The Best Things in Life Really Are Free!

This recession has my purse strings drawn together so tightly, I have a bear of a time opening them just to find my chapstick!

Upon moving into the new place last fall, I discovered that buying everything desired will take some time and some serious scouring through thrift stores and discount outlets. Remember, I'm a cheapskate. Or, well, I prefer to just be called frugal!

My cousin turned me on to Freecycle, a resource for things on the best side of cheap- try ABSOLUTELY free! (Move over, Craigslist!)
What is Freecyle- you ask? In short it's a network of amazing people who, instead of throwing something curbside, offer it to group members for absolutely nothing. Like what?- is your next question. To answer, anything you can think of, really. Furniture and household items, empty boxes, baby formula, (unopened and not expired, as those are the rules with food items). Even trees dug up from someone's yard have been offered! One major Freecycle rule, however- you cannot offer animals or people. Good idea.

What are the other rules? Well, no firearms, nor advertisements for services, no alcohol or medications, etc. No selling. Period. Everything must be freely given away, no string attached. No bartering or trading. You must go and pick up the items, nothing can be shipped or delivered.

Freecycle groups are designated to a cluster in a particular area, so all the items offered are within a short driving distance from where you live. Makes sense, I surely wouldn't want to drive to Dallas just to pick up some free end tables.

It's very simple to join Freecycle. Look it up at http://freecycle.org/ to see if there is a group where you live. Sorry if there isn't, but if a group hasn't been initiated in your area, consider moderating your own group!

Now, if you're just out to get something for nothing, Freecycle isn't for you. In order to be a member, you must also give stuff away. I've found Freecycle to be a wonderful outlet for finding a new home for mismatched dishes, my son's outgrown clothes and baby things, boxes of paper I had no need for, and a large 1960's console radio that took up too much space in my dining room. As I unpack boxes from the move (yes, still...) I continue to find things that I don't need or want, but so far everything I've offered has been claimed!

That's the beauty of Freecycle, often your would-be trash becomes someone else's new found treasure. Just imagine the things that ordinarily would have gone to the landfills!

And YES- I've inherited some of my own treasures as well. Most notably my storage cabinet for the basement that I've been eyeing at Lowe's for months! And to think I almost paid $200 for one brand new, when Larry across town needed to get rid of his!

I also picked up a great little desk for my son's room. With a little TLC and a can of black spray paint- voila! I also landed a great poinsettia cookie jar, brand spankin' new and still in it's original box, as it was an unwanted Christmas present from someones evil Mother-in-Law. Along with the jar came the story... the secrets we Freecycler's share!

On the charitable side of things, I've come across many an offer for gently used furniture that I've passed on to my tenants, many of whom are happy just to have it.

Offeree's always appreciates the fact that their beloved castaway will be used and cared for by a grateful recipient, and not someone who would turn around and try to make a buck of their generosity.

Which, by the way, is horribly offensive to any Freecycler, not to mention strictly forbidden according to the Freecycle rules and code of conduct!

So, whether you're giving or looking to receive, consider joining the Freecyle network... lighten your load, and make a few friends along the way!

*Side note- the day I wrote this blog entry I picked up a great 7-shelf plant stand. Score! :)