OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Moving into a dorm room or first apartment is an exciting milestone, but outfitting a new space can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, students and their families don’t have to look far to find affordable furniture, decor and everyday essentials. From thrift stores and nonprofit resale shops to discount furniture retailers and national home retailers, North Central Florida offers plenty of budget-friendly options to help make move-in day a little easier.
Almost Perfect Furniture
Almost Perfect Furniture specializes in affordable furniture, mattresses, home decor and household accessories. Students moving into apartments or looking to upgrade their dorm room can browse a selection of living room, bedroom and dining furniture, as well as decorative accents designed to fit a variety of budgets.
Almost Perfect Furniture is located at 15004 S U.S. HWY 441 in Summerfield. Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the store can be contacted at 352-245-0004 for more information.
Brother’s Keeper Thrift Store
Brother’s Keeper Thrift Store is a nonprofit resale shop offering gently used furniture, home decor, kitchenware, clothing and household items. Proceeds from purchases support Brother’s Keeper’s community assistance programs, making it an affordable place to shop while giving back to local families.
The store is located at 320 NW 10th St. in Ocala. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, Brother’s Keeper can be contacted at 352-732-7988.
Gainesville Discount Furniture
Gainesville Discount Furniture offers budget-friendly living room, bedroom and dining furniture, mattresses and home furnishings. It is a convenient option for students furnishing an apartment or replacing larger household items without paying full retail prices.
The showroom is located at 3424 SW 42nd Way in Gainesville. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday. Gainesville Discount Furniture can be contacted at 352-317-4031 for more information.
Goodwill
Goodwill stores carry an ever-changing inventory of gently used furniture, lamps, dishes, cookware, decor, small appliances and storage items that can help students furnish a dorm or apartment on a budget. Because inventory changes daily, shoppers may discover unique bargains with every visit.
Goodwill has several locations throughout the 352, including 2820 SW 27th Ave. and 2920 W. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, 10751 SE U.S. HWY 441 in Belleview, 3520 SW 34th St. in Gainesville and 637 N. U.S. HWY 441 in Lady Lake. Hours vary by location, but most stores are open daily from morning through early evening.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells donated and new furniture, appliances, cabinetry, lighting, home improvement materials and household goods at discounted prices. Students moving into apartments can often find desks, shelving, tables and other larger furnishings for significantly less than retail.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore operates two Ocala locations at 10800 SW 91st Ave. and 926 NW 27th Ave. Both locations are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and can be reached by the same 352-401-0075 telephone number.
HomeGoods
HomeGoods is a popular destination for affordable bedding, bath essentials, storage containers, kitchenware, desk accessories and room decor. Its constantly changing inventory makes it easy for students to personalize a dorm room or apartment without overspending.
HomeGoods has locations at 4414 SW College Rd. in Ocala and 1009 NW 76th Blvd. in Gainesville. Hours for both location is 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Ocala location can be reached at 352-854-1124 while the Gainesville location can be reached at 352-333-0155.
Hospice of Marion County Thrift Stores
Hospice of Marion County’s thrift stores feature gently used furniture, home decor, housewares, books, clothing and seasonal items at affordable prices. Purchases help support hospice care and community programs throughout Marion County.
Locations include Ocala West at 6126 SW SR 200, Ocala Central at 3101 SW 34th Ave., Ste. 704, Summerfield at 17860 SE 109th Avenue Rd., Ste. 607 and Ocala East at 4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ste. 603. Hours for all locations are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the Summerfield also operates Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and the Ocala East location also operates Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ocala West can be reached at 352-237-7707, Ocala Central at 352-877-8344, Summerfield at 352-307-7555 and Ocala East at 352-236-5932.
Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store
The Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store offers gently used furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and household goods at budget-friendly prices. Shopping at the store also helps support the Humane Society’s programs and services for local animals.
The thrift store is located at 110 NW 10th St. in Ocala. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The store can be contacted at 352-732-8424 for more information.
Interfaith Emergency Services Thrift Store
Interfaith Emergency Services’ thrift store carries affordable furniture, cookware, dishes, small appliances, home decor and clothing. Revenue from the store supports Interfaith’s programs that assist individuals and families experiencing hardship throughout Marion County.
The thrift store is located at 718 N. Pine Ave. in Ocala. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, Interfaith’s thrift store can be contacted at 352-351-3541.
Target
Target offers one-shop shopping for college move-in needs, including bedding, storage bins, bath towels, kitchen essentials, small appliances, school supplies and room decor. During back-to-school season, stores also feature college-focused collections designed specifically for dorm living.
Target locations in the 352 include 2000 SW College Rd. in Ocala, 3970 SW Archer Rd. in Gainesville, 716 U.S. HWY 441 in The Villages and 5580 Seven Mile Dr. in Wildwood. All locations operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Ocala store can be contacted at 352-629-1333, Gainesville at 352-376-5260, Wildwood at 352-571-3226 and The Villages at 352-205-8934.