Whether you’re moving into a new home because you’re going to be living on your own for the first time or because you’re changing places, furnishing a new house can be fun yet also a bit worrying. While you’re excited about this new phase of your life, you’re also concerned about things going wrong.
That’s why it’s essential to develop a plan. By following these important tips, you can furnish your home right the first time, avoid headaches, and enjoy your new home:
1. Shop Smart
You don’t have to break the bank when shopping for furniture. Try looking for flyers from a website like Shopping Canada for discounts from renowned shops like Ashley HomeStore, IKEA, Leon’s Furniture, and more.
Alternatively, you can look in the local classifieds for gently used furniture near your new home. Remember to test the preowned items carefully before you buy for breakages or bed bugs.
When furnishing a new space without any furniture on a budget, start with the essentials. If you plan to say in your home for a long time, consider investing in a high-quality bed, dining table, and sofa that looks good feels comfortable, and lasts a long time.
2. Plan the Move:
If you’re moving from one home to another and already own plenty of furniture, you should plan what to take and leave behind. Don’t automatically take everything without doing a cost-benefit analysis. For example, if it costs too much time, energy, and money to take that creaky old sofa, you’re probably better off listing it on the classifieds.
Please also be careful when hiring movers. Unfortunately, many movers run scams you must avoid. Either hire a reputable mover or move furniture yourself with help from friends and family.
3. Measure, Measure, Measure!
Whether you’re buying new furniture or not, take measurements to ensure that the furniture is the right fit for the living space. For example, please don’t bring a king-sized bed into a queen-sized space unless you want to squeeze it into your bedroom. Likewise, avoid getting your massive couch if it will adversely affect foot traffic in your living room.
Of course, your furniture should also suit the aesthetic of your home. Try to have a theme, but also mix it up with some attractive accent pieces. For example, a gorgeous leather couch will match well with your seating arrangement.
4. Use the Right Strategy for Smaller Spaces
Use the right furnishing strategy if you’re shifting into a smaller space like an apartment or a condominium. Buy furniture designed explicitly for a space-challenged home. For example, you can get a lovely sectional to maximize seating capacity even in a smaller room.
You can also buy furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, some Ottomans can seat your friends, function as a coffee table, and open to store your board games or cushions. Similarly, a sofa bed can seat your family and turn into an extra bed at night.
Mistakes when furnishing a new place can be stressful. Shop at the right places and develop a plan to enjoy the experience.