10 Smart Ways To Score Great Deals and Free Finds

Retail therapy is responsible for most people’s joys and pleasures.

Though fun, it can sometimes be straining on your wallet.

What if there were a way to reinvent your inventory cheaply while staying thrifty and having fun at the same time?

Here are ten cool ways to do exactly that.

1. One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

Who doesn’t love freebies?

Keep an eye out for trash pickup days in wealthy neighborhoods.

People will usually put their nicest items out first, happy for them to go to better use, and that someone could be you.

2. Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups

Facebook isn’t just for keeping up with old friends.

You can find tons of items on the platform, from cheap to reasonably decent.

This can be particularly helpful if you want something typically bought in bulk or that may be disposable, like plastic bags. Others have scored bigger finds too, everything from a microwave, a bookshelf, and a printer, all in one go.

It’s time to dust off that dormant Facebook account and put the Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups to work.

While you’re there, you can follow me on Facebook!

3. Bookworm Bargains

Watch for charities offering books at reasonably low prices. Some collections are so extensive that the warehouse rivals a bookstore in terms of organization and variety.

For around $30, you can walk away with a large box full of books. The bonus? Most proceeds go to charity, since volunteers typically run these sales.

4. Estate Sales for Home Improvement Finds

Estate sales are where you will find tools, home improvement items, and furnishings for dirt cheap. Expect a massive pile of random items people are looking to get rid of, including yard tools and ladders.

With enough dedication, you may hardly need to buy anything new for your home.

5. Food Discounts and Freebies Through Apps

Many people have found a hack to get free or discounted purchases through apps from certain fast-food chains, especially when they run offers around holidays or sporting events.

For example, McDonald’s gives away a Big Mac when certain sports teams win. It pays to stay on the lookout for these promotions.

6. Craigslist’s Free Section

Frequent Craigslist visitors are well aware of the site’s free section. In nicer areas, one can expect top-notch items from these free listings, including complete patio sets with glass-top tables.

How cool is that?

7. Reducing Food Waste With TooGoodToGo

TooGoodToGo is a mobile app that helps customers find restaurants and stores with surplus unsold food, allowing them to collect meals at lower prices.

The app originated in the EU and is quite dominant in the region, though other areas are catching up quickly.

8. ThredUp for Budget-Friendly Fashion

For those looking for inexpensive clothing, ThredUp is a strong option. Think of it as an online thrift store with limitless possibilities. It’s a convenient and affordable way to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

9. Sharing and Borrowing With Olio

Olio is an app that lets people lend and borrow items for free, from food to utensils.

The Olio community is known for being welcoming and for offering access to unique tools and items you might not find elsewhere.

10. Little Free Library for Book Lovers

Little Free Library is a platform for sharing books, much like a thrift shop. With a little luck, you can find vintage books alongside current bestsellers. T

The program has also helped many people declutter their space by giving away spare books to those who will enjoy them.

 

 

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