I Tried Furnishing My Empty Living Room For $500

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I Tried Furnishing My Empty Living Room For $500

Рет қаралды 2,110,684

Күн бұрын

In an attempt to save money AND limit waste, Rachel is furnishing her empty living room for under $500 using all second hand items.
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Пікірлер: 1 900

@EtreTocsin 2 жыл бұрын

You can get a pair of L brackets to fix that wobbly coffee table. Believe me, the $5 you spend will save you years of frustration dealing with a wonbly table

@lilynote2016 2 жыл бұрын

What's L bracketts? Like are they at Home Depot or could I find them at Walmart?

@AllOfMyLoveTess 2 жыл бұрын

@@lilynote2016 They're at basically any hardware store and you can also find them online pretty easy and cheap. They're basically L shaped pieces of metal with screw holes on each arm of the L to allow you to connect two items together at a 90 degree angle. Think of those wall shelves with the little metal pieces under to hold it up, those metal bits are L brackets. They come in all kinds of sizes for all kinds of uses. Super handy!

@DawnOldham 2 жыл бұрын

Another cute idea I’ve seen is to add 4-5 inch chunky chair legs to book cases that have been turned on their sides. It makes them look like a real piece of furniture and gets the bookcase off of the ground!

@jolenerodriguez6574 2 жыл бұрын

Wow very nice

@0rangebanana 2 жыл бұрын

Omg duh! Why didn’t I think of that

@dianeb5380 2 жыл бұрын

There needs to be a "Furnish a room for $500" challenge". I would watch all of them!

@egcarswell 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely!

@grayonthewater 2 жыл бұрын

Right?! I was thinking the same thing

@thebusybeanhomecafe4035 2 жыл бұрын

Yes!!

@woomeebly 2 жыл бұрын

Yep. Should do it here in the UK. Know it is an easy do, as you will always find something amazing online or on street. I bought a secondhand mahogany habitat wardrobe for £25. Massive hulking thing. Loved it, but I had to leave it behind when I moved due to lack of space.

@shannontate8483 2 жыл бұрын

Yes need a playlist of these!

@tessiemiller1212 2 жыл бұрын

For future reference... When painting pieces like you bought you should lightly sand before painting and add something on top of the paint (poly, wax, etc) to protect your paint job so it will last longer. As is, you may find scuffing and peeling to be an issue with normal use.

@noemitellez3098 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks !

@noiz1762 2 жыл бұрын

thanks sister

@dawnmelanson Жыл бұрын

or just buy a furniture and cabinet paint, and save a step!

@lizam3846 2 жыл бұрын

I REALLY hope she cleaned thoroughly everything she bought especially furniture with fabric!

@prettypuffprincess 2 жыл бұрын

YES 👏🏽 I’m itchy as F

@robbb416 2 жыл бұрын

Well you don't have a like from her so I'm assuming not lmfao. 🤣🤣

@strawberrreh 2 жыл бұрын

all I can think about especially with the couch. Hoe do you even go about cleaning such items ?

@pennyf.6324 2 жыл бұрын

@@robbb416 😫

@LaughingInTiny Жыл бұрын

What a weird comment. Why do people assume used furniture comes from dirty or undesirable homes? I never understand this mentality. Is your furniture gross? If you sell me your sofa should I wear a Hazmat suit to collect it? Ffs.

@joyceshang9920 2 жыл бұрын

I love that Rachel made the effort not only to buy affordable, secondhand pieces but also to select pieces that go with her style. I furnished most of my furniture secondhand, but it looks like a college student's apartment. Definitely will use this as inspiration to make my next place feel more like a home!

@user-pt1cz4ot1e 2 жыл бұрын

That’s exactly what I did when I was younger. The mistake, that is. Lol. I regretted it over the years as I’ve paid to replace it all. 🤦🏼‍♀️

@RenaGoss 2 жыл бұрын

U can always revamp anything u have.. u can get supplies @ the dollar store or just grab some paint @ walmart!!

@user-pt1cz4ot1e 2 жыл бұрын

@@RenaGoss but, you shouldn’t shop at either. Lots of small, affordable stores to choose from.

@poodlegirl55 2 жыл бұрын

One can of pale gray chalk paint and two yards of fabric and my daughter made her miss matched furniture look great.

@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep 2 жыл бұрын

See I find it the opposite. A big turn off she actively went out of her way to get someone elses used garbage instead of just buying new stuff that's cheap and would have looked much nicer. Biglots for example I've seen a leather couch for 100-200 dollars. Far less all the other stuff she got. She basically wasted her money. Just fyi you can spraypaint new stuff to match also...

@calibby85 2 жыл бұрын

THIS WOMAN DESERVES A REGISTRY. We need to start celebrating more things in society that aren't just getting married and having a baby. Being a single woman and moving into your own apartment and not sharing bills is a big accomplishment, and not cheap. Getting a new job and moving to a new city, completing higher education, buyi g a home,, adopting a pet -why don't we celebrate and financially support these milestones?!

