So, you’ve ditched the cramped dorm room and opted to live off campus in a house or apartment. Life is great. You no longer can reach both sides of your room with your arms outstretched. With your new apartment or house comes a ton of new space. And, unless you’re going for a minimalist style, you’re probably going to want to fill this space with couches, tables, electronics, etc.

As awesome as it is having a large area of your own, filling this new space can really put a strain on your wallet. That is why, when furnishing a new room you must think economically and cut costs however and wherever you can. Here are a few tips on getting your new living space furnished while not breaking the bank.

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Raid Your Attic

This is the first place you should look when your trying to find furniture. Chances are, over the years your parents have accumulated at least a few items you can use for your house. Maybe it’s a plaid couch from the 80′s, but hey, a couch is a couch, and nothing beats free.

Ask Around

Asking an old family friend if they have any old unused furniture is a great way to get free or very cheap furniture for your new home. Also, if you know someone who has recently moved, there is a good chance they might have and old dresser os something they are looking to get rid of.

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Hit the Streets

With students moving in and out of houses, they will inevitably be throwing out some “junk”. This is the perfect time to drive up and down the streets scanning the curb for old futons and busted coffee tables. While furniture you pick up off the street might be in bad shape, there is nothing a little hard work can’t fix.

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Shop at Yard Sales

During the summer and early fall months there are usually a few yard sale signs scattered around town on any given weekend. Make it a point to visit as many of these as you can. Yard sales are loaded with quality furniture at bargain prices. Be sure to use your haggling skills to get an even better deal.

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Get Thrifty

The thrift store is another great place to find used furniture. From couches to TV stands, thrift stores will have everything you need to outfit your new house or apartment.

Use FreeCycle.org

FreeCycle.org is a grassroots organization that acts as a portal for users to trade, give, and get item for free. The goal of the project is to keep old things in use and out of the landfill. Locate a FreeCycle group near you to find some furniture and help do your part in keeping perfectly useful stuff away from the junk yard.

Check Craigslist

Once you’ve used all of your available options, Craigslist is the next place you should look for furniture. In college towns, around the the start of a new semester, Craigslist is usually filled with things like desks and old electronics. This is the perfect time to pick up a few items on the cheap.

Be sure to check the “free” section – you may just find some hidden gems.

Conclusion

With so many options to obtain used furniture for little or no money, there is no reason to buy new.  Keep in mind that the furniture you get is most likely going to take a beating, so buying used is the way to go. Remember, you’re in college, so you don’t need the nicest things in your house anyway.

If you know any other ways to save money when furnishing a new house or apartment, please feel free to share them with the community by  leaving a comment below.