Leaving home and moving into their first apartment or house is an exciting time in a young adult’s life, but it also presents challenges. For example, how do you make your new place feel like home when your finances are stretched thin between rent, car insurance, groceries and other obligations that come with growing up?
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to transform your new digs. Ready to get started? Our staff put their heads together and came up with 8 creative ways to decorate on a shoestring budget that we think you’ll love!
1. Shop Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
It might take time to find what you want, as well as a little planning to pick it up, but both websites are great places to find low-cost items that need a new home.
2. Paint an accent wall.
Painting makes a huge impact, but it can also be expensive. Instead of painting your entire home, choose just one wall and get a paint that includes primer so you can finish the job in one coat. If you are renting, talk to the owner or property manager before you paint.
3. Add rolling casters to an inexpensive bookshelf to create a rolling storage system.
You could even create a small, mobile kitchen island by adding a cutting board to the top and storing your cooking utensils on the shelves below in canisters from the dollar section.
4. Stock up on frames when your local craft store has a big sale.
Then, fill them with artwork from last year’s wall calendar, your favorite magazines or the thrift store to create a gallery wall.
5. Hang decorative blankets on a wooden ladder, or stack wooden crates for a creative bookshelf.
Both the ladder and crate serve as decor and storage in one.
6.? Get even more for your money with multi-purpose pieces.
For example, find an ottoman that doubles as a coffee table and storage space.
7.? Mirrors are an easy way to add light to a space and make it feel larger.
They’re also practical. Consider hanging an inexpensive, full-length mirror horizontally behind your sofa for an instantly stylish look.
8. Create an easy place to hang coats, hats and bags with decorative Command hooks.
They’ll keep everything neat, and you won’t have to worry about fixing holes in your walls later.
Our mission at work
Many young adults who age out of foster care have no home, no family and nowhere to turn. Sadly, 20 percent will become instantly homeless, and only 50 percent will be gainfully employed by the age of 24.
Through our continuum of care, we surround children and young adults with services that meet their needs in five key areas.
The Upbring BeREAL program walks alongside these young men and women as they take their first steps toward independence.
From identifying their education and career goals to moving into that first place of their own and decorating it on a shoestring budget, we give young adults the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.
I came to BeREAL with nothing but a trash bag that had my clothes in it. Two vans pulled up to help me move into my apartment, and they were full of furniture. I told my BeREAL caseworker this wasn’t my stuff, and with a big smile on her face, she said, “Yes, it is. I didn’t even know these people, but they wanted to help me. That was such a powerful moment for me.” – JoAnna, BeREAL participant
Want to help?
If you want to support a young person like JoAnna on their journey to adulthood, consider making a donation (Select BeREAL in the Designate Your Gift drop-down menu) or volunteering your time and talent.