So you’re graduating and moving out on your own soon. If you’re like me, you’re in that weird in-between phase of having a tight budget, since I’m a broke college kid who pays for the majority of her things on her own mind you, but needs to move to an expensive city such as Chicago. Granted, I will be making a nice pay check staring next July, but there are the costs that come prior to enjoying the first month in the new pad (ie: security deposits, first and last month’s rent, moving costs, renter’s insurance, starting up electricity, water, and cable).
We have gotten through the nine months of a school year living with crappy, temporary things, but next stop after graduation is the real world. We need slightly more substantial furniture. But with school loans upon us, my paycheck will also be going towards working to live rather than living to work! Or so it feels….
This moving adventure may not take place for months but now is the time to make a plan. With searching for apartments, seeing prices, coming to realizations of what I can afford, here are some tips of the trade I have come across recently.
Gladly take handed down furniture.
The previous owners have out grown the style, shape, or size due to remodel or they want something new. But if it’s in perfectly good condition, why can’t someone else use it. Ask around to family and friends, and who knows, you may have just snagged yourself a free set of dish ware, pots and pans, and a table!
Shop resale.
For the things you don’t come across for free, head over to Salvation Army or Savers for reduced priced items and has proceeds go organizations in need. I love walking out the door of one of these stores feeling like I got a steal! Recycle, and shop green.
Spray paint works wonders.
For these hand-me-downs and resale finds, they can always use a little pick me up and cleaning up. A can of paint, and a few bucks later you have a classy black and white table rather than a neon green and burnt orange table from the 70’s.
Don’t throw anything away without thinking of its capabilities first.
Two words, Mason Jars. These are so trendy and serve so many purposes from cups, to bathroom storage, and décor in your living space. Save those jars and you will find a use for them.
So have fun with it and see how well you can transform things from old to new, all while saving money!
