Furnishing Your First Apartment (Without Going Broke)

Level up your money game | Published: Nov 29, 2025

Budgeting Moving Out Personal Finance Apartment Furnishing First Home Second-Hand Shopping Furniture Hacks

Furnishing Your First Apartment (Without Going Broke)

Moving into your own place is exciting—and expensive! Don’t panic. This guide will help you turn an empty apartment into a home without emptying your wallet. From must-haves to clever saving hacks, we’ll help you furnish smartly, not fast.

Step 1: Start with a Plan

It’s tempting to rush out and buy everything at once. Don’t. You’ll just end up broke and surrounded by things you don’t actually need.

Ask Yourself: What do I use **every day**? What can I borrow, buy second-hand, or wait for?
Phase It: Start with the basics that make your space liveable – other stuff can come later.

Step 2: Essentials vs. Nice-to-Haves

Furnishing works best in phases. Begin with the absolute essentials—then add the “nice stuff” as your budget grows.

Phase 1: Absolute Essentials (Sleep, Cook, Live)

Bed and bedding: Good sleep first, style later.
Fridge: Even a small bar fridge beats takeaways.
Stove or hot plate: Cooking at home saves serious money.
Kettle & basic cookware: One pot, one pan, one mug, done.
Curtains or blinds: Privacy, warmth, and you’ll sleep longer.
A chair and a decent lamp: You'll need both for reading or study.

Phase 2: The Good Stuff (Next Phase)

Couch or comfy chairs: A place to chill with friends.
Table and chairs: Essential for eating and working professionally.
A TV or streaming setup: For relaxation and entertainment.

Step 3: Smart Shopping Hacks

Never pay full price for something you can get second-hand or cheaper.

Where to Find Great Deals

Source	What to Find	Tip
Facebook Marketplace	Second-hand furniture, appliances	Check your local area daily; good items go fast.
Cash Crusaders & Hospice Shops	Appliances, kitchen goods, books	Test electronics before buying; look past surface dirt.
Gumtree / OLX	Urgent furniture sales	Use keywords like "student furniture" or "moving sale."
Factory Shops	Beds, fridges, mattresses, linen	Often sell slightly damaged or older models for much cheaper.

Step 4: Quick Budget Breakdown (Starter Guide)

Here is a rough guide for setting up a small one-bedroom or studio apartment in South Africa (as of 2025):

Item	Budget Range (Rands)	Smart Tip
Bed & Bedding	R1,500 – R3,000	Second-hand base + new mattress.
Fridge	R1,200 – R2,500	Mini-fridge works fine at first.
Hot Plate or Stove	R400 – R1,500	Single plate works until you upgrade.
Kettle + Cookware	R500 – R1,000	Buy starter packs from stores like Game or Pep Home.
Curtains or Blinds	R300 – R800	Check local textile factory stores for off-cuts.
Storage/Shelves	R300 – R1,200	Plastic drawers or simple cube shelving saves space.

Remember: It’s a journey. You don’t need to finish your place right away. Your apartment doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to feel like **you**.