This is a post by staff writer Yazmin Cruz.

It’s time to bring out the ghosts, goblins, and ghouls to decorate for Halloween. Eek! Frightening, I know. But it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, or even a few dollars. Below I share six ideas to spook up your home on a budget. Plus, I included images to inspire you.

How much are you spending on Halloween decorations this year?

Consider dollar stores – Find cheap decorations at dollar stores. Snag Halloween baggies (for candy), plastic pumpkins, Halloween bowls, and even wreaths and garlands. Give items a once-over before paying up to check for quality. It’s easy to get excited and go overboard with things you really don’t need.

Shop thrift stores and garage sales – I’ve seen dirt cheap inflatable Halloween decorations, skeletons, and even tomb stones at yard sales. Thrift stores are also competing with retailers for your business so most of their Halloween decor comes out in late September, early October. Can’t find what you want? Try Craiglist. We reveal secrets to shopping Craiglist.

Multitasking decor – I’m a big believer in saving money on holiday decorations since they’re only out for a short amount of time. I skip Halloween decorations all together and stick to fall decor — think leaves, pumpkins, and lots of autumn colors. I can use all this stuff till the end of November. Score! Our place is not very big so this saves space and money. Make your decorations multitask by switching out items you already use like kitchen tablecloths and towels with ones that are more festive and in autumn colors.

DIY decor – Get crafty. Start a new family tradition and gather round on a weekend to decorate your home. Decorations that are simple and easy to make end up looking the best. You can use items you already have on hand so there is no need to spend lots of money. For example, use yarn to create a spiderweb, extra fabric to create bats, and so on. Need more ideas? Check out the images below for Halloween decorating ideas.

 Hang up your kids Halloween art work to spruce up your place.

Boo! Reuse white plastic bags to make ghosts and hang them up in your yard.

Make your white Christmas lights multitask! Use them to create ghosts out of milk jugs.

Use cans and detergent bottles to make pumpkins. These work well if you want to skip the candy bag this year!

Make a scary wreath.

Score Halloween decor deals – The best time to score deals on Halloween decorations is after Oct. 31. That’s when you can score items at up to 50% off or more. Items tend to go fast, so if you see something you’ve been looking for, don’t hesitate. Also, make sure to check the merchandise for damages before paying as some sales tend to be final. The earlier you shop after Halloween, the better or the items will be picked over.

• Need help saving money on Halloween? We’ve got you covered!
• Check out these 24 pumpkin carving ideas
• 47 easy Halloween costumes you can make at home for inspiration

I’d love to hear how you decorate your home for Halloween. Let me know in the comments!