Back to School
Back to School Tips: Three Ways to Furnish Your Living Space with New Items for Under $500
By Ambia Staley
August 15, 2016With back to school season just around the corner, many young adults are venturing away from their parents' homes and living on their own for the first time. However, with the startlingly high costs of post-secondary school, furnishing the bachelor or bachelorette pad of your dreams may be out of your price range at the moment.
If you’re moving into your own space for the very first time, you might assume that you'll be restricted to shopping for all your items at secondhand shops and garage sales unless you want to empty your pockets. However, with some savvy shopping, you can easily pick up brand new basics from the store for much less than you think!
If you’re unsure of where to look or even where to start, there’s no need to worry as we've done much of the searching for you! Take a look below to see 3 different options perfect for furnishing your new living space for under $500!
Option #1: For the Budget Interior Designer (Total: $438.94)
- Jomna Spring Mattress - $99.00 (IKEA)
- DHP Twin Size Black Metal Daybed - $159.00 (Walmart)
- Mainstays Oak Computer Desk - $44.98 (Walmart)
- Mainstays Fabric Task Chair - $39.97 (Walmart)
- Pello Armchair - $59.99 (IKEA)
- Bookcase - $36.00 (Walmart)
If you're looking for both style and function, this higher priced option may be for you. Option #1 gives you a variety of furniture items dedicated to your various study and resting needs. This option includes a daybed, which mostly functions as a sleep area away from your work space, but the frame allows the bed to double as extra seating in the event you're entertaining. We've also included an inexpensive desk and chair from Walmart which provides some comfort while you study. Lastly, we've added a decent sized bookcase for your textbooks, as well as an optional armchair if you'd like somewhere comfortable to curl up and complete your readings.
Option #2: For the Multi-tasker (Total: $289.92)
- Futon Frame with Mattress - $189.97 (Walmart)
- Simplicity TV Tray - $19.99 (Canadian Tire)
- Lack Side Table - $9.99 (IKEA)
- Pine Utility Shelf - $29.99 (Jysk)
- Urban Shop Storage Ottoman x2 - $19.99 each (Canadian Tire)
Coming in at just under $300, Option #2 is for anyone who needs functional furniture that serves multiple purposes -- whether it's due to budget or space constraints. With this option, we've opted for the classic student sleeping arrangement, a futon, which functions as a bed at night, and a sitting area during the day. The Lack side table from IKEA can be used as a coffee table, or beside table, and storage ottomans double both as extra seating, and as storage space for anything you can't fit on the included utility shelf.
Option #3: For the Minimalist (Total: $258.90)
- Fjellse Twin Bed Frame - $69.99 (IKEA)
- Jomna Spring Mattress - $99.00 (IKEA)
- 34” Square Folding Table - $39.00 (Walmart)
- Cosco Vinyl Black Folding Chair x2 - $10.97 each (Walmart)
- Marius Stool x2 - $6.99 each (IKEA)
- Hyllis Shelf Unit - $14.99 (IKEA)
Our third option is for anyone who just wants the simplest furniture to serve their basic needs. A single bed frame and mattress can easily be picked up from IKEA for about $160, giving you a more comfortable alternative to something else in a similar price range, like a futon or air mattress. If you don't have a lot of space, you can pick up a fairly inexpensive folding table which can serve as a study, dining, and entertainment area all in one. The folding chairs are inexpensive and can be easily moved around or tucked away when not in use. We've also added a few stools, which are an inexpensive item that can serve as side tables, nightstands, or extra seating for guests. We also noticed that utility shelves, while not the most visually appealing, are some of the most inexpensive shelving units you can find, so we've selected this $15 unit from IKEA, which gives you plenty of space to stack your things.
Of course, it's important to note that these suggestions do not take your province's taxes into account, so be sure to budget that in accordingly! Also, if you're opting for delivery versus heading in-store to pick up these items, your costs can easily skyrocket, so if you don't own a car, see if a friend or family member is willing to drive. And don't forget the little things such as extra bed linens, kitchen utensils, and towels -- these costs can add up as well!
Are you moving out on your own for the first time? Have you already been there? What are some of your money-saving tips for students looking to furnish their new home? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and good luck with the move!
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