S, you’ve given yourself a budget of $1,000 to furnish your entire apartment, and you’re thinking this is the worst idea you’ve had yet. Or is it? Whether you’ve just moved to your new place and simply have no extra money to spare or you’re saving money for other reasons, furnishing your home on a $1,000 budget can be done—and done well.

What should you consider first?

Before you start shopping, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by considering these few things first:

• The longevity of your purchases
• If you have family members who want to donate
• What you absolutely need, rather than what you want

When you’re considering purchasing a piece of furniture, ask yourself how long you plan on keeping this item or how long you plan on living in your apartment. Successful budgeting means investing in items that you need and must have to get your place started.

Start with your must-have apartment essentials.

What are the absolute must-have items that you need in your place? Start with those pieces. This typically includes your bed, nightstands, mattress, sofa and dining room table. Factoring in your apartment must-haves will allow you to calculate your budget and spend what you have on what you need. Allow the smaller things like lamps, rugs and bar stools to come in later.

Then, try splitting the budget up by how much you’re looking to spend on each item. For example, you may want to spend $350 on your sofa, $200 on your bed and mattress, $150 on your dining set, $80 on a coffee table, $70 on your TV stand, and so on.

Avoid shopping at high-end, big-box stores.

Don’t get us wrong, we love (and stan) Ashley Homestore, IKEA, Target, and At Home, but these big box stores can burn a hole in your pockets. Consider going to your nearest thrift store to find new and used items that offer the same functional and practical purpose you’d find at these larger stores.

But don’t just stop at the thrift stores. Exploring Craig’s List, Facebook Marketplace, or even Amazon will uncover those hidden gems, too. Read the star-rated reviews, filter in your budget for that particular item, and scroll until you find what you’re looking for.

Save big by shopping sales.

Let’s say you can’t drop those big box stores like Wayfair or IKEA—don’t worry, there’s still a way around shopping from them. Monitor their sale dates and save big on apartment essentials that you’ve been eyeing for a while. Keep an eye on these sites, especially during the times when most people are looking to shop and find a deal. Think Black Friday, Labor Day, or seasonal sales.

Get creative with DIY projects.

Shopping on a budget will allow you to enter a creative zone you didn’t know you had until you needed to use it. You can save at least $50-$100 (or more) by tackling tasks and projects by yourself. DIY projects not only allow you to save big, but you can personalize your pieces while elevating your living space, too. For instance, instead of grabbing that $20 candle off the shelf, create a cozy and well-scented environment by making your own candle at home.

Using these budget-friendly tips can help you furnish your entire apartment while still flaunting your style. Enjoy breathing life into your place at a low rate.