After moving, you’re likely strapped for cash, so decorating your home can easily become an afterthought. But part of settling into a new home after you move is decorating it and making it your own.
When you’re on a budget after a move, try some of these inexpensive decorating tips to make your new place feel like home.
Thrift stores
Thrift stores are the best place to score
inexpensive furniture. You can find heirloom pieces that will stand the test of time for a fraction of what they originally cost.
What’s even better is the fact that because you’re spending less than what you normally would, you can spend a bit more customizing the piece to suit your style. Not a fan of the dark wood on that cabinet? Strip the stain and paint it. Like the headboard but it needs some love? Reupholster it.
A quick search on the internet will yield dozens, if not hundreds, of
DIY projects for thrift store finds. In a weekend you could have your new home furnished and decorated for a lot less cash.
Upcycle
Upcycling old items you no longer have use for is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. Things that you had planned on throwing away could have a second life in your new home.
Old t-shirts you don’t wear anymore can become a throw blanket (or cut up into cleaning rags if you’re not a fan of sewing projects). An old storage cart can be turned into a coffee bar or even a wet bar for your dining room. If it’s old but still works, turn it into something else!
Unexpected uses
When you’re on a budget, thinking of unexpected uses for items is important. When you’re trying to make your new home feel like you, it’s no different. One of the best ways to decorate your new home is to find unexpected ways to use things you already have or inexpensive things you can easily buy.
If you’re looking to make a big impact on a small budget, a shower curtain can be your best friend.
The next time you’re shopping, wander into the bath decor aisle and look at the shower curtains. There are a lot of fun, quirky or designer-inspired shower curtains you can choose from. But you won’t be hanging this in the bathroom--instead use it as wall art.
Small touches
Believe it or not, wrapping paper can make a big difference when decorating on a budget. If you have a room with built-in bookshelves, line the backs of them with colorful wrapping paper. It will stand out against the bookshelves and add a bit of fun to the room.
While you’re at the thrift store picking out furniture pieces, don’t forget to take a look through the knick-knacks. You can find everything from picture frames to doorknobs and cabinet pulls – all kinds of little things that you can add throughout your home to make it your own.
After you move, sometimes the only thing you want to think about is being completely done with everything – the unpacking, the cleaning and the organizing. You might not be thinking at all about decorating. With these tips, you’ll be able to decorate your new home and make it feel like yours--all the while
keeping money in your wallet where it belongs.