Shop Like a Pro

"A true shopper leaves no stone unturned" Leigh Erica Jones.  A dear friend of mine said this to me many years ago after asking her where she got her designer belt that caught my attention.  She had found it in a thrift store and got a great deal for it.  That statement has been my motto ever since whenever I'm in a hunt for a great deal; which is almost every time I leave my house.  So with that said, I want to share with you some popular places I personally have been able to find some great deals with hopes that when you're creating your own space, you can find some gems for cheap and appreciate something for what it is and not who made it or how much it costs.


My mother and my favorite place to start our hunting season is:

    Goodwill Industries is a great place to start because usually they have sales on different color tagged items every week.  This means each week, all items with a certain colored tag are on sale off their already low prices.  Also, some Goodwill Industries have a pricing system where all picture frames or tables are the same price no matter what. Always check out their furniture section. Find furniture with potential.  They have a reasonable return policy as well. I think they also have senior and student discounts. I currently do not qualify for either.

Just like their tagline states, The Salvation Army really does a lot for the community with rehabilitation centers and housing for the less fortunate. With a mission statement like this, who wouldn't want to be part of that giving-it-forward movement; "The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."

Etsy

Etsy is an online market with vendors from all around the glob who make, sell and ship their own products.  It's easy to find whatever it is your looking for and there are so many vendors and styles to choose from.  This site is especially great when trying to get a great deal on window treatments, pillows and home accessories.  Most of them cannot be found at your local home furnishing store and since they are hand made you get that unique look and feel as well.  It is also nice to know you are supporting small business.


craigslist

Oh, the many crevasses and urban legends of Craig's List.  Okay, for the not so faint of heart, Craig's List is like a personal add for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. Local people in your area post things they are looking for and also selling, from furniture to slabs of concrete.  They are usually used items but still in good condition.  There's also a "Free" section for things people just need to get rid of.  Finding something of value and great consumer appeal will be fun because usually once you find something, they are usually willing to negotiate the price.  Things to consider is their location in proximity to you, time they are willing to meet with you, and always have cash on you. Try to meet in a public place if possible. And always INSPECT, INSPECT, INSPECT your item before you buy. I haven't had to return anything I've bought, but I'm pretty sure there is no return policy once you've bought your find.

  Ross actually sells way more than just clothing.  They have a furniture and home-goods section (think lamps, area rungs, pillows, storage containers) that is always being restocked with random finds.  Each Ross store location will have different pieces for sale, so I like to shop around and see what each has to offer.  Always check out their mark-down sections as well.  They have the best mark-downs I've found.

     Basically, these three stores are considered the high-end in discount department stores.  The thing I appreciate about these stores are they usually have more of the same item if you want to buy a pair for accent chairs or a grouping of accessories.  The prices are about 25% higher than Ross, but you can still find a great deal. 

Here are just some things I've uncovered at these shops.  I will not disclose where in particular each piece is from or what brand.  That is NOT the point.  The point is, I GOT A GREAT DEAL!! The end table with the star burst is one of my refurbished pieces.

              I hope you find these tips helpful.  May the great finds and savings be ever in your favor!

Staged 2 $ell

When living in a space you are trying to stage for sale, there are some key things to consider. Here's a check list you can use to help you decide what to keep out, what to pack, and what to dump.  There's no need filling up your new space with useless items.  That's how you become a hoarder!

When you've decluttered your room, it's okay to hide SOME stuff in the storage that has to stay to stay.  Just remember to take your persona item out of site and that includes night time personal items on your nightstand, pictures on the wall or dresser, and shoes under the bed or overflowing hamper in the corner. We don't have to see all of that. Always make your bed and fix any crocked art work and area rugs. KEEP IT SIMPLE & CLEAN.

     

Hallways are EASY to update and can make a great impact to your space.  They should be clear of EVERYTHING!! Every room will be peeked into so don't think closing the doors to your home office, kids room or that "junk room" will do the trick.  The halls should be vacuum or mopped, baseboard and door trims dusted, all doors and walls wiped of fingerprints and scuffing. Check all doors to ensure no creaking when opening (sometimes we get used to stuff like that but your potential buyer are looking for reasons to low-ball your asking prince- that got your attention). If possible, add some nice generic artwork and a soft area rug will will brighten up any long boring hallway.

