The weather isn’t the only thing changing from summer to fall. For interior designers and home decorators, it’s time to swap floral rugs, wall hangings, and centerpieces for pumpkins, gourds, and autumn wreaths. These additions bring comfort to the home, shifting the color, design, and appearance for the season. Along with stocking up on fall-scented candles, planning your home’s look is important, including a budget to avoid overspending. Decorating on a budget can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll achieve a cozy autumn vibe while staying within your finances
Make a Priority List
“Before heading to the store, create a list of the exact items you want to buy and their costs. Review your checking account and set a spending limit that aligns with your budget. This helps hold you accountable and avoids going over budget. Several options can help you create lists: smartphone apps, digital spreadsheets, printable lists, or notebooks.
Not only does creating a list keep you aligned with your financial goals, but it can also help you remember certain things that you may otherwise forget if you attempt to memorize them. With a to-do list app specifically, you can really personalize your notes. Digitally, you can color code your list to associate certain things with days or categories. From an interior design perspective, it may be best to have a to-do list for each room in your home to separate the items you’ll need to check off, and to avoid having an extremely long and cluttered list.
Monitor Your Cash Flow
When you’re trying to stay within a set spending limit while you decorate for fall, it’s important to check your bank account before and after each shopping excursion. Although fall decorations are tempting, and it can be hard to refrain from buying more items than you need, being budget conscious ensures you’re staying within your means. Whether you utilize a money-tracking app or prefer to manage your money through online banking, make sure you’re set up for instant notifications, so you don’t miss out on balance updates and can receive important alerts instantly.
If you prefer using a notepad or spreadsheet, include details like savings and money spent on entertainment, food, and clothes. The more you recognize your spending habits, the more systematic you’ll be when shopping for your home this fall.
Look for Seasonal Discounts
Stores release discount codes, coupons, and seasonal sales throughout the year. It’s important to research what stores offer. Save printable or online codes and take advantage of discounts! If unsure about deals or locations, call ahead for details. You don’t want to miss a discount at checkout.
Apps like Retail Me Not and Groupon offer coupons and discount codes in one place on your smartphone. These apps keep you updated with the latest offers. If you miss a coupon, they’re a great backup. Store members often get extra advantages online and in-store. Sign up for email alerts to stay updated.
Try DIY
DIY, or “do it yourself,” involves creating decorations from scratch by purchasing supplies that save money in the end. These projects often replicate store-bought items that are overpriced. Search the internet for ideas to get your crafty juices flowing. Pinterest is a great way to find decoration inspiration and save ideas to digital vision boards.
When planning DIY projects, consider if you can store and reuse the decoration for the next fall season. Reusing can save time and money.
Decorating your home is fun but can be stressful, especially with a budget. Staying organized helps limit financial challenges. Be strict with your spending and enjoy creating your autumn wonderland!