Furnishing a new home is a daunting task, but it can be made infinitely easier if you have a plan.
So before putting the first piece of furniture in your new digs, take stock of what you already own, decide on your overall style and prioritize the necessities.
Only then can you move in and purchase signature pieces and accessories. Follow these three steps to get organized and ready to furnish your home with ease.
1. Take Stock of Your Belongings
The minute you have the keys in hand, it may be tempting to start purchasing new pieces of furniture for your new home. Before going on that shopping spree, though, pause to take stock of what you already own and what you need by following this advice:
- First, walk through your new space and make a wish list of the furniture you’d like for each room.
- Next, measure each room to get a better picture of the scale of the furniture you should look for.
- Then, look at the furniture pieces you own and decide what you absolutely want to keep and what you could easily part with.
Now, don’t get caught up with how your furniture is currently being utilized. For example, a daybed in your guest room might be the perfect piece for your new screened-in porch.
Or, perhaps that extra garage space could one day be transformed into an office. You may be surprised by how many of your current belongings can be repurposed in your new space.
2. Pick a Style and Color Scheme
The next step in furnishing is to choose an overall design and color scheme. Keep your current furniture in mind as it will help guide your choices, but again, don’t forget that most pieces can be refurbished and repurposed to fit your new style.
Choosing a style and color scheme for your spaces before you start shopping will help narrow down your options. If you’re aiming for a neutral Scandinavian design, skip right over those ornate dining room tables and overstuffed armchairs.
3. Prioritize Anchor Pieces
Once you have a good idea of what you have and what you need, take one more look at your list and prioritize spending money on furniture of which you’ll get the most use. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who has an unlimited budget, you’ll need to pick and choose where to spend the bulk of your furniture allowance.
Think about how you spend your time at home and start with the rooms you’ll live in the most. Although everyone’s list will be a little different, generally, the top three furniture purchases include a:
- Bed:You spend almost a third of your time in bed, so buying a mattress that’s comfortable as well as a bedroom set you adore should be your top priority.
- Sofa:Because a sofa tends to be the foundation of your living space, you’ll want to invest in a quality, comfortable piece.
- Dining room table:A dining room table is the heart of any home. Indeed, it’s where families and friends gather for meals and celebrations, which is why it’s often an important piece of furniture.
Don’t Let Furnishing Your Home Become Overwhelming
Furnishing a home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Just take some time to organize yourself beforehand by taking stock of your current belongings, picking a style and color scheme and prioritizing purchases, and you’ll be well on your way to furnishing the home of your dreams.