@Secretzstolen 2 жыл бұрын

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

@DelilahZoe 2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully it's for HAND ME DOWNS. The purpose is not to hurt the environment!

@TrasieHemingway 2 жыл бұрын

I firmly support and celebrate these endeavors. I have accomplished most of your list and I firmly celebrate ME!!!! And, support those in my circle.

@bezymjannaja 2 жыл бұрын

People out of the USA does.

@chrystallee5528 2 жыл бұрын

We do. It's called a house warming party (and parents).

@eburns0416 2 жыл бұрын

Girl my whole house is furnished with stuff we found in the trash. The only items we bought new were 2 couches!! Love this video. It's so unnecessary to spend money on new furniture these days. Just drive through a wealthier town and you'd be amazed what kind of gems people leave on their curb.

@GreatBunny 7 ай бұрын

Literally same

@frenchartantiquesparis424 6 ай бұрын

Exactly... the amount of wealth in the USA is incredible... and rich people always want to buy new things so they trash or CL the old, which isnt even old.

@scootermom1791 5 ай бұрын

Exactly! I LOVE free furniture finds. Fabric is easy to clean up. It just takes a little time.

@amethystle 2 жыл бұрын

I'm genuinely jealous of that TV stand. That looks exactly like something that would fit with my aesthetic, and I've been looking to buy a similar new one for $400. If I found it for $100, I would jump on that. Nicely done. I did have a friend once who, after their divorce, furnished their whole new apartment using the free section of Craigslist and just paid the cost of the truck rental and gas. Yes, she did spend an entire day driving around the entire extended Portland Metro area, from Salem to Vancouver, WA, but in the end, she basically furnished her studio for $50. Which blew my mind.

@MerleONeal 2 жыл бұрын

THE BUDGETING QUEEN CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE STOPPED!

@h4jr005 2 жыл бұрын

@@yuriko7655 stop 💀

@chloegregory-pendley8636 2 жыл бұрын

Getting mismatched furniture and painting it the same color is what I did! It makes everything look like it goes together and is very cost-effective.

@sav2040 2 жыл бұрын

This! Another thing I do is order cheap hardware online so anytime I buy stuff in white (my room color) I change the hardware to match and voilà a match ☺️

@lunarcorpse 2 жыл бұрын

I prefer everything not to match. But I would like a theme in my bathroom.

@hxhdfjifzirstc894 2 жыл бұрын

@@lunarcorpse My bathroom theme is beer on the throne, but I'm not too into decorating.

@Noone73902 2 жыл бұрын

For those of you afraid to buy used furniture because of bed bugs- remember that even library books can have bed bugs. They are all over, that’s why you inspect things before you bring them in the house (much like you look at a hat for lice before you try it on). Clean things well. Also look at the skin of the person you are buying from. Bed bugs leave marks on the skin, if they have nice clear arms and legs then you should be ok. 💖

@satan9487 2 жыл бұрын

Aaaaad that's why I buy books or use ebooks.

@amarketing8749 Жыл бұрын

I don't think bed bugs are generally worth the risk.

@Yesica1993 6 ай бұрын

EEK, LIBRARY BOOKS?! I mean, I usually do wipe them down anyway. But ugh! I had no idea that was possible!

@scootermom1791 5 ай бұрын

Or live in a climate that doesn't have them.

@scootermom1791 5 ай бұрын

Not everyone is an expert. I've volunteered in libraries. When they check books back in, they also check its condition. If there are any issues, they trash the book. Don't believe everything you read. It's not worth the energy panicking over something like that.

@prissilou 2 жыл бұрын

Love your little challenge, and think you did great! My only caveat is one I learned the hard way...be careful, some of the stuff you might buy might be from a house infested with...bedbugs! Yes, bedbugs have made a major comeback. My best advice is for any smaller items like pillows or single chairs, put in a huge black trashbag and sit out in the sun for a few days. Bedbugs can't take the heat and will die if they are in 115 degrees. Or if its just a few pillows or some linens. throw them in the dryer. If its a couch, you might need a black tarp. But trust me, this technique works well! Of course, the best is if you don't buy anything infested....

@markita.hardenhome 2 жыл бұрын

The bookcase is super cute. I suggest buying some brushed gold legs to add to it. It'll tie to your gold lamp and gold handles on the side table plus give it a little more height. If you wanna go the extra mile to make it look even more custom...add a strip of reclaimed wood (have a friend cut to size) to the bottom then add the legs. Stain the wood a walnut color. $20 bucks max for a semi custom piece. Otherwise awesome job. DIY artwork next?🤔😬🤷🏾‍♀️

@MNeathway 2 жыл бұрын

Great suggestions

@lindapeters5497 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea. It would really make it blend better with the rest of the room.

@ashleyguthrie572 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant ideas!

@kayv5840 2 жыл бұрын

That sounds pretty!

