We got married in December. We were college students who were broke. He was in full-time graduate school, and I just started my full-time teaching job. The pay for a new teacher was not high, and the cost of living was also high.
Despite the low pay, I still wanted to make my new apartment cozy. I learned quickly how to decorate on a tight budget.
Get married during special times of year
Not everyone does this but, because our wedding fell so close to the Christmas season, many of our guests gave us holiday decor. Our guests gave us a snowman cookie jar for Christmas, ornaments to keep, holiday plates, and towels. These items were not on our wish list, but they are great because we can use them to decorate our apartment.
Shop Carport Deals
Garage sales are the best place to find holiday decorations on a tight budget. There are always people selling their old holiday items. This is how I got many of my Christmas and Halloween decorations for less than $1 each.
Shop Black Friday Sales
Research the list price for big-ticket items such as holiday comforters and Christmas trees. Also, outdoor lights. Wait for Black Friday and you could find up to 50% off. You can get these items at a discount of 40 to 50 percent.
After the Holidays, Shop clearance
If you are patient, you can save 70-80% on holiday decorations if your shopping is done AFTER Christmas. The biggest discounts will be available in the first five days following Christmas. Next year you will have your decorations and know that they were at rock bottom prices.
Shop Michael’s
Sign up for Michaels’ email list and you will receive coupons regularly. These coupons are often for a 40 percent discount on a full-priced item, or if you want to save 20 percent, you can get them for all products, even those that are on sale. These coupons can be used to purchase holiday decorations or the supplies you need to make your own decorations. That’s what I did.
Make Your Own Vacation Style
Michael’s offered me a discount on some supplies that I used to make my holiday decorations. I made a garland to hang on the front door for a fraction of what it would cost if you bought a wreath.
Final Thoughts
You can decorate your home for the holidays without breaking the bank if you have patience. It may take a while to find all the decorations that you desire, no matter how big or small. Waiting is worth it, especially if you’re on a tight budget and need to save some money. We’ve saved a lot of money by accumulating our decorations over the years.