Free Stuff

Mr. Scrimp and I are making moves towards doing some container gardening (we're running late, honestly--we should have already started). In our quest to make that happen, I've been looking around for cheap sources of pots and clean soil. I'm also on the lookout for some old/scrap windows to use for a decorating project idea, a filing cabinet, and some bookshelves. And a mandolin.

Which brings me to the subject I wanted to discuss today.

When you're trying to be frugal, but also trying to do things in your home that require you to obtain things that traditionally cost money... what do you do?


Really, there are a couple options, and most of you savvy Scrimpalicious readers have probably already thought of most of them. But just in case, let's compile a little list.

• Thrift, thrift, thrift! Check your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, private thrift store, etc. weekly. Bring a list so you remember what to look for. Find out if there are sale days (for instance, our local Salvo gives half-off on everything except furniture every Wednesday.)
• Craigslist. Check the free listings. Check the not-free listings and haggle. Put up a wanted ad. Check often.
• Freecycle. That's a link to a whole list of freecycling groups, which is pretty rad. Remember, freecycling only works if you're willing to offer things for people to take as well as taking things that people are offering. Note: Many freecycle groups require you to offer several items before you are allowed to begin taking or requesting items.
• Find a swap meet. This is something you're going to have to google for yourself, since I don't  know of a website that catalogs these nationally. Swap meets and junk days are a great place to find random odds and ends that you need, and to pass on things that you don't need any longer.

I'm sure there are more options.. how about it, guys? Leave a comment if I left something out.