Furnishing Your First Apartment Sustainably and on a Budget Part One: Furniture
Check out this article for tips to save money and choose sustainable options as you furnish your first apartment.
By Mari Whitmore — February 6, 2023
Transitioning from living at home in high school to living in a typical college dorm room to getting your first apartment involves a lot of change. Most of your possessions may just be clothes, bedding, books, technology, and hobby-related items when you're living at home. You may add some simple furnishings, decor, dishes, or appliances in college. Whether you get your first apartment during undergrad, grad school, or post-grad life, moving in can make you suddenly realize that you don't own many of the things that fill a typical apartment or home. As you start shopping, you quickly realize that furniture can be ridiculously expensive! While you definitely can (and probably need to) start small with very few things, it's always nice to have things that make your apartment comfortable and homey. Perhaps you also want to minimize your environmental impact and avoid purchasing too many mass-manufactured goods. Keep reading for tips to save money and choose sustainable options as you furnish your first apartment.
Keep it Simple
The best way to save money and support the environment is by buying fewer things. When furnishing a home, start by reviewing the things you already own and seeing how they will fit into your new space. For example, if your new apartment doesn't have a fridge and you already own a mini fridge from your time in your dorm room, perhaps you can put off purchasing a full-sized fridge for a time and use the mini fridge while you look for a good price on a larger fridge. Or perhaps you can buy or make clothes hanging rack instead of a more expensive dresser. If you have a desk but don't have a table for your kitchen, consider if the desk will do for a time. If you are working with an especially small space, consider a convertible or futon-style bed, and save money by not needing a couch! Remember that these substitutions don't have to be perfect or permanent; it's about how flexible and creative you wish to be.
Free Furniture
Once you've exhausted the uses for the resources you already own, see if there are any options for snagging some free furniture. Look into local "buy nothing" groups to expand your options for home furnishings. Depending on your area, there may be groups on social media where people list things they no longer want, often for free or extremely cheaply. In groups like this, you can score great deals on furniture such as tables and chairs, desks, and bed stands. Also, depending on your area, people may put furniture outside for the taking. You may find great pieces that people simply no longer need or want, potentially even vintage items. While you need to ensure you don't pick up something dirty, unfixable, or even infested with bugs, this can still be worth looking taking a closer look. Ask around among your social group as well. Especially in a college community where people are regularly moving around, many people may have good quality things they're looking to get rid of and are happy to spread the word and find homes for their items.
Second-Hand Stores
Check out second-hand stores for furniture as well. Some charitable groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, even have dedicated stores just for furniture. Prices are typically quite affordable, and there are often great older pieces in good condition. Look for solid wood and dur able materials that withstand the test of time. If you're creative, consider refinishing or otherwise decorating pieces with worn or stained exteriors. Tables, chairs, dressers, desks, and end tables can often be transformed with sanding and new paint! Plus, you have the bonus of curating your furniture to your color palette and tastes. Look into online second-hand options and even upcycled options in your local area.
New and Sustainable
If you can't find something used, there are still options for relatively affordable new home furnishings that are also sustainable. Companies such as IKEA offer reasonably priced items and put forth efforts to limit their environmental impact. IKEA currently offers recyclable furniture, furniture that can be built, taken apart, and rebuilt (great for college students who move housing often!), and even options to purchase used furniture. Purchasing from regular stores can also be sustainable if it's within reasonable consumption bounds. Choose your furnishings wisely to stretch your budget further and reduce your overall consumption. For example, you may purchase a futon or other convertible sofa for your living room if you often have guests to reduce the need for a second bed. Perhaps you can get a table with an expandable section to function as a desk and dining table for a larger crowd. Options are limited only by your imagination!
Take it Slow
As you explore your options for furnishing your first apartment or home, employ all these tips to help you save money and reduce your environmental impact. Looking into used furniture, upcycling, and researching affordable and sustainable options are great ways to stretch your budget while still getting the things you need for your living space. Don't worry if you have to start small; there's absolutely nothing wrong with having little to no furniture at first. After all, reducing consumption is one of the best ways to support the environment! Consider making a list of things you want most and numbering them in order of priority, so you know what to look for most. While it can be helpful to have a general idea of what style or colors you're looking for, remember that a little creativity can go a long way in reworking an initially uninspiring piece. Also, remember to look out for deals when you come across them! If you're shopping for a couch and casually looking for a bookshelf and you find an awesome bookshelf at a yard sale or second-hand store, snag it! Be flexible and enjoy your search!
Mari Whitmore
Mari Whitmore recently graduated from a tiny private college in the middle of beautiful Wyoming. She spends her time traveling, adventuring in nature, writing, and working as a barista and bartender. Recently, Mari relocated to the gorgeous hill country of Central Texas. In her free time, she loves to hike, paddleboard, read, paint, watch movies, and gather with friends and family.
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