@lonesparrow 2 жыл бұрын

Yes I agree that legs would elevate the look of the bookcase... no pun intended

@justg1226 2 жыл бұрын

Great challenge. One thing I would do is put legs on the book stand that are similar to the side table. I am astonished at how much you got for 500 dollars. GO YOU!

@cdugral 2 жыл бұрын

That’s what I thought immediately.

@lemondrizzlecake7766 2 жыл бұрын

I was about to write the same, and then I scrolled down and found this comment. Absolutely I would also do that, lifting it off the floor would make it look a lot more expensive!

@glammaof3871 2 жыл бұрын

My sentiments as well !!! ☺️

@KJong-gz5hv 2 жыл бұрын

Same!

@irenes8689 2 жыл бұрын

Looked fine the way it was

@cathycoryell2351 2 жыл бұрын

Really impressed with getting units, side table, and immediately painting. So many people are refusing to take a few hours and paint. Color - It's literally what can make your space feel pleasant to you. Well done to care for your home, and therefore you.

@paulaprice6949 2 жыл бұрын

Girl YES!! You understand my vibe. After I got married, and my husband moved into my place, I wanted everything updated. Well... I had to set a crazy low budget and did what you did! I am super excited you got creative to revamp your space on a budget!

@bobbirahmirres3638 2 жыл бұрын

I wasn't planning on buying used because it takes a lot of time and coordination but this makes me feel actually excited about the process. Great vid.

@AlmondJoie 2 жыл бұрын

@Bobbi Ramirez ... Be very careful in buying used furniture. Bed bugs can come along for the ride and lead to an infestation. One unfortunate girl shared her sad experience online and how she had to throw out most of her possessions because of it. Bed bugs can survive in furniture, mattresses, and bedding for up to a year. A whole year!😱

@bobbirahmirres3638 2 жыл бұрын

@@AlmondJoie That's important to note.

@AlmondJoie 2 жыл бұрын

@@bobbirahmirres3638 I hope you'll consider making your own vid when you furnish your new place.👍

@jellenp 2 жыл бұрын

Think of the work and time you gave to this project as an actual job. The huge amount of money you saved is your income/pay that you paid yourself for your time and effort. This is such an exciting and encouraging video!

@jasminet5019 2 жыл бұрын

@@AlmondJoie i’d say invest in a good couch & bed, the rest can be secondhand

@TheSecretChateau 2 жыл бұрын

One word for you Rachel: Freecycle. I furnished my entire 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, and 3 reception rooms with items I got for free on Freecycle. My budget was $500 and I spent $135. That $135 went on delivery fees because some items wouldn't have fit in my car, such as 3 large book cases, a vintage dining table and six chairs, 2x 3 seater sofas, a Smeg fridge-freezer (only 4 months old and free) and two large bed frames. I restored furniture items with paints (also free on Freecycle). With the left over cash I purchased a steam cleaner and some thrift store framed art.

@thebonniewong 2 жыл бұрын

I've done Buy Nothing but haven't explored Freecycle! Now I must. Thank you!

@mariamkashif9064 2 жыл бұрын

Are these items durable for atleast 15-20 year of use?

@TheSecretChateau 2 жыл бұрын

@@mariamkashif9064 - Yes, they were all antiques, apart from the Smeg fridge which was four months old and the two sofas which were only about a year old and in perfect condition except for a broken zip on one cushion.

@vaderladyl 2 жыл бұрын

Yes and Craiglist and Nextdoor too are great options.

@mariamkashif9064 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheSecretChateau I'm sold! Why spent so much money on every little thing!

@charpnatl 2 жыл бұрын

This was SO MUCH FUN to watch! This reminds me of the way HGTV used to be when they actually showed people how to do things. You did really well!

@studymate8469 2 жыл бұрын

It's heartwarming to see how beautiful it turned out. It feels so homey and cozy. Great job there.

@cd2659 2 жыл бұрын

No, don't haggle the deal when you get there. Do it before you go. It's really rude to do it when you show up. It looks really nice. Good job!

@MandyRoy425 2 жыл бұрын

Unless the condition is not as it was described when you agreed upon a price.

@laurentlasnier 2 жыл бұрын

@@MandyRoy425 well in that case, a table wobbling more than you thought isn't reason enough to haggle any further when it was clearly mentionned that it was wobbly...

@Kt-cn2rq 2 жыл бұрын

@@laurentlasnier exactly if they said like new or doesn't mention something broken then yes if it's expensive but true do it before you go there if your on a budget.

@veemes 2 жыл бұрын

You do it once you see them in person, so that they're more likely not to deny the negotiating lol.

@cd2659 2 жыл бұрын

@@veemes no, that is considered rude.

@NervousVlogmathster 2 жыл бұрын

In terms of what's "too much" for a Buy Nothing group, in my experience, you can't *expect* to definitely get big items based on an in search of but if you're willing to ask, you might. I've gotten everything from a food processor to a full recliner to a bed frame. Especially in dense cities, people are always trying to get rid of bigger items to make space in their apartments.

