In terms of home furnishings, furniture is typically one of the more expensive items you will need to buy. But if your budget just doesn’t stretch to purchasing brand new furniture, there are a range of other options out there. Here are our Top 6 tips for saving money on furniture.
Tip #1 – Kerbside Collections
Everyone loves free stuff. So finding a perfectly fine piece of free furniture on the footpath can be a real buzz! But the best part about it? Grabbing a bargain at kerbside collection time is perfectly legal, as the general rule is that once an item hits the kerb it belongs to the council (ie. you), not the person who has discarded it. Check your local council websites for upcoming kerbside collection dates and make a day of it!
Tip #2 – Garage Sales
Yes, often neighbourhood garage sales are full of bric-a-brac that nobody in their right mind would want to re-own. However, most sellers these days (if they’re smart) will be advertising all over social media and will probably include photos of items, including cheap furniture, that’s up for grabs. Do your research before the day, save time by visiting multiple garage sales on the same day, and try and get there as early as possible to nab the best bargains!
Tip #3 – Second Hand Stores
Second hand stores, particularly the larger warehouse-style outfits run by charities, are a great way to save money on furniture as most pieces are reasonably priced and in good condition. Plus, it’s a feel good exercise as supporting a charity means you’re doing your bit for society as well. For example, Lifeline Centres cover over 80% of their operational costs through retail activities like running their Lifeline Shops. So get fossicking!
Tip #4 – Retail Sales
We see the TV images every year – frenzied bargain hunters lining up at sunrise in anticipation of the Boxing Day Sales. But all jokes aside, this is the prime time for purchasing more expensive items, including furniture, at discounted prices. End of Financial Year Sales (June 30) are also worth checking out, as are one-off events like Click Frenzy (May 14 and November 12), Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2).
Tip #5 – Online Sales
Gumtree and eBay are two of the more popular sites where you can also make big savings on furniture. Plus, depending on the seller, prices can often be negotiated down as well. Our advice is to research similar items to get an idea of an item’s worth, get to know the buyer via messaging, and then start haggling. It’s also worth noting that Gumtree is most active at night (around 9pm) and sees a spike in listings in January and February.
Tip #6 – Reupholstering Services
Our top tip for saving money on furniture? Give your current furniture a face lift! Reupholstering a lounge or furniture suite can be much more affordable than investing in a new piece of furniture. It can also have a remarkable effect on its design appeal as you can mix and match materials, styles and colours to suit your own preferences. It’s one of our specialties!
If you have any questions, you should contact the experts at Lounge Repair Guys. They will be able to address your queries with expertise and authority, so you get the answers you need when you need them!
