The details are still be sorted out but I will be moving within probably 4-6 weeks to start a new job (HOORAY!!!!!!). I will get relocation assistance to cover moving costs--I'm currently staying with my parents and they have the space to temporarily store items, so I can start stocking up now. I'd previously been living abroad in furnished apartments and so now in the US, I am starting over from (almost) scratch. What I do have is either very limited in quantity (some decorative storage canisters for the kitchen that I inherited) or not very practical (full set of china and some silver trays, also inherited).
The question: what's the best way to save money buying the basics--furniture (bed, sofa, bookshelves, table & chairs, etc), bedding & towels, kitchen supplies, and whatever else I'm forgetting for now. My normal strategy when I need something is to stalk craigslist, online deals, in store sales, etc, but I have a lot of items to purchase in a fairly short amount of time. Realistically, I can't spend the time to hunt everything down on craigslist. I'm in Nashville and the nearest IKEA is ~200 miles away, for reference. I anticipate being really busy once I start this job, so I'd like to have my apartment pretty well stocked before I start.
Mustachians, what stores do you go to, what coupons do you use, what online deals are out there right now for home goods? I prefer to get items that will last vs. items that are inexpensive up front but need replacing quickly. It's a bit overwhelming when I think about how much I need to do before I start work!