Tips for Furnishing a College Rental House

One of the advantages to renting a room in a house while in college is that there is more space in a house than a dorm room or an apartment. This also leaves more freedom for decorating bedrooms and common areas. For students without much furniture, it may be necessary to go shopping to find items that meet the style and comfort of roommates.

Inventory
The best way to get started when tackling the daunting task of furnishing a house is to first take an inventory of who has what. Students often com in with items donated from their parents or items that they have accumulated form living in other places. Ecoupons and discount coupons can help to defray these costs.

Kitchen
The most important place is to start in the kitchen. Everyone has to eat. Pots, pans, dishes and utensils are crucial. Small appliances like a microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven and waffle iron are also useful items. These things can be picked up at a discount store or department store. Placemats and necessities like salt and pepper shakers, spice racks and dish towels are inexpensive and can be brought from home or acquired from a discount or grocery store. Roommates can buy groceries collectively or individually, depending on their dietary preferences and eating habits.

Living Room and Dining Room

Furniture can be mixed and matched, depending on what's available., Couches, chairs, tables and a television will make the house feel more like a home. There should be enough comfortable seating for everyone to enjoy the common areas. A DVD or gaming device will make it more entertaining. Students should decide early on if they wish to get a community account for movie rentals or do something individually.

Bedroom
Having a bed and dresser are the most important items for the bedroom. Most students will need to provide their own. This will probably require a preliminary trip to the department store with Mon and Dad before moving in. Sheets and bedding should be purchased after the bed is purchased to ensure a proper fit on the bed and bed frame. Discount shopping with online coupons helps to lower the cost of an otherwise expensive necessity. For those sharing a bedroom, coordinating bed size is important to make sure there is enough room for all of the furniture and the students, too. Twin beds or a loft will help to minimize the amount of space used for these items. Most students will also have a computer, desk and some sort of stereo system. Posters, mirrors and wall hangings can be coordinated according to personal preference.

Bathroom
While each person will bring their own towels and personal items, a shower caddy, trash can and extra towel racks should be considered to make it more comfortable and easier to keep clean. A plunger and cleaning supplies are other necessities.

After a few weeks, roommates may decide that there are items missing that they cannot live without. This may require another trip to the department store – this time without Mom and Dad. Students should make a list of the items needed and find online shopping deals or ecoupons to fill out the rest of the furniture, wall decorations and small appliances that make the house a home.

Author is a freelance journalist who is passionate about saving money when shopping online by finding online shopping deals and discount codes such as target coupon codes.