From Empty Shell to Dream Retreat — Our Journey Furnishing the Camp

There’s something special about starting with a blank slate — but I’ve learned that furnishing a new camp is equal parts exciting, exhausting, and emotional. What started as a dream getaway in the North Country quickly turned into a crash course in negotiation, seller expectations, and creative problem solving.

Finding the Right Pieces (and Prices)

We knew we wanted the camp to feel cozy, rustic, and functional for our family of six. But furnishing a whole space adds up fast. I began hunting — Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, consignment shops, even garage sales tucked away on backroads. Every item became a treasure hunt.

When it came to negotiating prices, I had to remind myself:

• Ask politely, but confidently. Most sellers expect negotiation — especially on bulk buys.

• Bundle and save. Asking, “Would you take $X if I grabbed this, this, and that?” often saved me 10–30%.

• Do the math. Know what something sells for new so you can recognize when a “deal” isn’t actually a deal.

Look Beyond the Listing Photo

One of the biggest takeaways? You have to know what you’re really seeing in a listing photo. Sometimes a poorly lit image hides a gorgeous piece. Other times, a close-up crop conceals stains, missing legs, or a smell you won’t forget.

You have to train yourself to:

• Zoom in, ask for more angles, and always request a condition description

• See the potential, not just the current state. A scratched up coffee table might be your next sand-and-stain success story.

• Trust your gut. If a seller is evasive or the listing seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Learning to see what is while imagining what it could be is a skill that’s helped me stretch our budget and build a home that truly feels like ours.

The Hidden Costs of Buying Used

Some of the best deals came with a catch. One seller forgot to mention the recliner had lived in a house with three dogs and was more fur than fabric. Another left an entire “free with purchase” surprise pile in the garage — old paint cans, broken toys, and dusty Christmas decorations from 2004.

I learned quickly:

• Ask up front if items will be cleaned or cleared out.

• Factor in hauling, cleaning, and sometimes minor repairs into the cost.

• Take measurements. Nothing’s worse than hauling something 80 miles to find it doesn’t fit the space.

When Buying Furnished Makes Sense

Looking back, I’ll admit — there were moments I wished we’d just bought a fully furnished place. If the décor already matched our rustic, lived-in aesthetic? That could have saved months of effort, endless hauling, and thousands of dollars in piecemeal purchases.

A well-furnished home (if it's in great condition and matches your style) can:

• Save major time and money vs. buying everything new or secondhand

• Eliminate the need for storage, deliveries, or multiple trips

• Help you settle in faster — no waiting on backorders or hunting the right rug

• Let you focus on upgrades and personal touches, not starting from scratch

It’s something I’ll consider more seriously next time — especially for second homes or vacation spots where time and simplicity matter more than curating everything from zero.

The Heart Behind the Hunt

Still, there’s something deeply rewarding about curating each piece. I’m not just shopping — I’m building a space that tells our family’s story. A weathered bench from a farmhouse in Vermont. A moose lamp that came from a retired hunter’s den. A dining table that’s seen its fair share of pancakes and campfire laughs.

We’ve still got a long way to go, but each item adds character and charm — even if it comes with a side of elbow grease.

What’s Next

Now that we’ve started to gather the pieces, it’s time to start refining the space. Over the next few blog posts, I’ll be walking through:

• Picking paint colors that bring warmth without darkening small rooms

• Flooring options that are durable, rustic, and budget-friendly

• How I plan to mix new with old to bring the whole look together

• And finally — the big reveal of our newly furnished, fully personalized family camp

If you’ve ever outfitted a second home, fixer-upper, or cabin of your own, I’d love to hear your tips too. Leave a comment or shoot me a message — there’s always something new to learn on the journey from shell to sanctuary.