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Q&A

If you have questions about this change, you're in the right place. Our editors, experts, and community of change optimists have answers!

Karadc

Question:I'm moving into a new apartment soon...

And have nothing to furnish my room and am a bit overwhelmed. Should I make a huge trip to IKEA or start small? No idea how I should decorate, either! Any tips?

Asked by Karadc on 9/24/08 4 Answers»
bcherep

Answer:

I have always gradually acquired odds and ends. Nothing really matched and I was OK with it. Until I moved in with my wife. Then I wish I had started buying "grown up" furniture earlier. It has taken us 3 years to put together our living room.

So I would say don't cheap out if you don't have to. The earlier the better on well made furniture.

Answered by: bcherep on 9/29/08
Cwolf112

Answer:

I would suggest shelling out the cash for quality items you know you'll absolutely need (like a good, soft, clean bed!) but the other stuff you can probably take your time on. Also tell your friends and family. You never know who has a desk or a TV they're just dying to unload on someone who actually needs these things.

Answered by: Cwolf112 on 9/25/08
aliciak

Answer:

Are you moving to a big city? I live in New York and there are constantly freebies on the trash pile...I "furnished" half my apartment with them. Check out craigslist too for cheap options. I would make a list of everything you need...and then a list of extras like things to decorate with. Figure out your budget and go from there.

Answered by: aliciak on 9/25/08
wishuponastar

Answer:

These days, anything goes, so don't hesitate to put an antique chair from grandma next to a modern couch or table.

IKEA is great, but I prefer picking things up here and there, shopping at tag sales and thrift shops to get pieces that make me happy. If you're handy (and/or creative) you can do a lot with old pieces that you sand, stain and/or paint. Change the hardware and finish on something that was in the trash yesterday and you have a brand new piece of furniture.

Sounds exciting. Good luck.

Answered by: wishuponastar on 9/24/08
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