3 Budget and Space-Friendly Tips for Furnishing a California Apartment

For as long as you can remember, you’ve wanted to pack up and move to California. After finding a job in the San Diego area, you’re now the proud renter of your very first California apartment. But while you’re delighted to have moved to SoCal and like the overall layout of your new place, you must admit the rent is steep and the living space is quite small.

No worries, new Golden State resident: With some budget-friendly hacks and creative approaches, you can furnish your apartment without maxing out your credit cards — all while making the space look bigger. For instance, consider the following ideas:

1. Furnish One Space at a Time

Buying furniture for an entire apartment, even one that’s small, can put a serious dent in your wallet. However, it’s perfectly fine to tackle one room or area at a time, taking into account items you already own and those you should buy. For instance, start with planning out your living room by measuring the area and determining what you need.

After determining your coffee table and TV stand will fit in the room but your ratty old couch needs to be replaced, it’s time to go shopping for new furniture. In addition to offering a wide selection of couches and other home furnishings, the measurements for each piece are clearly marked, so you can easily tell what will fit and what won’t.

As a bonus, many retailers like Jerome’s offer affordable white glove and same-day delivery options throughout most of SoCal. Furniture removal is also available, so you can say hello to your new couch and farewell to your old one, all at the same time.

2. De-clutter Prior to Buying More

To help make your new apartment look as big as possible, strive to de-clutter the space the best you can. For example, if you haven’t used an item in a year or wouldn’t even buy it again, go ahead and donate it. Indeed, once your bedroom is free of items you’ve outgrown and no longer appreciate, the space will feel much bigger.

For instance, you might find that your book and knick-knack collection fits well on a smaller bookcase in your living room and/or can be stored in boxes that fit under your bed. Regarding your clothes, you might be able to tuck a small dresser inside your closet and/or get hanging shoe and T-shirt holders you can attach to the closet clothing rod.

3. Focus on Light Colors

Another way to make a small apartment appear roomy is to focus on a light and neutral color palette. Additionally, if you want to add an area rug to your living room, go with a plain color or small pattern, which will help to visually expand the space.

Moreover, if your landlord allows you to replace the drapes and your budget allows it, go for window coverings that match the colors of the walls. You can also take advantage of the great California sun and weather as often as you can by keeping the drapes open, as natural light is an effective way to open up a small room.

Enjoy Your New Life in Sunny California

Between its amazing weather, wide range of things to do and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll no doubt quickly fall in love with your new job and life in Southern California. And by taking your apartment furnishing room by room, ridding your space of things you no longer need and choosing lighter color palettes, your new apartment will look stylish and more open in no time.