 

While there are many places to purchase artwork, not many people think of actually making their own.  If someone isn’t ‘artistically inclined’ they may think that there is no other choice.  There are however options for those who may want to decorate yet may not be as artistically inclined as some that won’t break the bank.

From wall art to those little special touches, there is a way to save money on it all. 

• Don’t be afraid to reuse and repurpose pieces you may already have.  Something as simple as a quick fresh coat of paint to a piece of furniture can really spruce up a space. 
• Draping some fabric around your windows is another easy and cheap way to give some freshness to your space.  Aim for a simple pattern or a solid color that matches and /or coordinates something in the room already (think a couch, chair, or something smaller).
• A simple rearranging of present furniture in combination with some fresh paint, or even a new cover for your couch or chairs can add in some brand new personality to your space.

A can of paint, or a few yards of fabric is both an easy and cheaper way to give to life to an older space. 

Recommended:

Golf GPS app, comes to the iPhone

Cyber Monday Deals

Image by AndyRob via Flickr

How to Find the Right Apartment

For people who are in the market for new places to live in, monthly rentals are surely one of their main concerns. Although you will not know what the actual rental rate of a certain apartment or condo unit would be until you call, you can really assess and gauge if it is within you budget depending on how long it remains vacant.

Some apartments for rent that are good and fair priced are bound to be immediately taken. But one thing you have to note is associating the actual apartment size with the asking rate. The lessors are bound to be open for negotiating the monthly rate but don’t expect it to be drawn down to levels that can match your budgeted rate for living.

Here are some tips on spotting crazy rental rates:

1. Assess the time it remains vacant. The longer it is, the expensive it is bound to be.
2. Survey the location. There has to be a reason why it takes some time for a place to be rented. It could be haunted or there may be issues such as constant flooding or even robberies.
3. Ask around and evaluate the neighborhood. When renting, you don’t have the privilege of security most of the time. Consider the people living in the area and on whether you can co-exist with them.
4. Check out the amenities. There are some lessors who do not take into consideration issues like plumbing or renovation. Some of these apartments have been up for some time and if they are not maintained, you may end up living in a minefield waiting for disaster to happen.
5. Do a Landlord Background Check. If you have the resources to check around on the lessors history, do so. It would be best to know the type of landlord you will be having.