Bookshelf, already had/ lamp (similar), Fred Meyer (had 30% off coupon)/ picture, $40 off Craigslist/ coffee table, $20 off craigslist/ sectional pieces Furniture Outlet (20% off sale)/ pillows, Cost Plus (buy one get one 50% off)/ chair, gift/ liquor table, Fred Meyer (had 30% off coupon)/ rug, Home Depot
When I moved, I knew that I would need to buy a lot of stuff. I had two priorities- not spending more money than I needed to, and not buying too much stuff. I didn’t want to undo what I had done with my minimalism. I planned out what I needed and hoarded coupons. I feel like I ended up buying a ton of stuff, but I did try to only buy what I really needed. For example, I don’t have a lot of space, so I decided to skip a table and chairs and just get two bar stools for the kitchen counter.
There are a few good reasons, in my opinion, for buying things used. To start, it’s obviously much more cost efficient. Possibly more important to me, it’s good for the environment. I’m giving new life to something that is no longer useful to someone else, and I’m not buying something that had to be made brand new. Not buying new stuff saves on raw materials, transportation costs, saves me from going into a store and having to hear those super fake marketing spiels… So many ways to win, y’all.
I used Craiglist a lot when I was looking for stuff. Everything I needed (except the couch and bed), I checked Craigslist first. I got this bookshelf for $20, and the bar stools for $45 for the pair. Purchased new, the bookshelf would have been around $100 and the barstools at least $60 each.
That said, I wasn’t prepared to buy anything “soft” used. I am afraid of bed bugs and general grossness. I’m squeamish and I’m not afraid to admit it. My first purchase was a bed. I measured my apartment and decided that the biggest bed I could get was a queen, and that I could save money and space by just getting the basic metal frame. I went to Sleep Country, tried the three that fit my price range and firmness level, picked one, and was done. I love it when things are easy!!
I’m a little ashamed of my general lack of thriftiness with my bedroom. Everything was new except the painting, which I got for $20 on Craigslist (and I LOVE it!). The lamps were super discounted from Crate and Barrel, which means they were still more expensive than regular lamps 🙂 ($30 each, but now they are $20!). My bedding came from Amazon. Shiba Inu came courtesy of NW Shibas 4 Life!
I looked for a while for nightstands used, but couldn’t find anything small enough to fit one on each side. I ended up loving these Sara nightstands from Cost Plus. I personalized them by switching out the plain gray drawer pulls for cute colored ones, and putting a layer of clear contact paper over the top. You can barely see it, and it protects the top from water or stains. It’s super easy to wipe off, and I can have water by my bed with no messes. Also, it peels right off if you don’t like it!
The last thing that I bought was this over the toilet shelf (similar) for the bathroom from Fred Meyer. It was $30, and I was lazy and didn’t feel like looking for something cheaper. I’m so happy I have it though- it really helps keep my bathroom organized.
What do you think, does my stuff look too crowded? Soon it will be time for more stuff purging! My favorite splurge purchase was my sectional, it’s so comfortable I could sleep there instead of my bed.
❤ Jillian
I am in my thirties, which is hard to believe. Time goes by fast. Since that is the case, I have decided to write about it. If I can't slow it down, I can at least share with others and get help along the way! 
How To Be Myself 
Owen had a one word comment for your blog post: Ikea. Lol. Did you know that you can negotiate the price of furniture when buying from a furniture store such as sleep country?
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I did, and I did. Lol. You guys know I’m terrified of IKEA, though! But guess what, my coffee table is IKEA 🙂 just via Craiglist.
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Looks really great. Bravo!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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🙂
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I am astounded by your ability to catch so many deals. Your new place seems so cozy, I have no idea what you would purge. Don’t you just love how a drawer pull can change the whole look of a piece of furniture?! I love the idea of contact paper to prevent nightstand water spots! Why didn’t I ever think of that? So glad you’re back to blogging, I will be implementing that tip in my home.
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I’m so glad you like my tip! Jack actually thought of it, after I put contact paper on everything else 🙂 and I adore changing out knobs, etc
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i like your shelving in the bathroom. very smart idea. and your couch looks so comfy! 🙂
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Thanks! The extra shelves are key 🙂
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Love clear contact paper, great idea for the night stands!
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Thanks!
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Everything looks great! Well done on all the great finds on used items. I always feel like I should try for used items first, but it can be quite a bit more work to find quality items at a decent price…
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Thank you! You’re right, it’s way more work. That’s why I didn’t buy everything used, when I needed almost everything. It was way too overwhelming. But I was happy with what I did find.
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I think you did really good, getting so many pieces at a low price. Your place looks great 🙂 Congratulations!
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Thank you 🙂 I’m glad you approve, I’m so worried I have too much stuff!
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Remember, YOU are the one who decided what is the perfect amount of stuff for you. If you are happy with what you’ve got, THAT is what is important 🙂 To me, your place looks just right 🙂
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Omg I missed this comment u til right now! Thank you 💕
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