So I am planning my new nursery and we are on a tight budget. Right now the nursery is an extra space in our house the needs some major work done on it. Actually it needs to be turned into a room. We need framing, a window and we must work on the logistics of how two children will share one closet from two different rooms (will keep you updated). So with the budget we have set forth most of that will be taken up doing that, as that may be we still need other items for the nursery. As luck would have it each time I have gotten pregnant someone has had a crib to give me which is wonderful considering a new crib could set me back a couple of hundred dollars. We are also very lucky to have an extra space within our bedroom that we will turn into a temp nursery until the bigger room is ready. It actually works out great for the first couple of months anyway with having to get up for late night feedings and that infancy stage. We did it with our daughter and it worked out great. The space is big enough for a crib and changing table.
In order to meet my budget I have turned to craigslist and second hand baby stores to help me stay on budget. Purchasing items from these venues might require a little TLC on your end but will sure save you a ton of money. For example I just purchased a used changing table and pad on craigslist for $35.00. It will need to be cleaned and painted, but other than that it is in great shape. One piece of advice when getting items second hand, make sure there is minimal work that needs to be done. For example do not buy a piece of furniture that is missing piece or is severely damaged. You will end up spending just as much money fixing it as you would if you had just bought it new. Also I always make sure everything has come from a non-smoking house. The last thing you want to do is put anything in a nursery that contains toxins.
If craigslist and second hand shops are not your thing, then Wal-Mart and Target are your new best friends. I really love the nursery lines at Wal-Mart. They have these wonderfully modern collections right now that are really catching my eye. A three piece furniture set might set you back around $500 but that is really not to terrible considering you could spend thousands of dollars other places. They are also your one stop shop. You can literally buy everything needed for your nursery in one place. There really are many places that will help you stay on budget and still give you a great looking nursery.
Speaking of budget, it is always a great idea to establish that before you start purchasing any items. If you don’t establish a budget ahead of time how will you know if you are sticking to it? I would suggest sitting down and making a list of all the items needed to make a nursery (even if you have them, still put them down), then figure out your budget. I love to make spreadsheets on excel. I will make my list and then fill in the price at which I purchased my items to help keep a running total of my expenses. Don’t forget to include in your budget little items like, storage baskets, rugs, paint, wallpaper etc.… All of that is part of your budget. I am also constantly pursuing websites and blogs for inspiration. I find it more productive to have a picture of what my end result will be rather than jumping in blindly.
So just remember no matter what your budget is, how big or small your nursery is, your vision of it is always attainable.
