Creative Shopping Tips For Unique Home Furnishing Finds on a Budget

Everyone wants a home that reflects their own personal style, but can worry that their vision is bigger than their wallet. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for and are willing to go off the beaten path to find it, it might be a lot cheaper than you think.

Flea market. Stock photo.

With a little creativity, you can find almost any kind of household furnishing - at deep discounts - at less mainstream venues such as flea markets, thrift shops, consignment stores, model homes, showcases, and county fairs.

Auctions and antique shows are also something to consider for anyone willing to possibly pay a little more for some rare and unique pieces.

Regardless of the venue you choose, all of these adventure in shopping require a little more thought and preparation than the usual trip to the retail center.

Things To Take With You

First and foremost - as with any good shopping trip - make a list of all the top essential things that you want to buy. If that’s furniture, make sure you have the following items:

• Cash, checkbook, and proper identification.
• Pencil and paper.
• Set of swatches.
• Tape measure.
• Measured floor plan.
• Room photos.
• A tool kit to help take legs off tables for transport, etc.
• A blanket or tarp to cover things tied to the roof of a vehicle.
• Scissors or a knife to cut a rope or heavy twine for use in tying items to the roof of a vehicle.

For smaller purchases, remember to bring a lot of your own extra shopping or tote bags, as well as tissue paper, rags, or small towels to wrap delicate items. It’s also a good idea to bring your own folding shopping cart if you plan to make a lot of small purchases, and don’t want to carry them around all day.

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