Decorating on a Budget: Tips For Couples Making a Move

Decorating a new place is one of the best parts of a move, especially when you’re taking the plunge with a significant other. It’s a chance for the two of you to merge your styles and figure out how to start off your period of cohabitation together, and this can really be a time of bonding for many couples. Finding the right decor on a budget, however, can often feel more stressful than fun, leaving you overwhelmed and unhappy with the options available to you. That’s why it’s so important to give yourself plenty of time to find what you need and to do some comparison shopping to make sure you’re getting the best deals.

First, think of what your needs will be. Once you put together your belongings with your loved one’s things, where does that leave you in terms of necessities? This is an important stage in the process because you can take care of two tasks at once by mixing style and functionality; for instance, if you’re pressed for space, you can use furniture that has storage options or shelving that does double duty as a place for both books and decor.

Once you figure out your needs, set a budget. Here are a few tips on how to stick to it.

Shop Around

With so many options online these days, it makes sense to shop around a bit on your own time so you can find the best deal possible. Many stores have great selections on home decor, and you can often combine coupon codes with sales to make the most of your budget. For instance, look for Macy’s coupon codes that will save you tons of money on all the things you need, such as decorative throw pillows and picture frames.

Use the Second-Hand Economy to Your Advantage

Millions of Americans take advantage of the second-hand economy every day, saving money on everything from furniture to clothing, and you can do it too if you know where to look. Thrift stores and antique shops, for example, are one route, but when the weather is nice, you can also look for garage sales. You can often find great deals on gently used items; just make sure you have the means to get your purchases back to your home. There are also several apps you can use, such as Etsy or eBay, which sell decor and furniture on the cheap.

Add Some Paint

Adding a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to the look and feel of a room, and it’s a fairly inexpensive way to change things up. From using light colors to make a space look bigger to using a combination of two or three colors — in varying amounts — to give the room a personality of its own, there are many ways you can use paint to your advantage.

Combine Form with Function

Combining both your decor and storage options is a great way to save space, and it doesn’t have to be pricey. Look for a coffee table that can store things inside, or find a spot for a decorative antique trunk that can keep toys up off the floor. You can save both space and money by mixing the two parts of your decor, and there are many ways you can get creative with it.

Decorating your new home on a budget can be stressful, but there are so many options available that it doesn’t need to be. By utilizing coupons and sales, you can find the best decor for your new place without spending a ton of money, and you may even have fun while you’re doing it!