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Find necessities and treasures on a budget in Tulare County

glassware But the expensive part has just begun. Just one start-of-schoolexpense: Furnishing the dorm room or apartment.

Most parents aren't willing to give up everyday furniture for afirst apartment. The idea of having great aunt Edna's heirloomglassware go into an apartment of four 20-year-olds is unthinkable.

But most young adults aren't willing to live on milk crates and eatfrom paper towels all year.

The solution? Once Craigslist and the garage-sale circuit have beenexhausted, there are a number of sources where the comforts of homecan be found at rock-bottom prices.

Thrift shops

At Rescued Treasures on South Mooney Boulevard, the thrift shopthat benefits the Visalia Rescue Mission, the inventory changesday-to-day, depending on recent donations.

Assistant manager Cheryl Miller said the store has been busy withcustomers stocking up for new apartments.

"They're looking for beds that's the big item and other furniture, like couches," she said.

Also popular: kitchen items, including pots, pans and small appliances.

Cathy Knudson shopped at Rescued Treasures with her adult son.

"We're always looking for stuff for him," she said. "We're in themarket for anything unbreakable."

Prices included $75 for a sleeper sofa, $125 for a refrigerator,$65 for a dishwasher, $14 or less for blankets and comforters andas little as 25 cents for cups and plates.

Antique stores

Out in front of the Paris Flea Market on East Main Street, a basketmarked "$1" holds toasters, irons and other gadgets.

"We have a lot of people looking for western items or shabby chic,"saleswoman Norma Gauna said.

They won't be disappointed. Hidden among the refinished-oak rockingchairs and collectable glassware (there's also an operablerickshaw) are some genuine bargains, including a new, pinefull-size futon, complete with mattress, for $99. The matchingchair goes for $39.

Green cotton placemats sell for $2.99, while a glass decanter goes for $2.50.

"With the economy, most people seem to be selling furniture to usrather than buying it from us," said owner Jesse Davis.

And for those looking to add a little personality to a new abode,there's always the Princess Leia action figure, in its originalpackaging, for $19.95. Or a large purse emblazoned with the face ofJulio Iglesias for $35.

For the musically inclined, the store also boasts an entire room ofguitars, from Les Pauls for $299 to a Gibson 12-string acoustic for$149.

Surplus stores

Military surplus stores like Visalia's Surplus City offer suppliesfor the backyard and beyond at affordable prices.

Need a garden hose? It's $7. A canopy for the back patio: $21. Agiant aluminum steamer for soups and shellfish: $26.

While most people don't realize that they need a hammock until

they see one on the shelf, at Surplus City it can be picked up for$19.

Pawn shops

At Farmersville's Hock Shop on Farmersville Boulevard, theinventory runs far beyond the usual jewelry and musicalinstruments. Pawn shops also are a source for used electronics andtools.

"We can't keep TVs in stock because so many people come in lookingfor them," said cashier Cody Lenkton.

A practically new 27-inch TV with remote control can sell for lessthan $200. DVD players go for $25 and a TV/VCR combo can run $50.

Pawn shops also are home to less glamorous items. A three-toolcordless-drill set, still in the box, sells for $125. A gas-poweredlawn mower goes for $30 and a vacuum cleaner for $20.

"We sold a Kirby vacuum cleaner last week for $50," Lenkton said.