Patience Pays Off

Last spring when we found out we were expecting a baby, I immediately became concerned with space and sleeping arrangements. We only have 2 bedrooms and 5 people which means 3 kids (albeit one "part time") in one bedroom. I decided that bunk beds were definitely needed, but I knew that I wouldn't really need them until December at the earliest. I also knew I didn't want to pay more than $100 for a used set including the mattresses. I spread the word amongst my friends that we were in the market, kept up on the listings on Craig's List, checked yard sales, and waited.

I'd given up on having the bunk beds in time for Sarah's arrival for Christmas. I discussed not having the bunk beds last week at a cookie exchange.

On Wednesday my sister (visiting from Michigan) found an ad in our mail room for bunk beds -- a brand-new set with the mattresses still in the plastic. We offered her less than the $100 I'd budgeted and she agreed.

Months of waiting and searching definitely paid off. I would say this is the #1 rule of living frugally -- you have to be patient.

(The top bunk is Sarah's bed, but as you can see, we can't keep Ella off of it. It's her new favorite place to go and read!)