Treat Shopping as a Long-Term Project
When you have all the money in the world, it's easy to walk into a new furniture gallery and buy everything you need in one trip. It doesn't work that way when you're furniture shopping on a tight budget.
Pay regular visits to manufacturers' outlets, local scratch-and-dent rooms, thrift stores, antique malls and consignment stores to watch for new arrivals. Visit flea markets every time they open. Shop garage sales early in the morning on the first day of the sale, which is typically Friday or Saturday. Visit estate sales on opening day for the best selection, and then go back on the last day to check for markdowns. Browse Craigslist and other classified listings several times each day, and inquire about pieces that interest you as soon as you see the listings.
Resist the urge to buy a bunch of things you don't like just to fill the empty spaces. Instead, buy the right pieces as you find them. Treat the wait time as a chance to develop a personal style and discover what you really like.