Decorating your apartment doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find much of what you need just by visiting your local thrift stores. Thrift store finds are usually much cheaper and still have some life left in them. The items may not look the best, but with a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, they may be just what you are looking for. With the following tips, you will be able to styling your apartment on a budget and create a unique atmosphere that reflects your character and personality.
Know Your Local Thrift Stores
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Get to know where your local thrift stores are and the type of merchandise each one typically carries. Some stores will always carry quality merchandise while others may cycle throughout the year. The key is knowing what level of quality you can count on from each store. Some stores will be more likely to have larger pieces of furniture that can be refurbished or upcycled without spending much money at all. Once you know which store sells what you are looking for your shopping will get much easier.
Visit Them Often
Visit each store on your list once a week or so. Keep your eyes open for small stores that are off the beaten path. Designate one day a week as your shopping day. Stop at garage sales and check out estate sales. You can even look into a few auctions. Thrift stores are excellent for certain types of items but may not have everything you need. Be willing to check other resources so you can find exactly what you need when you need it.
Know What You Are Shopping For
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Before you head out for the day, make a list of things you will be shopping for. Your list may be a little long. Odds are that you won’t find everything you are looking for when you go out. Find what you can and buy a few items at a time. This will give you time to clean things up and make any repairs that your items need. Be aware that you may find a lot more than you are looking for. Stick to your list and only buy what you need. Thrift stores have a lot of neat stuff hidden in the corners. Don’t be afraid to dig for what you are looking for.
Inspect Your Items Before You Buy
Inspect the things you are looking at before you decide to buy. You don’t want to spend good money on something that isn’t worth repairing. If you are looking at furniture, check all of the moving parts, the legs, and the structure of the item. Make sure that everything is in decent condition. If an item only needs small repairs, you may be able to salvage the item and turn it into exactly what you are looking for. Look inside items to see if anything has been hidden. You never know what you might find.
Find What You Need To Do It Yourself
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You may not find exactly what you are looking for. Instead, you may find what you need to build what you want. Don’t be afraid to take something that you find and create something unique. It will definitely be one of a kind. Be creative. If you need an item that you haven’t been able to find, don’t give up. Compromise and look for something similar that you may be able to alter to do the job. If you don’t find what you are looking for, start looking for pieces. By the time you are finished, you will have most of what you need to do it yourself.
Don’t just drive by your local thrift stores or garage sales. Stop the car and check things out. You never know what you will find. It may not be on your list for the day, but it does hold value and many things will show up on your list in the future. When you look at your apartment, your imagination can run wild. Thrift stores often have more than you need so don’t get caught in the trap of just buying on a whim. If you know you will eventually need it, buy it! You will end with a living space that is uniquely and beautifully your own.
