Whenever you move into a new place or feel the need to redecorate, you could discover that your budget is not prepared for furnishing endeavors. What do you do when you can’t spring for a new kitchen cabinet? I’m going to show you how to furnish a house with no money or how to find very cheap furniture.
1. Find Free Furniture on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a greatly underestimated place to buy things. Some people are giving away furniture for free, so you might find something you like without having to pay anything for it.
All you have to do is search the marketplace for items you’d like to get and then type “free” at the beginning or end of your search keywords. Even if you can’t find anything for free, you might still be able to get your hands on a good deal.
2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an incredible organization that assists those in need, such as homeless individuals and veterans. They assist people in a variety of ways, including through donations of goods.
If you are in financial difficulty, the Salvation Army may be able to provide you with a furniture voucher. This is a significant benefit for low-income individuals. Simply contact your local Salvation Army to determine if they offer vouchers and if you qualify to obtain one.
3. Make a Social Media Post!
This is an extremely simple approach to obtaining free furniture in your neighborhood. You’d be shocked at how many members of your family or acquaintances have unwanted furniture. All you need to do is inform individuals that you’re in need of free furniture.
Do not be scared to share a post on your social media account asking for donations of furniture. There are loads of people that have bought new furniture pieces and, since it’s difficult to move old ones, would be willing to give them away for free. All you have to do is ask someone to help you move it.
4. Free Furniture Listings on Craigslist
Craigslist will always be a platform for finding all sorts of goods, but did you know that some of them are given away for free? The website has a free section where you can spot free furniture and, hopefully, find something that’s still in good shape.
5. Goodwill
If you require assistance with the cost of furniture, Goodwill is a wonderful charity to call. They have a large collection of donated products that they are happy to distribute to individuals in need.
As is the case with the Salvation Army, you may receive a voucher for furnishings. You can use your ticket to purchase furniture at your local Goodwill.
6. Check Freecycle.org
Freecycle is pretty similar to Craigslist, except that everything is completely free. Freecycle is an online forum where people may exchange items with their neighbors rather than discard them.
There are groups in practically every city. If you come across anything you like, move soon because the best stuff sells out quickly.
7. College and University Move-Out Days
Moving day on a college campus can provide you with a large range of products that students no longer require.
In the spring, students have to leave their dorms and have nowhere to put their belongings over the summer. This implies that you’re likely to come across a variety of goods, from nightstands to desks.
Additionally, late summer and early fall, when apartment leases expire, are excellent times to find free furniture. You’re likely to come across a large number of discarder furniture pieces in excellent shape, with many simply left on the pavement.
8. Local Thrift Stores
When a thrift business receives a significant contribution, it may have difficulty making room for larger items. This means they’ll provide discounts on products that take up space, and occasionally, they’ll even give away these enormous items for free.
After all, resale businesses are often constrained by space constraints, and if you’re ready to take an item of furniture away for them, they may offer it to you for free.
Simply contact a few of your neighborhood thrift stores to see if they have any free furniture items. Inform them that you are also willing to transport it away.
9. Yard Sales
While this is not entirely free, here is another way to obtain furniture for (nearly) nothing. Consider paying a visit to a yard sale near the end of the day. The organizers are likely to be eager to get rid of larger goods and may be prepared to sell you any remaining furnishings at discounted pricing. They may even let you take it for free in order to get rid of it.
10. Curbside Finds!
If you live in a city, you already know that dumpster diving is a viable choice for free furniture. Since moving in a city can be a pain and there are instances when you need to vacate fast, it’s frequently possible to discover furniture in excellent condition just on the pavement.
Even if you live in a typical suburban community, many residents may place items with a “Free” sign prior to garbage day, so keep a lookout for hidden treasures.
Make Sure to Clean Your Free or Discounted Furniture
Even when you buy a brand new piece of furniture, you still have to give it a good wipe. Cleaning your free or discounted furniture is even more important, and here are a few reasons why:
- Mattresses can have bedbugs, odors, or even bug or animal feces.
- Upholstery can be stained or, if kept in poor conditions, might even be moldy.
- Cleaning furniture can reveal defects, cracks, splinters, and other details that need fixing for your own safety.
There are several products that you can use to clean free or discounted furniture. The product will have to be chosen based on the type of surface you’re looking to clean. For example, there are multi-purpose cleaners that you can use for wooden furniture.
You can make your own mixtures using essential oils and baking soda. Just make sure you read the labels for different cleaning products so you know which ones are more suitable for your furniture,
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to furnish a house with no money, it’s time to make a list of all the options that are available when it comes to landing furniture pieces that are either free or very cheap. Consider which of the above sources are at your disposal and give it a shot. You really have nothing to lose.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.