Furnishing the nest egg on a budget
Posted on July 16th, 2008 – 12:33 PMBy Kara McGuire
Bargain-hunters and shopping mavens, this reader needs your help:
Do you have any tips on where to get decent quality stuff (new or used) on a tight budget? I want to be environmentally and fiscally responsible and not buy anything that is going to fall apart and need to be replaced in a few years. I have some of the basics like a bed, but I am going to need some furniture and a washer and dryer.
10 Responses to "Furnishing the nest egg on a budget"
Craigslist is always good. Also check thrift stores and garage/estate sales in nice neighborhoods.
While I’d be leery of being anything upholstered (germ factor), hard furniture can be Lysol-ed or wiped down with bleach. I got an inexpensive washer and dryer off craigslist a few years ago and haven’t had any problems with it.
Craigslist?
Craigslist - It may take you some time to find exactly what you want, but there are some deals to be had!
For appliances, check out Appliance Smart, or I think Warner’s Stellian has a scratch and dent store too…
Check out Furniture & Things Clearance Outlet Store if you don’t mind display models, some with minor scratch & dents. Quality merchandise, sometimes, 70% off original price.
For appliances, check out Sears Outlet.
craigslist is excellent, also scratch and dent in Ikea, and if you can only find gross moldy things at goodwill and savers, try a more hidden thrift store like Bible for Missions Thrift in Robbinsdale…different churches volunteer to staff it, so many church patrons donate their things there specifically to support the cause (rather than just trying to dump it off anywhere) which I’ve noticed results in a higher quality rate (like red wing boots for $4!!!)
Also check out reuse center in NE and lake street…
Some appliance dealers will give you a great deal on open-box or floor model appliances, while most of the time they’re just scratched up.
Twin Cities Free Market (http://www.twincitiesfreemarket.org) is another place to find free stuff. I was going to say Ikea, too, but I know that probably doesn’t have the staying power you’re looking for. What about estate sales and garage sales?
Freecycle is a great way to obtain things for free (OK… you usually have to pick stuff up yourself) and to get rid of stuff you no longer want. Check http://www.freecycle.org for freecycle networks in your area. The main purpose of Freecycle is to keep things out of landfill… if you are looking for something, ask the group and you may get a response. If you are trying to get rid of stuff, offer it to the group and see the responses.
A couple of years ago I offered up repairable but broken sewing machine and had a couple dozen responses from people who were willing to take it and pay someone else to fix it. Another time, I had half a box of broken English bone china (ebay purchase poorly packed)… many responses from crafters who break up china for tesserae for mosaics.
Estate auctions can be a great way to pick up appliances and furniture for a good price. The items at auctions are typically pretty well cared for, and you get the added fun of the adrenaline rush of bidding and winning. You have to be a little careful though because most things at estate auctions are sold “as in” and sales are final.
“Do you have any tips on where to get decent quality stuff (new or used) on a tight budget?”
How tight a budget? Super-tight budget & go with the craigslist & garage sale recommendations. If your budget is more like “I’m looking for new stuff but don’t want to pay full retail” go to the Room & Board outlet. Its on the north side of Hwy 55, just east of Hwy 100. Weekends only.
