How to Furnish Your House or Apartment Completely Free

Tired of paying too much for furniture? There's a better way! It is becoming easier and easier to fully furnish your house or apartment without paying a dime!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Your local newspaper or classified circular
• A large van or pickup truck (recommended)
• A small box of tools: screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers
• A good pair of gloves

1. Search the web. There are great, free websites such as Craigslist.com and Backpage.com that have a "free" section. It's amazing what you can find if you check these listings twice a day.

2. Check your local newspaper or classified circular. People do not like to throw away good stuff, so many will offer their items free of charge. The only catch is that you usually have to haul it away yourself.

3. Head to your local dump. Many dumps now offer areas where household goods and furniture can be left for others to peruse and take away. Some dumps also offer access to the bulk trash piles where you are able to "pick your own trash". One man's junk is another man's treasure! Oh, and, don't forget your gloves.

4. Go "midnight shopping". Find out when your neighborhood (and your neighboring towns) have garbage night. Drive around those areas that night; if it's on the curb, it's trash, and it's yours for the taking! In some communities, you may not be able to find any furniture on weekly garbage nights. Instead, go out the night before bulk trash pickup. You local waste management facility should have a schedule of the trash services in your area.

5. Find out when the local college or university ends each semester. For a week after the last day of school, many college students will leave their stuff out on the curb as trash as they move out. In some cities, student apartment rental agreements begin and end on a specified day (i.e. In Boston, September 1st is the standard lease renewal day for most student apartments. Student leftovers can be found from late August through early September out on the curb).

Tips & Warnings

• It can take time, patience, and a little extra gumption to find good quality items you would want in your home, but these items exist, and some can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
• Act quickly! Stuff on the internet or in classifieds listed as free gets picked up quickly. It may not be there an hour later.
• Items that are upholstered (i.e. couches and chairs) can be a little more difficult to find in reasonable shape. These items are best located on the internet by those sellers offering them for free.
• It is always a good idea to have a small box of basic tools with you when dump picking or midnight shopping. Some of the best items may also be quite large and may need to be slightly disassembled to get them to your home.
• Not all cities, towns, or municipalities support midnight shopping, and in some areas, this action is considered illegal. Check with your local government office to make sure you are not breaking any laws.
• Not all dumps are open for being picked over. Others you may need a monthly or annual pass to gain access to these areas. Check with your local dump officials for complete details.

Resources

• Craigslist.com
• Backpage.com

[Mitestarossa]

on 2/22/2009 Excellent article.

[Jederman]

on 2/12/2009 You sound like a true expert! Great article

[elyria]

on 2/12/2009 Great article and good to know info! 5*

[Addonis]

on 2/11/2009 great work 5*

[joni04]

on 2/10/2009 Thanks for the article. Well thought out! 5* and Recommended