If you're looking for a cheap couch, your ability to be picky is eliminated entirely. Figure out what's important, be smart about it, and do your shopping from there… at a thrift store. - Shop at least three stores. If you only go to one or two, you won't get the best idea what's out there.
- Look for daily and weekly specials. You may be able to get that $50 couch half-off if you hit the right day.
- Check the fabric for unacceptable wear, even more than looking at the hideous color and pattern, but more importantly, check for metal edges poking out. If the couch cuts you, it's too expensive.
- Sit down and feel the comfort. There may be broken springs you won't notice visually, and it may outright hurt.
- Let go of the idea of getting a pretty couch. Pretty is expensive, always has been, even in dating. Swallow the pride you already swallowed by agreeing to shop at a thrift store for something as ubiquitous as a couch.
I'm not saying you shouldn't, indeed you should. Besides, when it comes time to move, you can always leave it behind. It may be cheaper than moving it, and it' definitely cheaper than putting it in [404 Check: was link to http:/ / shpreibucoroa. blogspot. com/ 2007/ 04/ patio -storage -boxes. html, anchor: storage] .