Furnishing Your Home

There are many ways to economically furnish your home!
Students leaving at the end of the summer semester may have furnishings and other household items for sale which they will advertise through posters around campus. Look for flyers posted in the LaFortune Student Union and at other locations around campus.

Rummage and Yard Sales
Many South Bend residents sell unwanted items in yard sales during the warm summer months. These sales are announced in classified newspaper ads and with signs that are posted in the immediate neighborhood. “As is” items are offered. These items may not be returned, but the price is almost always an attractive one and you may be able to bargain with the seller. When negotiating a sale it is important to keep in mind how you will transport the items to your apartment.
For the South Bend Tribune Classified Ads:
http://classifieds.southbendtribune.com/

At the beginning of the Fall Semester, a large Rummage Sale is held at Moreau Seminary just across from University Village on Douglas Road . The sale is announced with signs and posters and you can usually find a variety of goods including lamps, carpets, furniture and bicylces.

Used Furniture Shops
There are several shops where you can help yourself to used furniture while helping others.

• Goodwill Industries is a non-profit agency who resells clothing, household goods and furniture that have been donated by area residents.

There are several outlets including those at the following addresses:

• 1805 Western Ave, South Bend
• 3420 Grape Rd, Mishawaka
• 2701 Cleveland Rd , South Bend
• 1906 Ireland Road, South Bend (on the south side of town)

Once a month on a Saturday, goods are sold at half price. The stores do not deliver, so you must make your own arrangements to transport your purchases.

• The Salvation Army has two outlets in the area. They also sell goods that have been donated The following locations sell clothing, household goods and furniture
• 2009 South Bend Ave (very close to the University), South Bend
• 506 S. Main St, South Bend.
• 1911 E. Ireland Road, South Bend
• 2911 S. 11th, Niles MI.

No delivery service available.

• The St Vincent DePaul Society also sells donated clothing, household goods and furniture, distributing funds raised to aid the poor. There is one store
• 3408 W. Ardmore Trail. They will deliver your purchases for a small fee.

Remember that when you leave the University, if you are not interested in or able to sell your old furnishings, you may donate them back to these organizations or pass them on to new students.

Renting Furniture
Some furniture stores rent (lease) furniture by the month. Ask about student package deals. These businesses often sell previously-leased furniture at low prices, as well.

Discount Furniture and Unfinished Furniture
There are several area stores that offer furniture at a discount, either because the selections are remnants of bulk shipments, represent an outdated style or have sustained minor damage. You will find listings for these stores in the yellow pages.
Furniture can also be purchased at area discount stores such as Target , K-Mart , Meijer’s and Wal-Mart. Furniture offered through these chain stores are often attractively priced, though you may need to assemble the pieces yourself. These stores are good places to hunt for economically priced shelving units, folding tables and chairs, lamps, etc. Many of these stores offer clothing, household goods and even groceries, so they are a good place to begin your search upon arrival to South Bend!