Hey People,
So now that it's time to begin, I need to figure out where I can find used things. I first began looking for things on craiglist. I found out about Craigslist a few years ago when my sister and her boyfriend bought a car from there. I was looking for a car myself but I noticed they had other areas for sale. They even have a free section. ( I love free stuff!) People post their free and unwanted items on there and you contact them by email to arrange to pick up. (Be careful when responding to ads online. There are crazies out there!) In the free section there are alot of raggedy items being given away. But, there are alot of great things on there. I once saw this great looking couch being given away. I wanted it so bad but I didn't hve anywhere to put it. ( I was renting room at the time) I missed out on that opportunity but ever since then I became addicted to searching the sale and free ads for great finds.
Another great way to get absolutely free stuff is from Freecyce.org. With freecycle you can help the economy and keep good stuff out of landfills by giving it away for free. What you do is join your neighborhood freecycle. Everyday you will recieve posts on items that your local freecyclers no longer want. If something interest you, you contact that person and arrange for pickup. Most people do porch pickups or arrange to meet some place. People give away all sorts of things from furniture to clothes to coupons. Even things you would think nobody could possibly want like a half full jar of peanut butter or used underwear, there is somebody out there who could use it. If you need something you can post a message as well. For example, maybe you need a tall lamp. You post a message saying so. If someone out there has a tall lamp they no longer need or use, bada-Bing! There you go. A new lamp and you didn't even have to spend a dime! I've gotten a few things from freecycle. A toaster, a blender, spray paints for my projects, a christmas tree and decorations, and a blower dryer. So, before I go to the store and spend money I see if a freecycler has what i'm looking for. Did I say i love free stuff?
The thrift Store. Since I've been looking for ways to save I started exploring the thrift store. I must admit, its really fun digging for treasure at the thrift store. You can find some really neat and unique things there. I guarantee you there are cool thrift stores and consignment shops in your area. You can find vintage things or new things. Clothes, shoes, furniture, and electronics. Before I buy anything new I'm hittin' up the thrift store first. (except for clothes and shoes. I like those things new) The other day I went to a consignment shop and found one of Mariah Carey's Cd's for $2.99 and the movie "The Village" for like, $3.00. Both used but in perfect condition. Great!
Yard Sales and flea markets. Just like the thrift store you can find some great stuff at yard sales and flea markets. The bigger the yard sale the better. Last summer I started going to yard sales. More like yard sale hopping! The great thing about this is that the sales are usually cheaper. The actual owner is usually right there and most times you can haggle the price a little. Sometimes you don't even have to. I went to this one yard sale and I noticed a young boy selling his PS2 games. I bought two that I thought my five year old would like. But I should have bought them all. The boy was going to give me about fifteen games for eight bucks! For some dumb reason I passed. ( I'm still learning)
Family and friends. If your family is anything like mine, i'm sure they have some things laying around that they don't use anymore. Call around and ask your family and friends if they have any items in there home they are trying to get rid of. Offer to come and pick it up. Sometimes things stay collecting dust inside peoples homes because they don't feel like moving it.
Swap Party. This is an idea I've been playing with. People are holding swap parties all over the country. Its a great way to get rid of all the stuff you don't want and connect with friends and family. You can hold swap party at church or at your home. Wherever you want. Have everybody bring everything they dont want. Then everyone can go around and pick up the stuff they want from other people's piles. All the leftover stuff you can give to charity! I plan on having a swap party real soon.
So, these are just some ways you can get your hands on used items for little to no cost at all. I have utilized all of these methods as I continue to search for cool stuff to recycle. I Hope this was helpful if you are looking to do the same.
Smooches!
SistaBoo!
