The thrill of buying your first home often carries over when you start shopping for furniture, décor, and other furnishings, which can be a good thing if you know what you are doing and exercise control over your impulses. However, you should not let your excitement get the best of you. Before you go out into the retail world to try and find the perfect furnishings to decorate your new home, take a few minutes and step back. Make a few Google searches and then head out to the stores with a game plan in place.

Here are five home furnishing tips to keep in mind as a first-time homebuyer.

1. Don't "Eyeball" It

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a first-time homebuyer is to "eyeball" or estimate a measurement, which can ruin you financially if you buy large pieces of furniture from stores that don't have a return policy. Before you buy any type of furniture, make sure to take accurate measurements. Take note of the layout of the room and include the measurements you have taken. Carry your notes and a tape measure with you when you go out shopping so you won't ever have to guess again.

2. Avoid Buying Everything from the Same Place

One of the worst mistakes you can make is to buy everything from one place. Mix and match your pieces. Choosing everything from one location will make your home look like a virtual showroom from your favorite store. Don't be a carbon copy of your favorite store advertisement. Be unique. Be yourself. Create a space that is ultimately your own. Make it a point to look for different items from each store.

3. Only Buy What You Need

Sometimes in the excitement of shopping for a new home, you tend to buy more than what you actually need. Make a list of what you are looking for and stick to it. When decorating your home, less is definitely more! Maximize the potential of each piece of furniture you choose. A good example is ottomans that double as storage space or end tables with shelves or storage in the form of drawers. The more dual-use items you possess, the more living space you will have in each room.

4. Try Online Shopping

Do some shopping online before you set out looking for retail home decor stores. First, look for items that you like and then try to find something similar at the store. If the items are large and bulky, it may be better to order such items online. That way, they will be delivered to your front door, so the only lifting you have to do is once the item is inside your home.

5. Don't Put Everything Next to the Wall

Putting all of your furniture next to the wall is another serious mistake. While doing so may clear up more space in the center of the room, it will make your walls look cluttered and messy. Instead of cluttering up the wall space, move things around a bit until you find the perfect balance. You can change things up frequently so that you find the best possible place for each item.

These are five ways in which you can furnish your home conveniently as a first-time homebuyer. Moreover, you will also want to cover your home and belongings with the right homeowners' insurance. Talk to our experts at East End Insurance Agency today. We will help you find a customized home insurance policy tailored to suit your unique needs.