I’m terrible at budgeting. I have expensive taste. I swear I don’t do it on purpose. The things I select in stores (before even looking at the price tag) just happen to be the priciest! It drives me crazy.

When my friend Tara, the budgeting expert, asked me to help her furnish her brand new apartment I was ecstatic. Then the caveat: a specific hard line budget. Dammit.

Let me tell you this was the best experience ever. Not only did I discover that you can find beautiful items at all sorts of stores as long as you research properly, but I also discovered how much fun it is to save!

If you’re on a tight budget and you need to furnish but don’t want to skimp on style, here are a few tips to keep you on track:

 

1- Establish a budget. Duh. Surprisingly people looking to spend very little on furniture often fail to do this. Decide what is the absolute most you are willing to cash out.

2- Draw a freestyle map of the room or apartment you’re looking to design with specific dimensions of walls and corners. This will help tremendously when looking at items.

3- Make a list of items you absolutely need immediately. The rest can follow in time. And don’t forget to see what you already own that is in good condition.

4- Do an online search on furniture store websites. This will save you a lot of time especially if you manage to cross out certain overpriced stores.

5- Get out there and shop but don’t buy just yet; wait until you’ve seen every possible option. Take pictures of the items and their price tags so you can compare later on.

6- Look out for special store discounts or financing options. Who knew you could get a 6 month payment installment plan with 0% interest in Dubai!

7- It’s always wise to go shopping with a family member or good friend. They will keep you in check when you drool over an overpriced piece of furniture.