Moving isn’t all bad news. In fact, there are a few things I’ve enjoyed about the whole “getting a new house” ordeal.
In a word: shopping.
Not the usual kind – groceries to keep us fed or toilet paper to…you know. I’m talking about decorating a new living space from the ground up.
Maybe not the ground. I’m not buying floor covering. Unless bath mats count. No? I didn’t think so.
Online Stores
I am a reason that Amazon is super successful. They should pay me for my dedication to searching their store and making purchases.
As an introvert, the idea of strangers pushing past me while I’m checking out towels and window coverings at Target holds zero appeal. Especially when I’ve had success shopping from the Brylane Home catalog for such things.
In this case: beautiful teal and nautical blue cotton towel sets for the master bath. And an eight-piece comforter set for the master bedroom. Don’t forget a new comforter and sheets for the “guest” bedroom.
All of this spurred me toward a smiley face. Even when the total surpassed $200. It’s only money, right?
Blinds for the windows in the bedrooms and living room are essential. After all, our nearest neighbor is twenty feet away (thankfully, there are no windows into bedrooms on that side of the house).
After comparing several sites, I ordered samples from justblinds.com. A few days later, they arrived. I held the three inch ultra-mini blinds up to the window. How much light would they block? How transparent could they be under the right circumstances?
Heading to my computer, I placed my order. Another $450 on the Discover card. Think about all the cash back I’m earning for using this account to decorate my new home!
Online “Window” Shopping
Some things need to be seen in order to invest in them. Namely: furniture.
The World Wide Web offers a unique opportunity to narrow the field, however.
In my new home, I’ll need a new dining set, living room seating and a desk for my office. (Yes! I’m going to have a real writing haven in this new place.)
Surfing the net, I found a general idea for the dining room. I know I want a counter-height table. Most of them are square, with legs at the corners only. This also appeals to me. Now if I can find a color and chair styles to suit me…
Couches, chairs and sectionals require in-person shopping. Seriously. Do people actually buy furniture without sitting in it to see if the cushions act like hungry beasts or solid rocks?
I’m still debating about the leather issue. Leather makes me hot. It doesn’t breathe. I envision myself slicked up in the summer by my own perspiration, sliding onto the floor like some sort of cartoon character.
No thank you. I like the way leather looks, though. I haven’t been completely impressed with the durability of microfiber fabric. (And I’m not talking about the claw marks. That will be handled before a certain feline is admitted to the new house.)
I’ve had the most fun frustration searching online for a desk. I know exactly what I want. If you think this is a plus, you haven’t been shopping with me.
When I say I know EXACTLY what I want, I mean I have a picture in my head that I expect to find replicated in real life.
Now you see the issue.
Isn’t there a huge market for computer desks with keyboard trays and a set of drawers connected to a five-foot work surface to run perpendicular to it? They call them L-shaped workstations or desks.
The selection of styles and sellers boggles even the Google search engine.
Sadly, my mental image has yet to find its perfect match. Sigh
This means I will end up settling. Because I refuse to pay $1,300 for the set-up. We all realize my annual income since becoming a professional writer has been in the – $600 range. This year – even with a contract – it looks like it will be closer to -$2,000.
I can’t justify decking my office out with solid maple furnishings.
Should I settle for a $250 flim-flam setup courtesy of Staples? That remains to be seen.
Beating the Pavement
Eventually, the search heads for the street. The number of furniture stores pales when compared to the frequency of drive-thru coffee klatches.
No, that doesn’t mean it is easy to narrow down the search. Or maybe it is. If you just choose the place nearest to the Barnes and Noble bookstore where you worked while leaving your house empty for an inspector.
I love shopping. Especially when I know what I want and I have the money in hand to purchase it.
What is your experience with online shopping? Share your nightmare stories – or amazing finds – in the comments so we all can be warned.