If you have recently moved into a new home, filling in with the proper amount of furniture can be quite difficult. After all, moving is expensive, and may not have left with much extra money for furnishing purchases. However, you do not have to have a lot of money to be able to get the things that you need to fill up the space that you have. To begin with, try asking family members and neighbors if they have anything that they would like to sell or get rid of. Often people have pieces of furniture sitting around that they are not interested in, but have not gotten around to getting rid of them. Taking it off their hands can be a win-win for both of you. Sometimes you can even throw a house warming party, or have your parents throw you one. You will be able to socialize and show off your new home, while receiving some fun gifts in the process. Do not expect everyone to think of bringing you something, but many will. Believe it or not, some people even register for these parties when they are in great need-if you feel comfortable asking for assistance, this is an option to consider. Just make sure that you provide your guests with food and fun so they are glad that they came! Do not forget to send thank you notes to everyone who comes. You can also trying checking out your local thrift stores, to look for items that have been dropped off. Not everything at these stores is broken, damaged, or dirty-there are often gems just waiting to be discovered by someone who will appreciate them. If you are going for a more vintage or eclectic look, this is the perfect place to check out. You can also get kitchen items for next to nothing. Realize that you do not need the best of everything, and you do not need brand new items. You can clean things off thoroughly, and make them your own. Visit any dollar stores around you for cleaning and kitchen supplies. You will be surprised at the quality that you can find there for only one dollar. These are a great place to buy mops, brooms, and cleansers. Also try to pick up your toilet brushes and toilet plungers here-these are two things you cannot afford to get used! Check out local yard sales for items that people are getting rid of for next to nothing. This is a good way to find larger pieces of furniture that may be in great condition still. Often people are simply getting rid of something because they are moving, or because they want something new. They may still have a lot of life left in them for you to enjoy. You may even want to pull the home owner aside personally, and ask if they have anything else they are selling that is not out front, of if they know of anyone trying to get rid of something. If they know you are on a budget, they may even reduce the price of something to close the sale. Look in very nice neighborhoods for things that people put out by the curb. Of course make sure that they are truly getting rid of it, and that it is sanitary. You do not want to pick something up, not knowing that it was thrown out due to fleas, or worse. Spring-cleaning for county residents can mean a new couch for your apartment or a computer station at no cost to you except energy to load the stuff into your vehicle. Be sure to visit these places frequently, as a full shed one morning can be bone dry the next. Last but not least, check out an local auction listings that you can find. Many people put their unused items into storage and sometimes they forget to pay the storage bill-those items are put up for auction, usually for a pretty low price. You may be able to stock up for just a few bucks. Most people try to get their hands on the treasures at auctions so the basics can be picked up super cheap. If you are as frugal and clever as you can be, you may be able to furnish your home with beautiful pieces for a fraction of the retail price
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