How to Furnish a Home For Free

Just because you moved to a new home doesn’t mean you need to spend money on furniture. In fact, it’s actually possible to furnish a whole apartment for free if you are willing to put in a little work and don’t mind mismatched items.

Instructions

1. Ask around. Friends and relatives may have pieces of furniture laying around that they don’t actually need. Or they may be getting close to replacing something, in which case they will need to get rid of the old furniture.

2. Go for a walk on recycling nights. A lot of people put out furniture on the curb for others to pick up. Items put out on the street are free up for grabs; just make sure you’re not stepping into personal property to get anything.

3. Join Freecycle, an online mailing list where people give away things they not longer want. Freecycle operates on a first-come, first-served basis and there are no guarantees as to what you may be able to find there, but it’s worth a look. There are no strings attached in Freecycle: if you see something you like, you simply contact the owner and arrange for pick-up.

4. Look in Craigslist. The website has a free section where people post items they’re giving away. Many posts also include photos, so you should be able to see what you’re getting.

5. Be ready to do some work. Free furniture may not be in perfect condition, but a coat of paint, sanding or a few new nails can change the complete look and feel of an old piece. Or you can reupholster or throw a blanket on top of an old couch or chair to cover small imperfections.

Tips & Warnings

• Think of alternative uses for everything. If you need a pantry but can only get a bookcase, use it anyway. A small side table can double as nightstand and a beautiful sheet can take the place of curtains if you’re in a pinch and cannot get anything else.