Kelsey and I started hunting for cheap furniture long before our days on minimum wage.

Now that we have no money to spare, our bargain decorating skills have really come into play.

Three couches and a coffee table are among the items we have recently snagged for free.

Here are a few tips of the trade we have picked up along the way:

1. Know what you need – Go into your searches on Kijiji and craigslist knowing exactly what type of furniture you need. This allows you to hone your search and find the best deals.
2. Set a budget – Kelsey and I have never spent more than $50 on a piece of furniture (some sets have cost a little more).
3. Always lowball - People are generally trying to get rid of their
items quickly. You can usually cut at least one-third of the asking
price off.
4. Work as a team – It’s important to go together for numerous reasons: A. You can assess the item(s) and discuss onsite. B. It is safer. C. Sometimes it takes two to figure out how to load awkward furniture into an undersized automobile.
5. Pay careful attention to quality – Online pictures rarely provide the whole picture.
6. Social media sites are your friend – Facebook buddies are generally willing to give you a good deal on their unwanted goods.

With little more than a week left in our Minimum Living project, we still have plenty to discuss. On Friday, we will explore the problems associated with having pets and no money.

Help us out Calgary, where are some cheap places to buy pet food, products and toys? You can post suggestions in the comments section below, email me at jeremy.nolais@metronews.ca or catch me on Twitter @Metro_Nolais.