Tag Archives: Freecycle

What Are the Best Freecycle Finds?

Wherever I go, especially yard sales, I tell people about Freecycle. For example, when we had out lucky dining room set find last weekend, I told the owners who were moving to consider joining freecycle. Over the years I’ve been able to bless others with things in our home that we no longer needed, wanted or loved. And in return, we have been blessed with things that we wanted and needed from others. It is interesting to see all of the different offers and wants on my local freecycle board. Some people ask for expensive items, such as laptops and … Continue reading →

Beware of Free Group Scams

While it is good to be frugal, more and more con artists are popping up to take advantage of people who are frugal. There is a lot of focus on frugality right now, and the bad guys know this. Be on the look out for free group scams, especially if you are new to the frugal living lifestyle. Free group scams are modeled after legitimate free, trading and sharing groups. The good groups let you give away items you don’t want for free, get items you need for free, and trade your existing non-wanted items for other items that you … Continue reading →

Annual Bulk Trash

Do you have an annual or bi-annual bulk trash day? It is a great way to take a good look at all of that large stuff that is gathered around your home, sitting there and doing nothing. Our town’s bulk trash pick up is coming up soon. Here they charge for bulk trash pick up, but that is probably because our garbage pick up is not included in our town taxes as it was in our old home. The fee is $15 for every three items. What can go into bulk trash? Rules vary by town or region, but basically … Continue reading →

Kid’s Clutter: Making Room for Birthday or Holiday Gifts

Whether it’s a birthday, major holiday, or another special occasion, our kids tend to be the recipient’s of lots of gifts. They get goodies from us from friends, neighbors, and other family members, and it doesn’t take long for the accumulation to become overwhelming. While many gifts have sentimental meaning, there are also those toys that kids “had to have” that they have since gotten over or outgrown. These items can be handed down to siblings or donated to make room for new stuff. If there are toys that your child still plays with occasionally and you really aren’t ready … Continue reading →

Getting Rid of Junk

Okay, you have had a yard sale, twice. You have taken lots of stuff to the charity drop box. You have taken a few high quality items to the consignment shop or offered them for trade via Freecycle. Unfortunately, you still have a lot of junk around, and it’s too much stuff to leave by the curb for the garbage man. You can’t burn it either, so what are you going to do? Start by shredding any papers that contain personal information. These can then be added to the trash. A paper shredder is not very expensive and it’s well … Continue reading →

Trash or Treasure?

You may have seen the segment on Decorating Cents where they turn odds and ends into great stuff for the home. There is also a show called Trash to Treasure that is devoted to turning throwaway items into useable things. These shows offer great solutions for using what you have, or picking up inexpensive items at salvage centers, thrift stores, garage sales, or collecting things from friends and family you no longer need them. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll be amazed what you can make from odds and ends. A block of leftover wood can easily become a … Continue reading →

A Parent’s Guide to Freecycle

If you haven’t heard of it yet, Freecycle is changing the way we look at junk! The notion that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure has never been so true! Freecycle is a network of individual local email lists across the country. Each list is free to join and available for those who have stuff they want to get rid of and for those who are looking for other people’s junk. Not only can you get rid of your stuff with a good conscience and not worry about filling up the landfills but you can often get rid of … Continue reading →