Turning a house into a home requires elbow grease, creative chops and a bottomless bucket of patience. And if you're buying your furnishings brand-spanking new, it also calls for a lot of money.
A couch alone can cost thousands, and don't even get me started on "fun extras" like throw pillows, which can come in at $60 per cushion. Who decided that was a good idea? In my experience, even some of the pieces at mega home furnishing warehouse stores, usually so reliable for affordable home goods, have given me mild sticker shock.
Even if you aren't on a strict budget, if you're savings-conscious, buying a home's worth of new furniture is a stretch. I joined forces with Simplii Financial to explore the wonderful world of pre-loved furnishings, a market that's as kind to the environment as it is to your budget.
Want to join the 48% of Canadians who have purchased something second-hand in the past year Opens in a new window.? This piece is the perfect introduction.
How much money can you save with used furniture?
On both the new and used sides of the equation, furniture prices vary significantly depending on the item's materials, design and build. For simplicity's sake, I ran an example through a furniture calculator Opens in a new window.. These numbers are, of course, an approximation, but they serve as a helpful benchmark.
In just 3 years, the market price of a furniture item that was purchased new for $1,000 plummets to $467 if it's in "like-new" condition. After 5 years, that number slides to $291. Realistically, tons of second-hand items have been in the owner's possession for much longer, rendering them even more affordable.
Cruising the garage sale circuit
While some people mistakenly believe that "garage sale" is code for "stuff nobody wants," that couldn't be further from the truth. These open-air mini-markets are treasure troves for the frugal furnisher.
It's a mistake to assume that homeowners are filling their lawns with trash-adjacent belongings. They may be selling the older version of something they've recently upgraded, like furniture, or items they've outgrown, like baby products.
On any given warm-weather weekend, you're bound to spot multiple garage sales around your neighbourhood. Start by waking up nice and early so you have the largest possible selection at your disposal, and consider these best practices as you roam.
See the potential that lies beneath the surface
As recycling's cool, creative cousin, upcycling is a yard sale surfer's best friend Opens in a new window.. If you have your eye on a piece that's almost perfect, consider how you might be able to spruce it up. It's incredible what a coat of paint, a simple upholstery job or a quick varnish can do.
The frame of a mirror or the legs of a chair can be painted in no time at all, and a tired wooden dresser can be stripped with relative ease. You're only a YouTube video and a trip to the hardware store away from a full transformation. And don't worry — the cost of any additional paint, varnish or tools will still pale in comparison to buying full-price furniture.
