I love to find cheap things, but I love to find FREE things even more! So today I thought I would share a few of the ways I acquire free stuff.
1. Craigslist I am told that not all cities have a free section on their Craigslist but ours is located right under the “for sale wanted” section.
I check the listings a few times a week just to see what is available. Here is a sampling of what can be found for FREE in my listings right now. And I have only listed the items which include pictures!
- Free 9 drawer dresser. We’ve been seeing a lot of these 70’s dressers around the blogosphere spray painted in fun colors lately.
- Free spray paints and latex paints. (I’m waiting to hear back on these!)
- Free Melitta Espresso Maker. (I already have one of these and love it.)
- Free playhouse. Given a fresh coat of paint this could turn into a real gem!
- Free desk. Paint it white or black, add new hardware, and it’s perfect.
- Free chair. Reupholster in a graphic print, paint and distress the wood and you have yourself a great conversation piece.
- Free step tables from a store display. These could be fun storage in my master closet.
- Free mannequin. Great for modeling one’s etsy goods.
- Free headboard. Cut off the bottom legs, paint and distress, add hooks, and hang in your front entryway.
Okay, so that was what I found just from looking at what was available in the listings this past week!
2. Freecycle.org Freecycle is a world-wide organization designed to hook people up with free stuff. Our local freecycle group utilizes yahoo groups as their communication forum. In order to be a part of the group, I had to “apply” to be accepted to the yahoo group. The disadvantage of my group is that it completely clogs up my email. I have the messages programmed to be sent to my spam folder, but this makes it difficult to score finds. The forum also does not include pictures which makes it difficult to know if the items are worth your time. All that being said, it is a great way to receive needed items. I have seen many people post “wanted” ads on freecycle and receive exactly what they were asking for.
3. Bulk Trash Pick Up Some cities have bulk trash pick-up days. These are heavenly times to find free items! It is worth doing some research to find out when these days are going to be. Our city had one last year, and I obtained this gorgeous wooden bed below (which I oh-so-generously gave to one of my nieces), two coffee tables, spindles, 2 old windows, an old door, and a side table. (I still have both the coffee tables in my basement. I don’t need them, but I loved them. How do people rehab this stuff and then sell it? I get emotionally attached. Need to work on that.)
4. Garage Sales You have always heard that if you want to score the best stuff at garage sales then arrive early. This is good advice if you are willing to pay. If you want free stuff, then arrive late in the day! Most people will be ready to give away what is left. Score!
So how about you? Any tips on how you score good stuff cheap/free? Please do share!
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Anonymous says
So funny. I am from the Harrisburg area and I have actually looked at many of these listings!!! I wish I was more ambitious to be creative (or maybe I wish I had the time!)
I just found your blog, and love it!
Jen
Jane says
I found that very same dresser (top) on the curb and turned it into a headboard. I *love* finding stuff for free! The white headboard you show is beautiful!!
My Curbside Dresser Headboard
Jenny says
Great post. I don't usually find anything in the free section of CL, but it's worth looking every now and then.
this blessed nest says
wow!
great post.
freecycle is amazing to me.
the only other thing i've personally been a part of for free stuff -is a clothes swap party.
which is so stickin fun if you go with friends.
have you been to one?
bring 8-10 pieces of "good condition" clothing that you are willing to give up for free in exchange for someone else's "good condition" clothing. so fun. usually everyone brings a treat for all to share as well.
would LOVE to have the dresser in the first pic!
Ann says
That reminds me, I did apply for that group Freecycle on Yahoo but never got an acceptance notification. Maybe I was disqualified. Ha!
Creative Decor by Brooke says
Great tips. I didn't know about the free listing. Have to check it out.
Brooke
Anonymous says
Great tips Beth….
I just wanted to pop in and let you know I am still alive and kicking….things have been a little hectic here and I've not been around to blogland…
All the best,
Kathy 🙂
Richella says
Wonderful free tips! I've never thought to look at Craigslist for free items. . . now I'm intrigued!
Craftify It! says
I have to laugh…because I came to your site directly from the Craigslist FREE section. I check it frequently since the free stuff goes SO fast!
We have also gotten RID of stuff on the Free Section. If we don't want to haul it to Good Will, we tell someone else "You pick up and it is yours" It is nice to know someone that WANTS it is getting it:)
Shayna @ Texas Monkey says
I love the free section at Craigslist, I look at it every few days, between that and curb side savings on big trash days I'm in need of a truck and trailer LOL.
Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! says
Thanks for reminding your readers about this section. It's great to know that there is a way for folks to get rid of items they don't want without just dumping more stuff in our landfills. What a great lesson to pass on to our kids, too! Rory
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
We have even more in common than I thought. 😉 I love free stuff too. I am part of our community's Freecycle site, but I don't use it often. I need to start checking Craig's List regularly. Children are also good to take to yard sales b/c sellers are often so charmed by them that they'll practically give items away. 😉
judi says
beth,
great post! you certainly have much better CL free items than we have too! 😉
and most people here don't post pics which is what i look for before i check its availability.
i joined freecycle last year and it has paid off, just received 10 burlap coffee sacks. they are huge and pretty cool. can't wait 'til i get a chance to make something with them!
i love garage sales as well for freebies. last year one home had an 8 ft. table of free stuff and it was still the middle of the day. it was great.
i'm with you about the emotional attachment, however, my "storage" area is busting at the seams and needs some attention!
judi 😉
the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com
Natalie says
You're free Craigslist section is MUCH better than mine. Ours never has anything good. I would LOVE to have that desk. Or dresser. Too bad you aren't within drivng distance!