My Budgeting Basics post is one of my most popular. I have received amazing messages from friends who are implementing a budget and seeing the magic. I even had a sweet friend (and fellow “newlywed”) from back home message me to see if I had any tips for furnishing a home/apartment on a budget. I do – so I thought I would share! 

First, take it slow. I know that having a home of my own to decorate was one of the things I was looking forward to most when Sean and I got married. It is easy to feel rushed to furnish and decorate your entire home/apartment right when you move in. We were blessed with a couple of amazing wedding gifts, like a couch and a bed when we first got married. However, we have been married for almost a year and are still working on adding pieces that we love to our apartment. My advice is to focus on the few essentials first and then worry about finding good accent pieces and decorate over time. Furnishing slowly also helps to ensure that you truly love the pieces you are purchasing. Rushing to furnish a home can sometimes lead to wasted money and regrets…we don’t want that. Find what you love, save, then buy when you are ready. 

Next, create a furniture or decor category in your budget. This helps you to know what you can afford to spend each month. Even if it is $20 that you set aside for small decor pieces or $50-$100 that you are saving each month to purchase a larger item, calculating how much you can afford is crucial. We don’t want to be using credit cards or going in to debt because we couldn’t wait 3 months to buy some barstools. Sean and I literally used 2 camping chairs and a storage bin as an ottoman/dining table when we first got married – there is no shame in living within your means and accomplishing your #pinteresthomegoals in the right time frame for you. Planning ahead, budgeting, and learning to save are also incredible habits to foster. 

Third, shop at discount stores and look for sales. Do your research. This is probably my biggest tip because it can save you loads of $$$. For example, our couch is literally from Costco – a large sectional that was on killer sale, and is amazing. We also purchased our TV on Amazon with gift cards from our wedding. Our other small pieces like barstools and bedside tables are from IKEA. We also purchased our bed frame and mattress during one of the summer holidays when there were sales everywhere. If you can avoid paying full price by doing your research and looking for deals… put in a little extra effort and do it. Places like HomeGoods and Nordstrom Rack are also my favorite because you can get new, high quality decor pieces like candles, pillows, throw blankets, even rugs & artwork for a great sale price. 

Two other pieces of advice that I have can apply to more than just furnishing a home. Don’t compare and set goals. 

First, comparison. This is something that I have struggled with in more ways than one, but recently it has been related to home and lifestyle. It is easy to look at couples that are older or that have been married longer or that are more established and wish that you were in their place. At least once a week I fantasize about how nice it would be to purchase a home and start a family or travel more frequently and live more luxuriously. This is not to say that Sean and I don’t treat ourselves and live a great life, because we do, we are very blessed. But the virus of comparison can creep in and make you feel like what you have isn’t enough – don’t let it. Don’t feel like you have to furnish your entire home instantly just because that seems like the norm. Don’t feel like your first home or apartment has to look like a Pottery Barn magazine. Be realistic about where you are and then make goals for how you are going to get to the place that you want to be down the road. 

This leads directly into my next piece of advice. Set goals. This is important. Goals provide drive and motivation and discipline. If you are saving for a home or a vacation or a washing machine, know that sticking to your budget is what is going to get you there. For us, overspending on our monthly food budget takes away from how much we can save – when you recognize how your choices directly impact your future, you make more calculated decisions. Let the pressure of big dreams and a bright, successful future be the discipline you need to make smarter choices now. 

You can do it!!