Ask A Minnesota Expert: Decorating Your First Apartment On A Budget

The lease is signed and move-in day has passed. Finally having your own apartment means being able to create the space you want around your lifestyle of the moment. However, after college dorm room living or camping out in your parent's basement, you may not have the right furniture and decor to make your new place the way you want. Luckily, there are ways to decorate on a budget so you don't have to drag that beat-up lava lamp and ancient Bob Dylan poster along to your new crib. Decorate in style and make your place one that your friends go to to hang out.

Brianna Lindgren
Keller Williams Realty
7401 Metro Blvd, Suite 350
Edina, MN 55436
(614) 917-3797
www.briannalindgren.com

Brianna Lindgren is a successful and knowledgeable realtor based out of Edina, Minnesota. She is young enough to understand how exciting a first apartment is as well as how fantastic a first home can be. Sometimes, after dropping all of that money on rent, there's not much left for furnishing and decor. Brianna has some ideas on how to decorate your new digs on the cheap, and will be there for you when you are ready to take the next step to your first home.

Less Is More

Hoarding and pack-ratting has become a tragic flaw in American society. The truth is, most things that you have been hauling around from place to place have no actual place in your life anyway. Old photographs can be stored digitally and those empty liquor and wine bottles belong in the recycling bin. Spend a day going through books, magazines, and old papers and be realistic about what your really need. The result is more space to work with in your new place and less hassle during the move.

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Create A Theme

Return to your childhood for a bit, where your room had that Disney princess or race car theme. However, pick a theme that may be a little more subtle like bright decor, functional, or natural. This helps you narrow down what you may purchase or how you may decorate. A lot of money is spent buying decorations and furniture that simply do not have a good place in the home. By creating a theme, each purchase becomes more thought out and moves impulse to the side to save money and create a unique space that makes sense.

Go Online

Don't underestimate the bargains you can find online. Dozens of overstock and design companies work to get rid of merchandise that just doesn't sell in the stores. Finding a simple rug or bathmat is easy and often cheaper online than heading over to Bed Bath & Beyond with your wallet full of coupons. Check the deals online first before you go filling your cart. Ordering online also saves you a trip to the store and gives you more time to paint or prep for living.

Budget Your Money And Your Space

Use the space you have wisely. As is the case with many first apartments, you may have a lot less room than you feel you need. Not to worry! Never underestimate the usefulness of shelves, cabinets, and hanging lamps to save space. Keep track of the things you use most often and make them more accessible than the rest of your stuff. Finding a perfect place for everything can give you apartment a tidy and clean appearance that never goes out of style.

Use Technology For Good

Luckily we live in the future, were technology makes everything a lot easier. Many of your home electronics can be hooked up and controlled through wireless capabilities. Rid the clutter of a dozen remote controls and get rid of that old stereo system. Not only can you sell older electronics and opt for newer stuff with more functionality, but you will also create more space and less hassle when trying to find a place for everything.

Related: Best Places For Stylish Used Furniture In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.