Hello Everyone, Our friend Tanya from My Fruitful Home is back with us again this month to give us more tips on how to save money. Today she is sharing with us three ways to save on decorating your home. Make sure you hop over to her site and check it out, and follow her on Facebook as well! 

I love coming up with new ways to decorate my home.  I could spend hours reading magazines or scouring Pinterest for new ideas.  The only problem is some of these ideas can cost a lot of money.  The good news is there are many ways to save money on decorating.  Hopefully you will find some of these ideas useful.

1.

First of all there are so many stores that offer great deals on furniture, accessories, and art.  I have found many things at places like Marshall’s, HomeGoods, and TJMaxx.  They are great places to find picture frames, pillows, and even a side table. Many of these items can be found on clearance.  I also like their bath and kitchen accessories.  World Market and Kohl’s also offer great prices on home decor. I love World Market’s style of products.  I have bought a few very large wicker baskets that were on clearance.  I use them every day for storage. When I shop at Kohl’s I always try to use a 30% coupon and Kohl’s cash. Kirkland is another place I always find things I love. They have really good deals.  I am lucky enough to have one right around the corner! I also have an IKEA fairly close to me.  I can find such great deals on picture frames, furniture, and organizers, etc.

2.

When looking for items to decorate your home don’t just look for new things.  I love going to garage sales, rummage sales, and salvage yards.  I agree with the old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  I get so excited when I find the perfect item for that perfect spot in my house!  Here are some tips for finding that perfect treasure:

Flea Markets:

Check out the website www.americanfleas.com.  You can search by state to see what flea markets are in your area. 

• The earlier you arrive the better the selection.  If you decide to go late you may have a chance for a better bargain.  
• Make sure you bring cash, including small bills.  Most merchants don’t accept credit cards.  
• Don’t forget to ask them if that is their best price.  It never hurts to ask.

Habitat for Humanity Restore:

Habitat for Humanity has what they call restores.  Many people donate to these when they have leftover items from projects.  You can find everything from dishes, kitchen cabinets to stoves.  The proceeds go to building homes for Habitat for Humanity. There are many across the country.

Garage sales/Rummage sales:

I love going to garage sales!  You never know what you might find. You can go to http://www.yardsalesearch.com to see if there are any in your area.   Here are some tips to consider when buying at garage or rummage sales.

• Bring small bills.  This is important because they may not have change.
• Be courteous. No one likes to deal with grumpy people!
• If you think you might want it put it in your bag before someone else grabs it.  You can always put it back.
• See if they will give you a discount if you buy more than one.

Estate Sales:

Estate sales are great places to find antiques and collectibles.  You can also find accessories and kitchen items.  Go to http://www.estatesales.net to find one in your city.  Make sure you follow these simple rules when shopping.

• Go early.  The good stuff usually goes first.
• Don’t forget to visit the basement and attic.  There might be boxes of treasures you don’t want to miss.
• If the estate sale has a website checks it out before.  You can see pictures of things they are selling and you’ll know what to expect.
• Remember all sales are final!

Craigslist, EBay, Facebook: 

Craigslist is a great place to find furniture and appliances.  Sometimes you can even find them for free! E-bay has some great deals on furniture and most of it has free shipping.  Make sure to check out the return policy.  Facebook Flea Market groups is another place that has different items daily. This is something that is new to me, but I love them!  These people are in your area so you pick it up in person.  Just make sure you meet in a public place.

3.

Use what you have! Sometimes you don’t need to go rushing off to the store to buy something new.  Sometimes it’s right under your nose! I love using things I already have in new ways.  I like to take a bedroom item for example and try it in my kitchen.  Think outside the box!  Once I used a flower container for my bathroom to store towels. If you would like more ideas on how to save on decorating you can go to my sidebar on my site www.myfruitfulhome.com and sign up for my newsletter.  You will receive a pdf file on Seven days to a More Beautiful Home.