I think that this issues isn't going to be near the issue you think it will. Just because of the way you think already. You will be going by a garage sale, and thinking wow, we could really use a larger pot. And then you go and you don't find a larger pot, and so you leave. Or you buy a good wooden spoon (because no good cook can have too many of those) and then you leave. lol... you don't buy the wall clock, arm chair, and a bag of clothes becuase they are a good deal. So you won't run into trouble finding the things that you want, because you won't be spending your money on other stuff. And you have lived here before, you know the area, so you can go to Ikea if you don't find something after a while and spend a decent (albeit not a 'wonderful' deal) amt on something and have it be new and exactly what you want.
I seriously don't think you will have an issue with this.
Creig's list is a great idea... as is Ikea. Both have great deals and you can find simi earth friendly, simple minded things there. Other than that, you can just go about your life and pick up small things that make it easier along the way.
Val