The Smart Family’s Guide to ReStore Furniture Shopping

Creating a comfortable home for your family doesn't have to stretch your budget to its limits. Budget-conscious homeowners want to find quality furniture at good prices. Our goal at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore is to turn the challenge of furnishing your home into an opportunity to save. It's a win for your pocket book and a win for the environment as it keeps items out of the waste stream. 

Every ReStore purchase supports Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's mission of expanding affordable homeownership. We receive items daily from individual donors and business partners, creating endless possibilities to furnish your home affordably.

Smart Shopping Secrets: Your Quality-Check Cheat Sheet

If you’re looking to shop smarter, save money, and support Habitat’s mission at ReStore, start with a quick "hands-on" assessment of any item that catches your eye. A quality piece of furniture, even when used, should feel well-constructed. Here's what shoppers should look for:

• Examine the craftsmanship–quality furniture often features solid construction with thoughtful details like reinforced corners and precise joinery.
• Notice the materials–solid wood, premium metals, and high-end upholstery fabrics are markers of lasting quality.
• Look for designer touches–check for maker's marks and brand names, which can help you identify exceptional value.
• Appreciate the functionality–test how drawers glide, doors align, and hinges move to understand the piece's design quality.
• Consider the comfort factor–quality upholstered pieces maintain their shape and support, with well-constructed cushions and durable seams.

Don’t let minor flaws keep you from a quality piece. Scratched wood can often be restored, loose joints can be reinforced, and worn cushions can be replaced. Look for furniture made of solid wood, high-grade plywood, or durable engineered materials, and recognize quality markers like dovetail joints, reinforced corners, and branded hardware. These features often indicate pieces that can withstand years of family life, even if they need a little TLC to restore their former glory.

Family-Friendly Features

When shopping for a family home, durability and functionality take center stage. Before you commit to a piece, consider these family-focused priorities:

• Look for performance fabrics like microfiber, canvas, or leather–they're more forgiving with spills and can handle frequent cleaning.
• Choose rounded corners and sturdy bases for safety, especially for coffee tables and dressers that sit at kid-height.
• Consider multi-functional pieces that grow with your family: extendable dining tables, storage ottomans, or modular seating.
• Avoid pieces with small removable parts, unstable hardware, or potentially hazardous features like heavy glass tops

Focus on finding furniture that can handle real life. Your future self will thank you for choosing pieces that can weather the wear and tear of daily life!

When to Buy (and When to Pass)

Every ReStore visit presents new opportunities, but smart family shoppers know when to jump on a find and when to keep looking:

• Invest time hunting for everyday-use pieces like sofas and dining tables. The savings on these big-ticket items make the wait worthwhile, even with potential cleaning or repair costs.
• Jump on basic pieces that solve immediate needs. That $30 side table works for now, and it's a smart way to buy time while searching for your forever piece.
• Mix ReStore finds with retail, and use your savings on big pieces to splurge on new accents that tie your room together.
• Consider the full cost, including cleaning and repairs. Even with these extras, ReStore prices usually beat retail.
• Keep a shortlist of target items and their retail prices. This makes spotting true bargains easier.

From Store to Set-Up: Making It Work

Success at ReStore doesn't end with finding the perfect piece. It's about transforming that find into a treasured part of your home. A little preparation goes a long way: basic cleaning supplies, a measuring tape, and some tools on hand means you're ready when inspiration strikes. Remember, you don't have to DIY alone–our team can help guide you toward solutions.

These pieces bring more than just function to our homes–they bring stories, character, and the satisfaction of making smart choices for our families. 

Visit a ReStore near you to find your next home inspiration. And if you’re replacing existing furniture, consider donating your unneeded items to ReStore. Donating is easy and efficient with free pick-up and drop-off options.