Affordable Apartment Furniture in Des Moines: What to Buy Second-Hand

Moving into a new apartment can be exciting, but the reality of furnishing it can quickly drain your bank account. Between the security deposit and the first month of rent, there is often very little left over for a brand new couch or dining table.

You want a space that feels like home without taking on credit card debt. The smartest solution for thrifty renters in central Iowa is to shop second-hand. Buying used furniture in Des Moines is the best way to find high-quality pieces on a strict budget.

To help you navigate the local thrifting scene, we put together a checklist of what you should always buy used, along with the best places to find them.

Essential Furniture to Buy Second-Hand in DSM

When you walk into a local thrift market, keep an eye out for these apartment essentials. They offer the best value and are usually built to last.

Solid Wood Dressers and Tables

Older, second-hand furniture is often made of solid wood, whereas modern budget furniture is typically constructed from particleboard. A solid wood coffee table, dining table, or dresser found at a thrift store will survive multiple apartment moves. If you do not like the finish, a quick sanding and a fresh coat of paint will give you a custom piece for a fraction of the retail cost.

Couches and Seating

Finding thrift store couches in DSM requires visiting stores with high inventory turnover. Look for couches with sturdy frames and clean, odor-free upholstery. Do not be afraid to sit on them and test the cushions. A high-quality second-hand couch will cost you pennies on the dollar compared to buying new.

Budget Home Decor Central Iowa

Your apartment needs character, but buying wall art, lamps, and decorative mirrors at big-box stores gets expensive. Thrift markets are goldmines for unique home decor. You can easily mix modern pieces with vintage finds to create a space that feels curated and personal.

Where to Find Discount Furniture in Des Moines

Des Moines has several fantastic options for second-hand furniture shopping. Knowing what each organization specializes in will save you a lot of driving around the metro.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

If your apartment needs a little DIY love or you are looking to upcycle, the ReStore locations in Des Moines and Urbandale are great stops. They carry a mix of donated furniture alongside building materials, paint, and hardware.

Many Hands Thrift Markets

With locations in Grimes, Clive, Merle Hay, and Indianola, Many Hands Thrift Markets are a smart destination for apartment hunters. Our stores are specifically designed to offer an easy, meaningful shopping experience without a premium price tag.

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*Note for Furniture Hunters: While our Grimes, Clive, and Merle Hay locations carry a large selection of couches, tables, and bed frames, our Indianola store specializes in home decor, clothing, and smaller household goods. If you are looking for large furniture pieces, we recommend visiting our Des Moines metro locations, while Indianola is your go-to for the finishing decorative touches.

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No matter which of our four metro locations you visit, you can expect:

Clean, organized sales floors: We make it easy to browse for large furniture and home goods.

Friendly, helpful staff: Our team and volunteers are always ready to help you measure a table or find the perfect lamp.

Fun, daily discoveries: We process thousands of items every week, meaning the inventory is always changing. The perfect dining chair set could roll onto the floor at any moment.

Furnish Your Home, Change the World

When you choose to buy your apartment furniture second-hand, you are already making a smart financial choice and keeping items out of the local landfill. But when you shop at Many Hands, your impact goes much further.

The revenue from your furniture purchases funds life-changing community development in Haiti and Abaco, Bahamas. That perfect vintage coffee table helps provide safe housing, education, and medical care for families facing extreme poverty. You get to build a beautiful home in Des Moines, and a family abroad gets a foundation for a better future.

Inventory at our stores changes daily. Grab your room dimensions and a measuring tape, and visit a Many Hands Thrift Market today to find your next great piece.

Stay thrifty, our friends!

wearemanyhands.org