@NervousVlogmathster 2 жыл бұрын

Update: Just got a stand mixer from a Buy Nothing group to give a family member for the holidays so definitely stand by this

@fthurman 2 жыл бұрын

I literally got a 52" tv for free. I looked it up and it had been >$3,000 brand new.

@LadyLawAlly 2 жыл бұрын

My local group is full of toddler moms, so always baby clothes and items.

@rosehughes6760 2 жыл бұрын

Good job! Plus you don't get chemical off gassing from used stuff. I'm glad to see more people thinking ethically and frugally. I've found really great furniture, rugs, etc. the same way though a lot of the thrift shops in my city have disappeared due to development and rising costs. But there's still online and thanks for the reminder.

@jennyjumpjump 2 жыл бұрын

I did the same thing you did. I made a major move across state and decided I wasn't hauling my old falling-apart crap with me. I did a Goodwill haul and painted almost everything the same color. I saw that recommended by someone on HGTV. All the mismatched furniture looks like it goes together when it's painted the same. That TV stand was a good find!

@coagulatedsalts4711 2 жыл бұрын

love the idea but when painting wooden furniture with a glossy/smooth finish, please sand it slightly so that the paint sticks on better and won't flake as easily.

@bubby5050 2 жыл бұрын

seeing her not sanding it hurt my soul lol

@Due152 2 жыл бұрын

Take an advice from somebody with two green thumbs: put your green plants together in one group close to your window, because they need light, not just tlc. Try to match their natural habitats. And the impression is better, if they are in one group. And your living room is just beautiful! You did everything right!👍🏻

@jaspersgarden5015 2 жыл бұрын

OMG I spent well over 12 thousand on my living room, and here you are outdoing me with 500, I really need to hire you! Amazing work!

@Kasino80 11 ай бұрын

Thrifting is so much fun. You can get some truly unique items, so your house doesn't end up looking like an IKEA catalogue.

@kaitlincrane_ 2 жыл бұрын

Love love LOVE bringing up the important information about the excess waste generated by getting new furniture. I was dreading this video thinking it was going to be getting new cheap furniture that falls apart in 2 years, but I was wonderfully mistaken. We need more trends like this?! 👏👏👏

@strangersontheinternet 2 жыл бұрын

I got soooo much free and super cheap stuff when I went to yard sales. Most people barely sell anything and are just glad that anyone is even coming & give u free stuff. I bought a 15$ (new!) office desk and got a chair for free

@stunnaboy3021 2 жыл бұрын

Garage sales are the best! I’ve gotten so many new William Sonoma pots and pans for like $5 each

@WafflesandCiderXD 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this! Some people don't realize there is so much waste, period. ....And when the waste is furniture... that takes up more so much more space than just everyday garbage. Totally will be doing this when I get my own home!

@deborahgrantham7387 2 жыл бұрын

My old pappy taught me that there is nowhere that you cannot negotiate. I used a 20% off coupon on a very expensive piece of cookware, then they told me that the only one was the display pot with no box….. I asked for that one discounted, paid 30% less than listed price. Also learned that if one person says no, ask someone else😏. I am never embarrassed to ask for a better price. It’s fun.

@lavane26 2 жыл бұрын

Despite all the beige and browns are not my favorite palette, I think Rachel did a really good job and it looks pretty stylish and cozy. Love the green bookcase and side table, and the lamp.

@katcuzzi 2 жыл бұрын

Whenever I sell stuff I always list it for more than I’m willing to take in order to give people to option to negotiate. People are more likely to buy things when they feel like they’re getting a discount. :)

@ah5721 2 жыл бұрын

Yep but you also want to see if it's comparable to simular prices

@agirlisnoone5953 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly, same here.

@asyanicole3456 2 жыл бұрын

If you have a five below near you (or you want to order online) that’s a great way to get pretty nice decorations for really cheap. Also it could be really fun to buy a canvas (also available at 5 below) and have your friends decorate it or buy a few and have a paint party with a theme

@chlod9342 2 жыл бұрын

I’m working on doing the same for my apartment! So far we have a coffee table, a tv and stand, a couch and some plants done for $250!

@Kt-cn2rq 2 жыл бұрын

If want to paint and tilesometimes you can get good deals from people havent extra stuff after working on their homes..

@a1ntcry1noveru 2 жыл бұрын

can I ask, what places/websites did you use? I'll be moving to my own place soon, so this stuff is very helpful!

@jennysnook 2 жыл бұрын

@@a1ntcry1noveru she mentions each one specifically in the video.

@rishitamisra719 2 жыл бұрын

WE NEED MORE OF THESE PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEE.....YOU GUYS SOULD DO THESE FOR OTHERS,ITS AMAZING

@patriciastaimee 2 жыл бұрын

Was thinking the same thing..times are difficult this is amazing...

@melaniec1118 2 жыл бұрын

Been thrifting for years but shopping location makes a huge difference in your selection. Living in a small town can be very limiting but it also gives your creativity an opportunity to shine! It really helps to have a vision or Pinterest board for how you want things to look. That way when you see something for sale you can jump on it. Way to go!

