Now that you are on your way to buying your new condo, your thoughts turn naturally to furnishing it. You want your new place to feel like home, and to be a reflection of your personality. So, while you will have some things from your last home that you can use in your new place, you will need to buy some new furnishings too.

In these tougher times, you will want to focus more than ever on getting the best value for your money. By making a realistic budget, buying smart, and using a little creativity, you can end up with a home that suits you and looks great.

Before you buy anything, do an inventory of what you have, and think about how you might use it in your new place. That couch that's a refugee from your first dorm room? Perhaps it is time to let it go. Posters from your sci-fi movie phase? Ditto. But things like plates, pots and pans, side chairs, book cases - even if a little worn - can likely find a spot in the new chez you.

Once you've assessed what you have, you can start to figure out what you need to buy. You may need to make two lists - an immediate list, for things that you can't live without from day one - and a wish list, for things that can wait a month or two. Then try to put a realistic number on each of the must-haves and each of the wish items. The internet can be extremely helpful in doing this.

Next, think about your main colours and themes. By having a basic color and pattern theme, you can rule out a lot of furnishings quickly, which will make you shopping more efficient.

Now, do a survey of the furniture stores nearby. Often the list prices seem very high. But, these stores have frequent sales, and they will also have floor models and close outs that offer better value.

Don't overlook garage sales and estate sales as a source of furnishings. A Satruday morning spent trolling a few garage sales can often yield a surprising amount of decent quality furniture, as well as pictures, lamps, etc.

You should also review internet listings such as Craigslist, and newspaper classified ads, where local sellers offer used goods, often at extremely low prices. Lots of great furniture gets sold in the second-hand market. Just be careful to check out the seller ratings and review the pictures closely before you journey across town.

It takes a bit of planning and some patience, but you can assemble a decent group of furnishings for your new home without breaking your budget. Once you move in, you will be glad that you invested the time and energy to make your new place into a home.

It takes a bit of planning and some patience, but you can assemble a decent group of furnishings for your new home without breaking your budget. Once you move in, you will be glad that you invested the time and energy to make your new place into a home.