You have recently moved or simply updated your home and you are dying for new furniture, but your budget is almost nonexistent. How To Score Free Or Nearly Free Furniture is now the topic of conversation over the dinner table. Is it possible? Can you find clean and quality furniture for barely anything out of pocket or even nothing at all? The answer is yes, and here is how to make it happen.
How to Get Free Furniture (or Very Low Cost)
Sign Up For Freecycle In Your Area: This old school yahoo program is one that has stood the test of time. Over the years many local groups have been formed just for the sake of getting rid of items you no longer want or need, that someone else might like to have. While large or expensive items are rare, there have been many cases of barely used furniture showing up in our local freecycle groups that were truly great deals. Sometimes they need a light cleaning, or may have a small tear or stain that can be repaired. Be careful, inspect well, and be prepared to pick it up and load and unload it yourself.
Free Section On Craigslist: Have you ever noticed that tab on Craigslist that says free? If not head to check it out now. Typically items are claimed quickly, but you never know what deals you might find – including great used furniture. Be the first to respond and get a new couch for nothing but the effort of moving it.
Check Your Local Furniture Store: Many local chains will throw out or sell at deep discounts furniture that has been damaged in shipping or in store. There is nothing wrong with walking in and checking with the manager to see if they have anything that is being thrown out or about to be offered at a deep discount. We scored a great recliner for only $35 that had a tear in the back from someone who got a bit too handy with a box cutter opening the package. A bit of sewing and tossing a throw over the back kept the tear from showing and gave us a great piece of furniture.
Check The Neighbors Garbage: Okay, don’t go dumpster diving, but do watch for furniture left curbside on trash day. It’s a rare occasion to find a great piece on the curb, but when you do it is like you have hit the jackpot. This can be kind of iffy since furniture left outside might be there for a very good reason such bugs or a bad smell. Proceed with caution.
Ask Your Friends And Family: Sure, it may seem a bit odd, but letting your friends and family know you are in the market for new to you used furniture can be a great way to get something in excellent condition. Whether they personally are looking to get new furniture, or know someone who is letting go of their old set – sometimes it truly is not what you know but who you know.
Sign Up For Review Programs: Are you a blogger? A journalist? Do you have a voice in the community that people will listen to? If so, check into review programs from various well known furniture companies. A lot of things have to be right for a company to give you furniture to review, but the possibility is there and totally worth your time to check and send an email. No matter where you live how to score free or nearly free furniture is a question easily answered. You simply have to look in different places, ask the right people, and be in the right place at the right time.
Sadly you won’t always find just what you want when you want it, but if you give yourself some time and are diligent in looking you will find something to suit your needs.
More Tips for Saving Money on Housewares and Decor:
Simple Tips for Minimalist Home Decorating
Joanne says
Additional tip, go to a college/university area towards the end of the year. Lot’s of great stuff from students moving out can be found laying around.