This post was originally published in February 2017 and last updated in May 2026.
When stores fill up with Halloween, it is magical. I want to spend every single day wandering the aisles, gathering up treasures and bringing them home to the Spooky Little Apartment.
Luckily, my bank account balance and 900 square-foot apartment keep me in check these days. (Usually...)
But there were days early on in my love of Halloween where if it was black, orange or candy corn...I was buying it.
That approach to Halloween is fine and well, but it doesn't lead to a pretty collection of decor - instead, it usually means a hodgepodge of stuff, half of which stays packed away in boxes because you don't have enough nooks and crannies to display everything.
I say no more to mindless Halloween buying madness!
A finely curated collection of Halloween decor is my goal. Everything should look like it belongs together. It should also mix in seamlessly with my normal home decor. And this little system I developed a little system for myself that has helped me get there.
Any time I'm Halloween shopping and I find the perfect goodie I can't live without, I have to ask myself a series of questions to make sure what I'm buying is truly something I need, not just an impulse buy.
I thought they might be helpful to you too, so here they are:
7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Halloween Decor
1. Have I looked at all the options available?
I really hate when I find something I love at one store, buy it, and then find something even better at the next. I always wish I would have waited! So many stores carry the same or similar items. Before I do any MAJOR purchasing, I visit as many stores as possible so I have a good idea of what everyone is carrying.
This is a great way to avoid buyer's remorse. (Or having to hassle with returns because I know you - you forget and just end up keeping both items, right? Same.)
2. How does this fit in with what I already own?
Years ago I would buy anything Halloween. Now, I am very picky about what gets to come home with me. I like items that have a vintage or spooky vibe. Rustic and cute is also good. And when it comes to colors, I mostly stick to black and orange decor with a healthy dose of candy corns mixed in.
Knowing your Halloween style is half the battle! Not sure what yours is? This year when you unpack it, group your decor together by categories like vintage, spooky, creepy, or even colors. Pay attention to patterns, and voila - you'll have your Halloween style figured out in no time.
3. Where will I display it?
This is The Big Question #1 - if I can't immediately think of a spot in the Spooky Little Apartment where I will use an item, I don't buy it. Period.
And you shouldn't either. We buy Halloween decor because it makes us happy, right? So what's the point of buying happiness if you can't look at it every single day during the Halloween season? (Or beyond!)
4. Will I use it for multiple Halloweens?
The Big Question #2. For a while, I was buying decor to use for one specific Halloween party theme. I'll be honest: I ended up with a lot of junk I had no use for beyond that theme.
Now I make it ridiculously simple. If I can't see myself displaying a piece of decor for years, I don't buy it.
5. Can I multi-purpose it for the rest of the year?
While not necessary, this point is certainly beneficial! I get asked a lot and no, I do not keep my entire home Halloweenified all year long. Only the Spooky Little Office stays black and orange year-round.
I've gotten more creative with my decor over the years. If I can envision a place in the Spooky Little Apartment for something to live all year, it's a big selling point for me!
6. Where will I store it?
Raise your hand if you've bought big, bulky Halloween decor...and then struggled to find a place to store it. 🙋♀️
This is especially a struggle for us apartment dwellers who may not have all the extra storage others have. I'll admit I pay for a storage unit that is 50% full of my Halloween decor, including all the oddly shaped items like large plug-in pumpkins, foam tombstones and even my Maleficent staff.
So before you grab something that won't fit neatly into a storage bin, take a moment to consider...where the heck is it going to go the rest of the year?
7. Can I use a coupon?
This is probably my biggest secret: I very, very rarely buy anything Halloween full price. In fact, I hate having to pay full price. It's the Taurus in me - I like getting a deal.
I almost always use store coupons via apps on my phone. If I'm shopping online, the Honey browser extension is my favorite option. If I can't use a coupon, I'll usually leave it behind until it goes on sale or I do have a coupon.
Bonus tip: Only impulse buy items under $5
I usually stick to $3 or less. If it would cost me less than my favorite coffee shop order and I just have the feeling I can't live without it...why not? Sometimes you do need to trick-or-treat yo' self, y'know?
So did I just suck all the fun out of Halloween shopping for you? I sure hope not! These questions not only help me stick to my budget; they also help me keep my decor collection manageable so I don't dread packing it up when Halloween is over.
What's your best tip for buying Halloween decor?
As always, share it in the comments.
Looking for more decor tips and tricks? Check out these blog posts:
