This month’s blog post is a guest article by Natalie Jones of Homeownerbliss!
Moving in with your partner is extremely exciting. You get to commit to each other in a new way, spend more time together, and start building a life that’s just yours. However, most people would be lying to themselves if they said that they weren’t also excited for actually setting up the place.
Playing house can be a lot of fun, especially when it’s your first time, but you’ll be navigating a new world of budgeting and compromise. There are many ways to save, whether you’re buying secondhand or using Kohl’s coupons. Read on to learn how to keep things budget-friendly as you set up your new life together.
Photo via Pexels.
Online Discounts
Major retailers like Kohl’s are perfect for getting all the stuff you need for your new place, from appliances to bath towels. However, instead of just stepping into the store and starting to throw things into your cart, try shopping online first. This helps avoid impulse purchases, but it also allows you to use Kohl’s coupon codes and extra promotions to stretch your dollars.
Second-Hand Stuff
Don’t neglect the second-hand market when you are moving into a new place. Visiting stores like Goodwill or Habitat Restores can yield great bargains on furniture, decor, and tools. Flea markets are a great place to hunt for vintage items that add character to the house - learn the do’s and don’ts of flea market shopping before setting out.
DIY Decor
If you’ve spent hours at gorgeous home decor stores, waiting for the day when you have a home to buy things for, it can be tempting to start spending money right away. But although many items in those stores are possibly now still outside of your budget, you can achieve similar effects with DIY projects. This list of Anthropologie-inspired DIY projects offers some great ideas.
Cheap Houseplants
Houseplants are all the rage, and they can brighten up a home like nothing else. Skip the trendy expensive stuff from boutique greenhouses and order your houseplants online at discount prices -- Better Homes & Gardens has some great suggestions.
Photo Prints
In this digital age, it is increasingly uncommon for us to have physical photos. However, they give a homey air to any place and can be an especially great way for couples to make their mark on the decor. There are plenty of cheap photo print services, some of which allow you to print large numbers of photos virtually for free, so you could even make a whole feature wall of your favorite memories together.
Smart Subscriptions
Now that you live together, you can pool all your TV, music, and entertainment subscriptions if you haven’t already. If you like watching live TV, you can save a lot of money by skipping cable entirely and getting a digital subscription - CNET has a handy guide to choosing the best service for you.
Making Money
Either just before or just after moving, you should go through all of your stuff together to declutter. This will clear up space in the home, but it will also make sure you aren’t doubling up on anything. You can even sell unwanted items to make some extra cash, which you can use on new stuff for your home, starting an emergency fund, or just a nice dinner to celebrate your new life together.
Throughout the whole process, don’t forget to make sure you are both equally included in the decision-making. Most couples have one person who is more interested in the process of setting up the house, but the other side should also have some say. Both parties should make an effort to listen, compromise, and help each other make decisions - it’s good practice for this new chapter in your life.