@claretanner3326 2 жыл бұрын

When my husband and I got married, we got a 525sqft apartment (that number included the outside porch). We budgeted our entire apartment (kitchen, living room, and bdrm) for 500 dollar. Ikea is a blessed place. Five years later, most of our stuff is thrifted but that Ikea furniture is still the main pieces throughout the house, lol.

@thehungrygoldfish 2 жыл бұрын

$500? Yikes. Are you two trust fund kids? I budgeted 11 cents for my entire damn country. Beat that, Becky.

@claretanner3326 2 жыл бұрын

@@thehungrygoldfish During college, I lived on the healthy diet of day old walmart bread and questionable cheese spread for most of the last two years with the odd actual meal thrown in every once in a while. My then-fiancee saved during his Korea rotation so we could have funds for us to move in together after we got hitched. We've been married for five years now, and that apartment sucked but at least we figured out we could live off of peanuts for a hot minute.

@johannapenry4512 2 жыл бұрын

Had so much fun picking up these items with you Rach! The room looks amazingggggggg I'm impressed.

@SuzanneOlsson 2 жыл бұрын

Here in Jacksonville Florida we have an abundance of elderly people on a fixed budget...and an abundance of local Thrift Stores , Goodwills, and Salvation Army every few blocks...Your apartment looks stunning! Very well done, girl. You rock!

@MJ-qn2gy 2 жыл бұрын

this was probably the most interesting videos i’ve watched in months. id love to see more series of this or people doing this challenge

@amandaanobile7920 2 жыл бұрын

It looks awesome. The only minor addition I would make is add gold legs to the book shelf and spray paint the legs/handles on the side table gold too so everything ties in together. (That's just the perfectionist in me talking lol) Even if you didn't it's beautiful.

@morganmitchell9548 2 жыл бұрын

My husband and I have been collecting furniture for over 3 years now and only TWO things in our entire house did we actually pay for! All of our other items were either given to us or I built them lol.

@cornypinkuni9519 2 жыл бұрын

Well done!

@judywilliamson2068 2 жыл бұрын

Good for you! I’ve been desperately trying to teach my grandchildren the art of resale but they don’t seem to be learning. They seem to think everything is dirty; I know they’ve heard of soap and water but… can’t get that through their heads! As you go through Goodwill and Salvation Army just run through the pillows and feel them. You will find there are good quality feather and down inserts in some of the better quality pillows. All you have to do is rip the cover off and inserted it into the pillow cover of choice. For about $30 you can get four pillow covers on Amazon with handy-dandy zippers that you can slip your new insert into.

@jamiewilliams3471 2 жыл бұрын

Things aren't how they used to be. There is also an issue of safety. I'm not willing to trade my safety to get a "deal" on something secondhand.

@lindapeters5497 2 жыл бұрын

I never heard of offer up. I wish I had known about it. I just had to furnish my new apt with stuff. I paid way more. I'm still gonna check it out. You did a good job on that budget.

@JijjysMaison 2 жыл бұрын

This was fun to watch as a thrift fan. Space now looks like a cozy home. It's awesome if we can all contribute to saving our environment ....

@marylhere 2 жыл бұрын

I furnished my entire house for $750….$20 MCM dressers were easy pickings twenty years ago. A few inheritance pieces thrown in over the years….I bought a huge dresser “antiqued” teal for $39. Everyone asked when I was going to refinish it…..now every one loves the pop of color. This was all before on line shopping.

@adabaquero2091 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you saved this furniture from the land fiil. Bed bugs are a concern. Colors are a little dark for my taste but you can add more plants eventually. Money spent was great!!

@victorialove9104 2 жыл бұрын

Good job! The livingroom looks cozy and inviting. I inherited my childhood home and originally was going to donate the furniture and buy new. Just not my style. Then I realized it was solid mahogany very well made furniture and there would be no way I could afford furniture of such high quality. So glad I kept it. I just added my own style with accessories and it looks great. I feel good about not discarding perfectly good furniture so I'm happy I came to my senses. Just needed more lights. A friend of mine was redecorating and gave me his gorgeous high quality lamps. Needed a coffee table because the legs were badly broken on the old one. The only coffee tables I saw that I liked were over 1000 dollars. No way! I had a dream one night and the next morning I took the marble top off the old coffee table and put it on my vintage piano bench which I spray painted black. It looks so beautiful! I like it better than the expensive ones I saw. I even had the spray paint in the garage. So I have spent zero dollars and my home looks great. I love what you did and really like the look. Very inspiring.

@a1ntcry1noveru 2 жыл бұрын

that's amazing! did you adhere the marble top to the piano bench in some way, or does it just simply lay atop it?

@champagnemommy Жыл бұрын

For artwork, some ideas are to hang a small pretty rug you find at the thrift store as a tapestry. Use leftover paint on a piece of flat cardboard to cover it complete in that green, and then use scrap wood from the hardware store (cheap or free) to make a frame. Or get a secondhand large coffee table book that has pictures you can pull out and put into frames.

