Where to Find Free Stuff
We’re always told that there’s no such thing as something for nothing, but actually, if you know where to look, that’s not true!
Here are my favourite sites, and events, to find free stuff.
These are basically two versions of very similar things.
Pretty much every town in the UK now has either a Freecycle group, or a Freegle group-some even have both!
The idea is beautifully simple-you join the group, and can then post on there any things you have that you no longer want/need. AND you can browse through the posts to see if there is anything posted that you need. AND you can post a WANTED if there is something specific you are on the look-out for.
I’ve seen all kinds of brilliant things posted in my local group-from bundles of clothes, to breadmakers and sewing machines!
This is part of the Preloved site, and is a dedicated area for all the things that are listed for free! You can search by area, to make sure you don’t end up travelling miles.
The Buy Nothing Project started in the USA, but has now spread to 11 countries around the globe, including the UK. Have a look and see if there is a group near you, and if there isn’t, you could always start one up!
The groups are all about creating ‘hyper-local’ gifting economies, and you can give your time and skills, as well as the things you don’t need. So not only can you get things for free, you might be able to find someone to come and cut some branches off a tree for you, or even walk your dog.
Streetbank aims to bring neighbourhoods together, by putting neighbours in touch with each other. You join, and list any ‘things’ or skills you have, that you would be willing to share with your neighbours. You can also look through and see if someone near you has, for example, a lawnmower they are willing to lend out, to save you having to buy one.
Swishes
This is a posh name for clothes swapping.
Formal swishes can sometimes charge an entry fee, but many don’t. You can find swishing events local to you on Swishing.com. And you don’t have to attend an organised Swish-just grab some friends, and a bottle of wine, and have a mini Swish party at someone’s house, refreshing your wardrobes with the clothes your friends no longer want.
Give and Take Events
Lots of councils have started running these as part of their waste reduction initiatives-you can get in touch with your local council to find out if there is one near you.
The concept is very simple-people donate stuff they no longer want, and can take away ‘new’ things that they need, for free!