COUPON QUEEN: Spring cleaning without breaking the bank

Ready to spruce up your home for spring? You don't have to spend much money to give it a fresh new look. Here are a few tips for updating your home on a budget. Declutter Before worrying about what you can and can't afford, consider what you should get rid of. Removing items that are dated, worn, damaged, or non-essential will give your home a clean slate. If you have a houseful of knickknacks that you no longer want, it may be a great place to start. Paint One of the easiest and most drastic changes you can make on a budget is changing the wall color. Look at colors online to get an idea of on-trend color schemes if you need help figuring out where to start. If you aren't ready to go bold, think about an accent wall or choose one room to have a bright color. A bucket of paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to make the most significant impact on your living space. Add a pop of color Years ago, I started changing the pillow covers on my couch. It began as a frugal way to add Christmas holiday decor to my house on the cheap, but I now own several colors and varieties. Not only was I able to find these pretty cheap on Amazon (under $10 for a four-pack), but because they pack easily away, I save on space. Switch the shades Save money on buying all new lamps and try instead switching the lamp shades. There are many different colors and even shapes and sizes to choose from. Grab a unique lampshade that differs from the ones currently in your home. Best of all, if you keep your receipt, it's easy to exchange it at the store if they don't work out. Get creative If you have drab furniture sitting around, don't throw it out! Many pieces can be painted or changed into something new. Add knobs to a cabinet or splash new colors on wood furniture. We recently re-painted an old side table and turned pieces of wood found in the shed into new shelves for my laundry room. Also, take inventory of the furniture that you have. If you aren't using it and can't repurpose it, consider selling them to create more funds in your decor budget. Add unique pieces It may be time to step outside your comfort zone, especially if it's been decades since your last remodel. Vintage items are great and are often a reasonable price. Be sure to hit up the thrift stores near you for a few unique pieces you can add. Before purchasing, note the days of the week that these thrift stores offer additional savings. Rearrange the furniture Before looking for a few new pieces, see if there are any new ways to move around what you already have. Move your bookcase out of the bedroom and bring it into the living room or switch the direction of the sofa. You may be able to add a little extra charm to your home for no extra money at all. Tune in every Tuesday morning at 8:40 AM on AM 930 WEOL or 100.3 FM to hear me chat about money-saving tips. You can listen online or on the radio. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab this week at Family Dollar. Canada Dry, 7UP, A&W, Sun Drop, Sunkist, and Squirt 2 liters = 2/$2.50 Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.