MomsWhoSave   1122 members

By: Packagedealx3 2 months ago

Back a gazillion years ago we moved into a house twice the size of where we were living at the time.  It is funny, moving wasn't fun, we had been in that house around 3 years and were trying to squeeze too many of us and too much stuff into a small space.  Anywho, I found myself with half a house to furnish and I reverted to what I had done also years before when I was broke, garage sales.

I have some really great pieces of furniture that were wood, made better than most of the stuff people buy new, and with some sanding and paint or whatever I did to it, wound up being really great furniture, my kids even as teens are still using much of it.  People can also check freecycle.  It's a website that is a hookup place for people getting rid of things and people that need them, you just arrange to pick it up, if you are tossing, you leave it on your porch or for something like furniture you can schedule and actual pickup when you/they are there.

If someone is on a budget, thinking in terms of smaller things can make a big difference.  I painted some wainscotting (ceiling height) when we moved in, a burgundy, did nothing in terms of scaling down the room but added some color and flair. Right now my bathroom could use a complete overhaul but I know if I paint the door, it will make the room look better, draw attention away from other things that need to be done, and it is cheap.  Fixture changes can also really enhance and/or change the look of a room without a significant investment.

If people aren't afraid of a little bit of elbow grease, you'd be surprised what you can do.  My very first kitchen table was $50, cast off break room table when I worked at the home office of Cargo furniture.  It looked like hell, had never been sealed and had not one space without drink rings.  I sanded the whole thing, restained it, it was gorgeous and I wound up keeping it for almost two decades.  My mom had some furniture that she didn't really like but it had been my grandmothers, as well as an older sofa that was wood with cushions.  She refinished all of it and they are gorgeous, even that stupid wood set in the basement looked great when it was refinished and some decent material on the cushions.

By: MRSROBINSON 2 months ago

I like to buy one thing at a time. I pace myself. I love Kirklands, Pier One Imports, Michaels, TJ Max , or any store that has variety. You can get alot of great deals in the off season. Now is the time to buy out door furniture its on clearance, You can also get summer items as plates and the plate holders, glasses, candles on sale/clearance. I've put these items on top of my kitchen cabinets. Looks Great! Big decorative plates, candles and vases, not too much but just the right combination. Center Pieces are great too. (real flowers, if you have a green thumb)

Note ....in the summer and spring I buy for the winter and fall, and vice versa. I never buy in season I wait until the price drops in the off season. If you buy on clearance you can really save, U may spend a couple of dollars per room tops. .......dont get me started! I've always loved Decorating Cents and Design on a Dime.(but I try to design on a penny!)

Why is paint so expensive these days or is it Texas? I Haven't seen any on sale for less than $19 in about a year.  

By: JKRodriguez 1 month ago

I like to focus on one room at a time.  My husband and I aren't too "handy" so I find it easier toshop around to get good quality service at the lowest pricwe.  So many places are having excellent deals right now because they are just trying to stay afloat in this economy.

Also, we do a lot of shopping on-line for our decor....so many fabulous deals and most sites offer free shipping or other incentives.

By: reedyj 1 month ago

I can sew, so I've never bought decorative pillows, always made them.  And, because pillow forms at a fabric store are so expensive, I've been using those cheap bed pillows cut in half - top to bottom.  You get more of a rectangle shape than square, but I like them better. 

By: uintah 1 month ago

I often buy furniture at the salvation army thrift store. I just rearranged our bedrooms so my middle son could have his own room, he only had a bed. I went to the salvation army and got him a dresser, nightstand, lamp and a 27" tv. I spent about $100 and everything look good enough that I didn't have to redo anything. Plus they have certain days of the week that the furniture is on sale. If you have a salvation army thrift store near you, then go and check  it out.