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Decorating Your First Apartment on a Budget

How to save money when furnishing that first apartment.

Nashville, Ark. – Moving into your first apartment is exciting! For some, it may be getting that first job in a new town, or it could be moving into an apartment at college. Many colleges now require upper classmen to move out of the dorm and into housing off campus. For the first time, you will decide how to decorate an entire living space and turn a blank slate into a home. Unless you are getting a furnished apartment, you will need to purchase furniture and furnishings.  How can you make it your own without breaking the bank?

  • Used furniture. Furniture is usually the most expensive items on your decorating list. Basic pieces include a bed, nightstand, sofa, table and chairs, desk and bookcase. Begin by determining how much space you will have to work with. Make sure your furniture will fit. Save money by shopping resale and thrift stores. Garage sales or moving sales are a great place to find good furniture. Your best resource may be family. Chances are they have furniture pieces they no longer want and will be glad to get rid of it.
  • Get your kitchen in order. Many kitchen essentials can be found at resale and thrift stores. If you would prefer to purchase these items new, discount stores are a great place to shop. Also consider how much you will be cooking. If you are in college, you may be able to purchase a meal plan even though you do not live on campus. Call the Extension Office for a basic list of tools and pantry items needed. I will be glad to share these fact sheets with you.
  • Brighten up the place. While your apartment may have some overhead lighting, a few lamps and free-standing lamps can create a nice mood. Again, look at resale and discount stores for budget friendly accessories.
  • Don’t buy everything at resale stores. There are few items you probably will not want to purchase from a resale or thrift store. Linens, towels, bedding and mattresses are items that you will need to purchase new. Plan these costs in your budget.
  • Add a few personal touches. You’ve got the necessities covered, but how do you turn a generic space into a place that feels like home? Think walls, windows and floors. Most places will not let you paint the walls, but you can decorate with framed posters, photographs or canvas prints. Add curtains to soften a room and add color. An area rug and throw pillows will add a splash of color. You can find inexpensive rugs, curtains and accent pillows at discount stores.
  • Congratulations on the move. Decorating a new apartment doesn’t happen overnight. It may take several trips to several stores (online or in person) to find everything you will need. Take time to find your style and the items to match. Keep in mind you will acquire more the longer you live in a place.

For more information on setting up a budget or to request a copy of “Basic Kitchen Tools” or “Stocking a Pantry” contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located in the courthouse.

Recipe of the Week

            This recipe is great for those learning to cook. It is easy to make and is budget friendly! Make it for a meal or as an after-school snack.

Oven Baked Chicken Nuggets

  • 1 egg

  • 2 Tablespoons milk

  • 3 ½ cups cornflakes, crushed

  • 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nugget size pieces

  • ¼ cup barbeque sauce, ketchup or mustard for dipping sauce

  • Non-stick cooking spray

  1. Wash hands properly.

  2. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  3. Whisk the egg and milk together in a small mixing bowl with a fork.

  4. Place cornflakes in a plastic zipper type bag. Close and crush.

  5. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then shake with cornflakes to coat.

  6. Place pieces on a baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray.

  7. Carefully place pan in oven and bake for 15 minutes.

  8. Remove pan from oven.

    Serve nuggets with barbeque, ketchup or mustard dipping sauce. Yield: 4 servings. Serving size: 6 nuggets.

    Hint: Experiment with different spices such as Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon pepper, paprika, soy sauce or dry ranch dressing mix.
  1. Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories, Fat 3g, Protein 30g, Carbohydrate 24g, Fiber <1g, Sodium 480mg. Good source of iron.

 

 

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.

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