       

   

Kitchens are usually the most used room after the bathroom. If your budget is tight (and that's a great thing. Best time to amp up your creativity is when things are tight!) a simple cabinet paint make over and some de-cluttering can make your kitchen the heart of your home once again.  All you need is a clean bright SATIN or HIGH-GLOSS paint (this will make it easier to wipe down the cabinets), new or repolished drawer hardware, some elbow grease to clean and polish the appliances, and some nice fresh flowers to add the magazine feeling to the space. 

                       

 

This is what you get when you don't give up on your space.  You just might be sad when you actually sale. Have fun and BE CREATIVE!!!

Here are some ways to better organize you space.  When complete, step back into the room and give it an overall glance.  Be as critical as possible and make any adjustments to give it the look of complete perfection.

Bedroom

☑ Decide what you want at your fingertips and what things can be stored

☑ Go through your closet and pull out everything you have not worn in the last year and donate those items

☑ Hang like items together—group shirts together, pants together, dresses, etc.

☑ Donate to local charities or friends and family items that are still in good condition but you no longer need. Schedule a donation pick up with your local thrift store.

Kitchen

☑ Determine the flow of activity in your kitchen before you decide where to place items

☑ Things that work together should be stored together, such as baking supplies, plastic containers (with lids), pots and pans with lids, and large platters and bowls

☑ Drawer dividers are a good way to keep smaller items separated

☑ Place glasses near the sink or the refrigerator for easy access to beverages

Home Office/Den

☑ Make sure you have a good chair, good lighting and ample workspace. Without them it’s harder to be organized and effective.

☑ Keep only supplies you need on a daily basis on your desktop neatly organized in visually pleasing appropriate receptacles.

☑ Assign a contained space or “in-box” for your incoming documents and only use it for items that haven’t yet been reviewed such as paper mail, receipts, and catalogs.

☑ Make a decision about what action or task you need to take with each document (including recycling) and follow through during dedicated “admin” appointments

☑ Keep the most recent papers in the front of the file. Whenever you open it, the current information will be on top.

Garage

☑ Sort, purge, and then decide the proper storage containers or fixtures for the treasures that you must keep

☑ Design a floor plan for storing items and stick to it.  Get durable construction tape and designate a location for everything.

☑Get rid of things that don’t work or if you have multiple items of the same thing, time to pick one and donate/gift the others.

☑ Clearly label both the tops and the sides of containers.

☑ Consider floor-to-ceiling possibilities for shelving, racks, stackable drawers, hooks and pegboards, and don’t forget the rafters.

REMEMBER: When you are done organizing, make sure you donate clothes, books, furniture and other household items to a local charity.

Design on ANY Budget

Here is a great example of how to transform any room using a variety of resources and cleaning up something old to update your space.  

 

If it's possible, it's always nice to clear out the room you are updating so you have a clean slate to work with and make painting a lot easier.  Stand in your room and just visualize what you want it to look like.  That final look in your head will not happen over night.  A great room takes time and some rearrangement over and over to get it just right.  Be patient and it will come together.



Take your favorite item and display it.  You'll end up using and enjoying it more when can see it every daty.

 

For this small apartment, it just made sense to have a day bed that function as additional seating during the day.

 

Throw a dinner party and show off your "new and improved" space.

      

 

Surround yourself with beautiful and inspiring things.

                             

 

 

Set the mood with scented candles and flowers.

    

Simply accessorized.

 

 

Who says a bookshelf is just for books? Display what you love and show your personality.

                         

And after you've found a new use and a home for all your old and new treasures, please, please, please don't forget to...

         ENJOY YOUR SPACE!

PRODUCT SOURCES

LIVING SPACE

Sofa: Home Decorators $999
Rug: RugsUSA $218
Gold floor lamp: Urban Outfitters $98
Floral pillow: Willa Skye Home on Etsy $42
Velvet pillows: World Market $29.99
Coffee table: CB2 $279
Chevron tray: C Wonder (Gift)
Antlers: White Faux Taxidermy $119.99
Le Chat poster: Mini and Maximus $50
SMILE print: Heartfish Press on Etsy $6
Hello print: SS Print Shop $35
Dots print: MadeByGirl $17.95