@MrsMeekins 2 жыл бұрын

I loooooooved this video! My apt has never been fully furnished bc new furniture is expensive, my only hesitation with buying used pillows and couches is the fear of bed bugs. Someone I know who did this had that issue and it always creeped me out! How do you ensure the furniture is bed bug free? ALSO YOUR UPDATED APT LOOKS GREAT!!!👍👍

@EllenBeal 2 жыл бұрын

This has always been my concern as well!

@TrishTruitt 2 жыл бұрын

I once picked up something upholstered and put it in the basement w/it enclosed in a clear garbage bag (hard to do w/big stuff) and then dowsed it w/a powder mix of baking soda and tea tree oil (Tea Tree can fade fabric so test it on a patch) and left it there- with the plastic bag tightly sealed w/tape - for 3 days. At the end of that time, I inspected the bag for any buggies and once I saw that there were none,. opened it up, vacuumed it off and set it in it's place.

@malindarayallen 2 жыл бұрын

@@TrishTruitt That was really smart. Great tip!

@mallorytaylor6203 2 жыл бұрын

Additional tips: If you purchase furniture in the winter, if possible leave it in your garage or under a covered area where it will reach freezing temps for 7 days. That should kill the bugs plus help air out any smells from previous owners. Hard furniture should be fine with a good hot + soapy water scrub, but if you want to be super safe you can spray the nooks and crannies as well. Also, bedbugs don’t handle heat well so if you bring in a bed or couch and find it infested, you only have to throw the linens, blankets, etc. in the dryer on the highest heat setting possible for a couple of cycles. This will kill any bedbugs that may be on them. Be sure to treat the furniture as well with a bedbug trap or diatomaceous earth.

@bellesliva9759 2 жыл бұрын

Buy or borrow a steamer! There are several effective, yet inexpensive models out there and it’s a great way to clean and disinfect!

@LittleDergon 2 жыл бұрын

I like how the matching painted bookcase matches the side table as it helps pull the room together. Also all the gold highlights 👍😊

@kennialopez267 Жыл бұрын

This video cured my depression 💜 No but fr I love this so much. It was so satisfying and put me in the mood to clean my apartment. Would you do a book tour? I wanna see what’s on your shelves ♥️

@g0d5m15t4k3 2 жыл бұрын

I live for this type of person. I finally started making enough money that I can just GIVE my old furniture away to friends in need. Just before this, I would have "pay what you can" online yard sales. I'd take pics and offer them to my friends. The only catch being that I wouldn't deliver items. Rather than me having to try to haggle over selling it. The time and stress of haggling isn't worth it for me.

@red_velvetcake1759 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great tip!

@juanmacias5922 2 жыл бұрын

Rachel needs her own channel! This was so wholesome.

@kings98124 2 жыл бұрын

She has but her videos involves skits and some very old school YT stuff. She recently made another channel which has no content yet.

@juanmacias5922 2 жыл бұрын

@@kings98124 ooooh no, hopefully she’ll start a vlog. 😁

@kings98124 2 жыл бұрын

I love watching Rachel's video! She did an amazing job decorating her place. I also re-furnish the things I use to own to give them a new vibe instead of throwing them away and buying new one. ❤️

@DraciaNightcat 2 жыл бұрын

I considered doing secondhand furniture when I moved out on my own, but I didn't want to risk bed bugs. I love the idea of furnishing a room for $500 but I'm not sure it's worth the risk lol.

@dawnriddler Жыл бұрын

There are a bunch of companies that do deep cleaning, and it costs around $30.

@minilea144 9 ай бұрын

@@dawnriddlerbed bugs are very stubborn. Even deep cleaning may not get them. And they multiply FAST. Just look at France and the crap they're doing to try to get rid of them.

@heartsfaith7077 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, it turned out alot better than I thought it would as I was watching, I didn't have much hope that anything would look good together.... But surprisingly, it all does. And looks pretty great! On that note, you have a good eye for interior decorating.

@kennedyeckels4492 2 жыл бұрын

Can we have more content exactly like this?

@Jeca6280 2 жыл бұрын

I love this. If I was moving and needed furniture I’d do the same. Not gonna lie… I wouldn’t have paid anything and especially not that much on decorative pillows. 🙈 We have a lot of those “free your stuff” groups here in Germany where people give away their things for free. I also do that a lot… I almost never sell things after I decluttered them. I am giving most of the items away to whoever needs them.

@mariamontana1575 2 жыл бұрын

Well now you need some artwork!! You did a wonderful job.

@helenatkinson4730 Жыл бұрын

Your living room looks really nice. I'm not sure what the time frame was for you furnishing the room but you can save even more money when not in a hurry. Also, I have to give a big thank you to you for reminding me about the Buy Nothing Project! I tried to join one a few years ago but there wasn't one in my area. I have since moved and, because of your video, I checked again and there is a group in my new neighborhood!!

@ovrjoyd4u2 2 жыл бұрын

I might suggest purchasing some legs and raising up the book case. You can spray them in brass/gold. It would elevate that piece even more. You did a great job.

