Beds are expensive. The frame can easily pass $500. Then there’s the mattress, which is often even more expensive. Even box springs, which are essentially glorified wood planks, can cost over $100.
And then, right when you think you have all the costs nailed down, you have to factor in transportation – usually a moving truck.
Fortunately for the frugal, there are other ways to buy a thing to sleep on.
- IKEA – IKEA is great because it’ll sell you a bed in parts, which you can easily fit into a pick up or even a car (with some finagling). So, a moving truck and help aren’t necessary.
- Craigslist – Online classifieds have tons of cheap beds. Now, some of them aren’t even worth the cheap price. However, many others come with great prices, because people are just trying to get rid of them. You might even be able to work in delivery to the price.
- Friend’s Truck – If you need to buy a bed and have no transport, find a friend and borrow their truck. Or their friend’s truck. Or anybody’s truck. Just get a truck.
- Cheap Rentals – If you can’t get a truck from a friend, then
you’ll have to rent one. You can do this on the cheap, if you plan well. Some services offer trucks for $20 with a mileage fee. If you can find a bed and a rental facility close to your home, you can get a rental for under $30.
