From North Carolina to Vegas: How We Furnished Our Apartment for Under $200

When my sister, a dancer with big dreams, asked me to join her in las vegas, I jumped at the chance. The excitement was real, until we faced the daunting reality of moving costs. Quotes from moving companies and shipping services quickly revealed a price tag in the thousands – money we simply didn’t have.

The only solution? Leave almost everything behind and pack what we could into our trusty 2012 Toyota Camry. We were ready to embrace a minimalist move and see what vegas had to offer.

Now, a few months later, I’m sitting in our fully furnished apartment, and the best part? We did it all for under $200! That’s a tiny fraction of what it would have cost to transport our belongings from North Carolina.We even managed to create a cozy, cottagecore-inspired space that I absolutely love.

Our secret? Thrifting,but with a strategic twist. We didn’t just browse; we hunted for deals, explored multiple locations, and even considered a little dumpster diving.

Scoring Big with Thrift Store Deals

serendipity played a role in our thrifting success. Our temporary Airbnb was conveniently located near Prospect Village Thrift Store, a Las Vegas institution. On our first visit after securing our apartment, we discovered it was Monday – $0.99 day!

We stocked up on essentials: hangers, bed sheets, comforters, and pillows, all for under a dollar each.Our kitchen was transformed with glasses, forks, knives, plates, pots, and pans, all for the same incredible price. In just a few hours, we had a fully equipped kitchen for less than $25.My personal favorite find is a set of adorable strawberry-decorated pots that we use almost every day.

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caption: The adorable strawberry pots Lauryl Fischer found on sale at a thrift store. Courtesy of Lauryl Fischer

Beyond Opportunity Village, we also explored the network of Goodwill stores throughout Las Vegas. Their daily deals, like 50% off specially tagged items, kept us coming back.

we diligently searched for furniture that would fit in our car. One successful trip yielded a $5 TV stand and two $8 bar stools.(Luckily, we had brought our TV with us from North Carolina.)

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Caption: The $5 TV stand (left) and $8 bar-side chairs (right) that Fischer thrifted. Courtesy of Lauryl Fischer

Facebook Marketplace: A Treasure Trove of deals

While thrifting relies on luck, Facebook Marketplace allowed for a more targeted approach. I searched for specific items, filtering by price and the date they were posted.

I quickly learned that being first is key. Facebook Marketplace moves fast. I often messaged sellers within an hour of their posting, only to find the item already claimed.

Beyond the deals, facebook Marketplace also offered a unique glimpse into different parts of Las Vegas.

I found a $5 swivel office chair (essential for remote work) in an upscale Summerlin neighborhood.The seller, a kind elderly woman downsizing her home, provided the gate code. It was a chance encounter and a peek into a part of Vegas I wouldn’t have experienced or else.

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Caption: A swivel desk chair Fischer found for $5. courtesy of Lauryl Fischer

Another trip north to pick up a $10 foldable desk led us to discover must-try restaurants, like the famous Korean-Mexican fusion spot, komex. My sister and I made sure to check it out after we settled in.

By combining strategic thrifting with the power of Facebook Marketplace, we transformed our bare apartment into a cozy and stylish home, all while staying within our incredibly tight budget. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a space you love.