@ilickgrandmas2854 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think I'd be comfortable getting anything with fabric from other people. Unless you know them and know their living condition, it'd be a much bigger expense to replace everything with possible bed bugs in it

@MrsMeekins 2 жыл бұрын

My concern as well.

@rebeccamartin1858 2 жыл бұрын

You're more likely to get bed bugs from a library book or a dresser actually. 90% of all bedbugs live in the 5ft space AROUND the bed. They don't live inside of fabrics, they are flat bugs so they live in cracks like those in dresser drawers or even between book pages. For fabrics all it takes is a shampooer that has hot water to get rid of anything yucky and a quick visual inspection will identify any bedbug signs.

@meh5069 2 жыл бұрын

Bed bugs aren’t generally my concern because it’s rarer than you’d think with soft furniture since bed bugs can’t burrow down into fabric. My concern is usually pet debris/smells/stains that you can’t see or smell until you get it in your space. ESP because I’m not a pet person, I have allergies to cats and dogs, and pet smells are disgusting lol

@kings98124 2 жыл бұрын

I know what you meant, not to mention the pandemic. But maybe Rachel had already got that sorted and disinfected/vaccumm cleaned everything before using them.

@misslilytoyou 2 жыл бұрын

@@meh5069 beds are soft furniture

@hilton2600 6 ай бұрын

Almost my whole living room is secondhand items as well and I love it. Some stuff is also from my childhood that I kept and it’s nice to be able to still use those things. I love my living room so much. This is such a good idea it’s fun and saves so much money.

@tropezando Жыл бұрын

You can also get free paint and cleaning supplies from recycling centers! Look there next time you have a project, could save yourself a ton of money on paint. Some of them even have lawn chemicals.

@rosemarmalade2444 2 жыл бұрын

"Unless you have a truck or a friend who lets you borrow theirs" Me, every time I need to move furniture: //CRAMMING THINGS INTO MY FORD FOCUS AND DRIVING WITH THE TRUNK OPEN

@lavernepuller3080 2 жыл бұрын

Good job, love the transformed side table! I think that the bookcase would look better if you put legs on it. Lowes, Home Depot, or online will have lots of choices. Hopefully, you took the covers off of the cushions, and sprayed them, and the sofa and chair with a disinfectant. I know that you wanted to do everything secondhand, so please clean those throw pillows before you lay your face on them. What area are you going to tackle next. I'll certainly be watching for the video.

@potocatepetl 2 жыл бұрын

This was exciting! I really like the big chair. The purple plant loves sun, so put it next to a window and it will grow like crazy and keep being purple. Without sun it will get green and stop growing.

@JackieG0985 2 жыл бұрын

Rachel you're my spirit animal! When I met my fiancée I had a bed, tv stand, and a TV. I didn't even own a microwave.

@karlataylor7003 2 жыл бұрын

I have always loved the idea of saving money and the landfill. But recently, a couple of friends had some bad luck getting "BEDBUGS'" from some used furniture!! After that we learned a resurgent in these critters.

@guaspr 2 жыл бұрын

I love my local Buy Nothing page, got a whole harp for free! Thanks for the inspo, loved how you furnished. Especially in awe of that side table.

@mikahist4155 2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Can i recommend something, cause the room seem a little bit dark: paint the livingroom walls in white , and get strong lamps about 100watt, get lamps in all corners that opens up the whole room. Much love

@darlenepurcell 2 жыл бұрын

You did great! Wonderful finds on a small budget! Good quality furniture too! I just bought my elderly mom a 55'" ROKU TV last month on sale for $400. It's an awesome TV with free programming as long as you have WiFi to connect to it. The only thing that I personally would add to that room is a mirror behind the TV to open the space even further and a large painting or even a tapestry behind the sofa for a pop of color.

@momistaken 2 жыл бұрын

You did an awesome job! I am also a thrifter, and moved 3 months ago, into a larger space. I’m happy to report that I only have 3 pieces that were new, a few years back; and anything that I needed for the new floor plan was thrifted! I agree that there are great values out there, but I didn’t know about some of the websites you used. Thanks for the honest presentation, you rock!

@syedalmas97 2 жыл бұрын

Would love to see more room transformations? Maybe the dining room next?

@cisburns.fabideas614 Жыл бұрын

Girl I am NYC, you can get anything Wherever you are. Thrift store, consignment, creativity it's all it takes. No complaining allowed

@3996cb Жыл бұрын

You guys deserve this soo much! Not only are you an amazing artist but you are entertaining and lovely. Plus you and husband Dave are a great team, and do what you love, THIS is true couple goals!

@PrincessCakemon 2 жыл бұрын

this was nice to watch and gives great ideas how to think outside the box and make the most out of a budget. I liked your repainted furniture the most! I understand that people are worried about bed bugs, but for example where I live they are totally uncommon. Still I would opt for removeable and washable covers.

