Moving into a new home is a great chance to upgrade home products, but it can often come with a hefty price tag. The same is true when redecorating an existing home. According to research from HomeAdvisor, the average cost of furnishing a home in the U.S. is $16,000, though costs can range from $3,500 to $95,000 depending on the type of furniture homeowners choose.
If you’re in the process of furnishing a home, a few expert tips can help you keep costs at bay and find furniture, electronics, and appliances that fit your budget.
Determine Where to Save and Where to Splurge
One of the best ways to minimize costs is to have a clear sense of which pieces are most important to you, and where you may want to opt for less expensive options. For example, if entertaining is a big priority for you and your family, you may decide to designate a larger portion of your budget to kitchen appliances that can make cooking easier. On the flip side, you may opt for less expensive bedroom or office furniture to help offset the cost of your kitchen upgrades.
We recommend creating a list of all the items you’d like to purchase and separating them into two columns—“save” and “splurge.” This will help you figure out your total costs and ensure that you’re not going over budget.
Time Your Purchase to Align With Seasonal Sales
Annual sales are another way to save money, particularly when it comes to furniture items. Whenever possible, we suggest timing your purchases to sync up with these sales since savings can be as high as 20% to 60% depending on the items you choose.
Some of the key sales to be aware of throughout the year include:
- Presidents’ Day sales
- Memorial Day sales
- Fourth of July sales
- Labor Day sales
- Black Friday sales
Although it’s worth noting that each of these sales typically specializes in specific items, all of them can help you save money on most of the major furniture, electronics, or appliance purchases you’re planning to make.
Look for Money-Saving Coupons
Another way to capitalize on lower prices is by using coupon codes. You can find these directly through retailers by signing up for their email lists, or through third-party coupon sites. For larger purchases, we suggest combining coupons with annual sales to achieve maximum savings. For smaller purchases, coupons can be a great standalone option, helping you save anywhere from 5% to 25% (or more).
Pro tip: Many companies will offer an immediate discount when you sign up for their email lists and most will follow up with additional discounts in the weeks that follow. Spreading out purchases may help you save even more money, and they can provide you with the ability to stack coupons for extra savings.
Think Beyond Brand Names
Perhaps one of the most important tips is to explore all of your options when making a purchase. While you may have your heart set on a specific brand or model, considering alternatives can help you uncover better deals.
We recommend comparing a few different options before you commit to a purchase and having at least one of those be from a bargain brand. Be sure to consider specific features such as functionality, price, and warranties to ensure you’re getting the best overall deal.
Opt for a Flexible Financing Option
Last but not least, it's important to weigh different financing options for larger purchases. Be sure to consider the annual percentage rate (APR) as well as the loan repayment terms, and any fees associated with each option.
With fixed interest rates and no fees of any kind as long as you pay on time, a Discover® personal loan is a solid choice. You can use the personal loan to pay off major purchases made on credit cards, or you could take out a personal loan before you buy furniture, electronics, or appliances. What’s more, Discover allows you to borrow anywhere from $2,500 to $35,000 and offers flexible repayment terms ranging from 36 to 84 months. You can also use their Personal Loan Calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or you can check your rate before you apply with no impact to your credit score.
Choosing the right furniture, electronics, and appliances can elevate your space and make your home more inviting. By thinking through your financing options carefully for larger purchases, you can get the items you want without compromising your budget.
Explore More with Discover Personal Loans: Money Moments: How to Plan for Home Improvements and Life Events
*Discover makes loans without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.
