By Julianna Perkins
It’s that time of year again. April comes around, leases expire, and residence buildings kick you to the curb. Everyone’s moving out, and in.
Despite the chaos, you’ve found a place, maybe even with a good roommate. It’s nice – not too nice – but decent. You have grand plans to live it up: you’re going to have friends over for game nights, read novels by your window at dusk, and try your hand at pickling. You have A Place™, and you’re determined to make it homey.
The only problem? Furniture. It costs money, and you kind of need it. Game night isn’t quite so fun when everyone is sitting around Jenga on bare hardwood floor in the middle of an empty room.
Furniture can be expensive though, but you’re thrifty. You’ve got this. And in case you needed a little more help, here’s some tips on how to acquire a ton of furniture for very little to no money.
Craigslist
Skip the missed connections section and go straight for the free stuff. While Craigslist is a bit dodgy at the best of times, there are always a few treasures if you’re down to dig for them. It’s probably wise to avoid things left on curbs, as well as mattresses. Make sure you inspect the photos closely and don’t be afraid to ask people questions about their items. Most of the time, people just have a lot of decent stuff and nowhere to put it, or they’re moving out themselves. The only trick with items here is that you’re probably going to have to pick it up and transport it yourself. Make sure to enlist the help of friends, but if you’re looking at bigger pieces, like couches, you’re probably going to need a car.
Freecycle
This website is a bit like Craigslist, but everything is free and a bit less weird! You need an account to communicate with other users, but put in your city and browse away at the stuff people are parting with. There might not be as many big-ticket furniture items as much as just random odds and ends, but it can’t hurt to look. Again, you’re probably going to have to pick up and transport your finds yourself. A nice bonus feature, however, is that you can make “wanted” posts describing what you’re looking for and hopefully people will respond!
Bunz
Bunz is, possibly, the best thing to ever happen to mankind. Available in both website and app form, this is possibly the most handy (and addictive) tool ever invented. The premise is simple: I have things I don’t want, and you have things you don’t want. Let us trade things for things. If you’ve moved out or are in the process of moving out, this platform can help you in two ways. Firstly, you can find things you like and acquire them. While the site isn’t limited to just household items, you will find everything from kitchenware to weed. On the other hand, it helps you declutter and get rid of things you don’t need in exchange for things you do. Overall, a nice way to kill two birds with one stone, but it may not be that handy if you have nothing to get rid of in the first place.
Value Village
Don’t knock it until you try it. This second-hand empire is still around for a reason – people like junk and they like it cheap. If you’re looking for bigger furniture pieces, it’s best to call locations beforehand because many don’t accept donations for those kinds of things. But if you’re looking for kitchenware, dishes, curtains, small appliances and the other things we all kind of need, this is your place. No one needs a brand-new, fire truck red, $450 pot and pan set, unless you’re one of those celebrity chefs that hangs decorative kitchen items from their ceiling. Here, amongst the heavily-used trash, you’re likely to find lightly-used, average quality items for a fraction of the price. Matching plates are overrated anyways.
Your friends
If you’re moving out, your friends probably are too. Heck, maybe they’ve completely dropped out and are moving back home. Regardless, look at this as an opportunity to scope out their stuff. You never know what they might be willing to sell you. Also, don’t be afraid to sneak a peek at your building’s garbage room, if it has one. Some people throw out perfectly good stuff.
IKEA
In the grand scheme of retail furniture stores, IKEA is a tested and true student-budget-friendly favourite. They have, quite literally, everything you could ever need plus a cafeteria. If you’re squeamish about cheap second-hand items, this is the place for you, provided you’re handy with a screwdriver. They even deliver (for a fee)! Stock up on all the Lacks, Hemnes, Ektorps and Mickes your heart desires.