@momof2momof2 2 жыл бұрын

That's easy. I did it for years. It's amazing what people get rid of. In my last home our neighbors put out, for free, two big oak lighted corner china cabinets, just what I was looking for, but didn't want to pay $3,000 for. I furnished that home for very, very little money. Much came either free or from the thrift store. Put the word out and people will just give you things .

@cathidebernardi6597 2 жыл бұрын

A super easy way to fluff up used pillows/cushions is a big bag of batting from Walmart. You can use it to fill in the flat spots on a major budget! It’s easy and works amazing!

@numberoneappgames 2 жыл бұрын

A steam cleaner, vacuum, and a little compressed air, and you got cleaned furniture. Also, an alan key for that table would definitely help.

@RottenlyMoodyChild 2 жыл бұрын

"A chair I got from Merle" - Priceless!

@jasminegore1239 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant ...I've decorated my place from charity shops and reclaim and Rachel has done wonders ...it's so much fun .

@ItsAllLifesJourney 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't finished this video but I just wanted to say I clicked on this because I actually did furnish my 1bedroom apartment with all secondhand items. It took me months and a lot of searching and picking items myself from Facebook marketplace, and the thrift store and habitat for humanity restore. This is a dope idea and definitely fun and doable!

@TinktankNorman 2 жыл бұрын

Have thought about putting a pretty mirror over your couch? It would add even more warmth the space and reflect more light too.

@dbguat.1213 2 жыл бұрын

Your house is AMAZING! (A little side note...you can cruise through affluent neighborhoods on trash day and find treasures they place on the curb for the garbage truck! My neighbor got 2 brand new full-sized bedroom suites that were curbed when her kids went to college.) I always ask the householders before l load up, just to make sure they are actually throwing things away and l make it a point to never leave a big mess. You found some great bargains. My favorites are the TV, the TV stand and the chair and sofa. Well, actually, my favorites were🤔 EVERYTHING!

@pranjalibhagwat2055 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on your new place Rachel! You're the best!

@soccermommyNPC 2 жыл бұрын

Secondhand is often actually better quality nowadays compared to new material furniture. I had to get new furniture by myself for my 3 sons and I a few years ago. I bought new stuff because I figured it would last longer. The bed frames I got us for around 300 on Amazon broke apart within less than a year. I only buy new things now if they are large appliances. Another thing I do is check the “mis-mixed” paint section every time I go to the hardware store. Sometimes you can get the highest quality, $85 gallons of paint for as little as $10. If you’re just doing an accent wall or small room, it’s a fun way to make a huge change on a budget. Occasionally you can find gorgeous designer colors.

@bitchtoastx1793 2 жыл бұрын

I furnished my entire 2 BR home via mainly FB market place, some thrift shopping. Saved me so much money and wow doing DIYs on older furniture was so fun!!!

@meh5069 2 жыл бұрын

Most new furniture is garbage unless you pay a great deal, most of us aren’t ready for that investment so secondhand it is! A lot of times you can find pieces with really solid bones that are worth reupholstering. You did amazing! The space looks cozy and inviting. Also? Your goodwill is expensive!!!

@fthurman 2 жыл бұрын

That's LA baby. I'd actually been thinking that that particular Goodwill was fair compared to some I've seen.

@ThrivingNotDying 2 жыл бұрын

This inspires me! I will be moving soon and the thought of furnishing a place on my own is intimidating.

@dbguat.1213 5 ай бұрын

I LOVE the reveal!!!!! Just a thought, Goodwill has amazing throw pillows for CHEAP, and don't forget "curbside shopping" (When people place "goodies" on the curb that they no longer want.) Beautiful decor and bargain-hunting.

@emilybeantree 2 жыл бұрын

This was so cool to see! I'm thrifting items for my baby room and I think it's so cool when others do this. It's crazy too see how much waste we make in a year and it's nice to know you can help in little ways 🥰

@aneshalefebre6138 2 жыл бұрын

YES! This what i do for my own apartment. Plus your local Fb market has great stuff as well. Love to repaint stuff and make everything have it's own personality. Very affordable way to go.

@joanwalford1959 2 жыл бұрын

Well done.The only thing I would not have bought is the throw pillows. I still think they were too expensive. You could have gone to the Dollar store and bought them.

@michellefoley1430 2 жыл бұрын

IKEA has great and inexpensive pillows and pillow covers if you’re lucky enough to have one near you!

@seitanbeatsyourmeat666 2 жыл бұрын

You can forage for plants, even in the city… I walk my dog and will pick up creeping ivy, ferns, etc. They transfer and grow well. Pots for plants can be almost anything, just make sure the bottom has a drainages hole

@dbguat.1213 5 ай бұрын

Please don't think I'm "weird" but I really like you! You are a "mini-me"! I LOVE thrift stores, bargaining, everything about your style! Good shopping!

@alainadacosta1222 2 жыл бұрын

Wow this turned out so good!! I was worried about the couches being slightly different colors but it looks great. My current apt came furnished but I'll definitely come back to this video for inspo in the future