I have a secret hobby I enjoy.No, it’s not reading hilarious reviews on Amazon, or playing badminton.
I secretly enjoy scrolling the “free ads”. For my geographic area that includes the free section in the local newspaper, Craigslist, as well as my local Freecycle group.
Let’s be real.
If you haven’t used Freecycle.org, you should.
It’s an online community of people who post things that are of value, but they don’t need or want anymore. Instead of saving items up for a garage sale, people choose to give them away free to a good home.
It’s extremely entertaining to read the things people post. (Giant dinosaur statue anyone?)
I have also scored some great deals. Win-win.
I have also scored some great deals. Win-win.
However, more often than not, I am posting things to give away I no longer need. It saves room in our house, saves items from the landfill, and is one less trip to the Goodwill drop-off.
Through our finds I have gotten a movie projector, a brand-new sewing mannequin, new dining room chairs, a rocking chair, not to mention free firewood, apples and apricots.
So, you may be asking, how is this related to self-sufficiency?#1 It saves you a lot of money on things you may need. (Free)
#2 a lot of times people will say “Come pick my excess produce.” Free food that can be frozen or canned is always wonderful.
#3 People move frequently and give away useful things such as extra canned goods or gently-used furniture
#4 Sometimes the items offered are not in the best condition. This means you can learn a new skill such as repainting a table, or reupholstering a rocking chair (which I did).
#2 a lot of times people will say “Come pick my excess produce.” Free food that can be frozen or canned is always wonderful.
#3 People move frequently and give away useful things such as extra canned goods or gently-used furniture
#4 Sometimes the items offered are not in the best condition. This means you can learn a new skill such as repainting a table, or reupholstering a rocking chair (which I did).
Time: 5 minutes Level of Difficulty: Level 1
- Sign up is easy, just go to Freecycle.com and register (for free of course)
- Join a group
- Read the rules
- Start posting! Post an “offer” ad for something you want to give away, or post a “want” ad if you have an item you need.
- Be courteous with the people you interact with
- Be safe. You are meeting strangers usually at a home so use common sense. I usually leave things on my doorstep and tell them that I may or may not be home. I also use a special email address just for Freecycle so my name is protected.
- Check back frequently. Usually it takes several visits before I find something I need/want.
- Have fun!
– I am in no way affiliated or related to Freecycle, I have used them and find it a helpful website.
Trashnothing.com is also another option, depending on your area. I haven’t have good luck with this site, but it doesn’t hurt to try!
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