If you live off campus or are moving off campus soon, you’re going to need some furniture. While you might not know where to start looking at first, there are lots of places to find decent quality furniture at affordable prices that will suit your needs for a college apartment.
1. Your extended family
Before I moved off campus I did a lot of “shopping” in various family members’ basements. I got a couch and chair from my Aunt and Uncle, a few side tables from my Grandmother and some various other pieces from family friends. While the things you get from these people might not be the newest, trendiest pieces, they can usually be updated to suit your style! Getting a new slipcover is an easy way to make over a couch and a fresh coat of paint can transform a tattered coffee table. The best part about this option is that it usually costs nothing as long as you have generous family members/friends!
2. Secondhand sites
Secondhand or resale sites can be super helpful and cost effective when looking for furniture. Sites like Craigslist are always good places to start and there is also a specific Clark Craigslist for students to sell their things. Often when seniors graduate they sell lots of furniture on there, so keep an eye out and you could score some great deals!
Ikea is an obvious choice for affordable apartment furniture but you have to remember that you’ll have to put it all together. Wal-Mart has some very reasonably priced pieces that are especially great for small spaces. This desk is a perfect size for an apartment bedroom and even comes with a chair. Target has also been coming out with some low-priced, cute furniture pieces lately and their Room Essentials line is specifically designed for college spaces. All of these stores offer good quality items that will serve you well in any apartment you have in your twenties.
Where are your favorite places to buy furniture, collegiettes?