Although I’m pregnant and ready to give birth (just about), I’ve still been out, on a quest for free goodies. I get such a rush when I find awesome things. I imagine it’s similar to the “high” people get when using drugs….my habit is healthier though.
Last night, I went to two curb alerts. The first included a random mix of items. The original ad was posted hours earlier on Craigslist and I was happy about that. It gave me time to get there and possibly beat others. I got there shortly before 7pm and was the first there. I caught the guy putting out stuff so I had first pick. I tried picking through the bags, but wanted the majority of items, so I took them. There was also a nice CD/DVD shelf made of sturdy wood. I grabbed that too. The street was a one way and a neighbor across the street asked me to move because I was “creating a train”. I obliged and circled around the block. He was putting out books and I took a few, then left. When I got home, I looked through the items. There were cute wine glasses, an unopened bottle of sparkling apple cider, baby items, and other misc household items.
Hours later, a curb alert for sidewalk sale leftovers was posted. It was late enough that there was still a good amount of stuff left. Because of the location, it looked like the homeless/transient people had gotten first pick, but they didn’t take much. I, however found a cute wooden chair with lots of character, sheets, pillow cases, a duvet cover, and other cool household items. I also got a modem and router that are compatible with my internet service.
Today was the best day of all. I found an ad on craigslist for a house clean-out. The home was located in a suburban neighborhood and the individuals posting the listing were hired to get rid of EVERYTHING. They had an estate sale and whatever was left over was given away. I was like a kid in a candy store. My sister who is visiting accompanied me. I got beautiful wall art, a beautiful comforter complete with pillows both functional and decorative, a computer, a cute little footstool that is more classic than modern, and other little things. It was a first come, first served and you could take whatever you could carry. It was an early Christmas for me and the other people taking things were so polite. A nice couple offered to take a few things downstairs for me so I wouldn’t miss out.
I was surprised at the number of things that people didn’t take. There was another computer, 2 monitors, a laser printer, textiles, glassware, art, and pretty much anything else you could think of. Someone else made out with a beautiful armoire. It must have cost hundreds of dollars brand new. It looked very gently used.
Thanks to these curb alerts, I will be doing a little redecorating in my bedroom. Everything from the sheets and comforter to curtains and I will probably add in a cute rug. I’m so excited. Re-decorating for free is so fun!
I’d like to do some curb hunting soon. I’ve gone out a couple of times but didn’t find much. It seems that this once looked down upon activity is gaining more attention. More and more people are realizing that taking stuff from the “trash” is not what they previously thought it was. I’d like to keep an open mind and say there is enough to go around, but I feel like one of my favorite activities is getting harder and harder because of the attention it is getting :(.
Hope your finds make you excited like mine do!
Curbside Recycling 