It’s fairly well known that I enjoy thrifting. I really love wandering around Goodwill and finding the perfect shirt or kitchen item. Same goes for yard sales when I actually have time to get to them. There is just something fun for me about unearthing treasures as an affordable price. I love finding that one item that no one else seems to care about but will work perfectly for me. For less than $10, of course. 😉
Even better than finding a great deal at a thrift store is being able to get great items for free. I will sometimes put up a Facebook status on my personal timeline of things I’m looking for. I have been able to get pants for Abby a number of times that way.
I also have gotten a number of items free from family. When I was in college and for awhile after, I used an old set of end tables and a coffee table that my in-laws did not need. We also have a guest bed because no one else needed it. Our current mattress, though now needing replacing, came because of an elderly relative clearing out house when she moved into a nursing home. Even our kitchen table was free. It was in the old farm house where my father-in-law grew up. The family still owns that property but it isn’t livable. A few years ago we all went in to take out the valuable items. We got the table. Even the chair I am sitting in right now was given to us by friends. They were cleaning out their basement and posted pictures of all the things they were giving away. A little cleaning and it’s good as new.
Most recently we were able to get a twin mattress set for Abby from my parents. They didn’t need it and we did. We had a free bed frame from a friend but no mattress. Now, Abby has a big girl bed…which she loves!
I love how we are all able to help each other out. Mostly, I give away clothes and small things to friends who need them. We are not to a point in our life where we are replacing big things. I look forward to being at that stage so that we can help others in that area as well. Meanwhile, I can give what I can so I can bless others as I have been blessed.
Adoring Family says
It is always a blessing to find treasures from our family! That is a great idea about posting on FB 🙂
Julie says
You’d be amazed what people have that they are willing to give away. They’re just waiting for the opportunity. 🙂
Tiffany | A Touch of Grace says
My family are big on thrifting. Almost to a detriment though, as my grandmother won’t get rid of anything, even if it’s from a yard sale or the Goodwill.
But I love finding pieces at thrift stores and yard sales that I can make new again!
Thanks for linking up at the Shine Blog Hop!
Julie says
I think we all have a relative like that. 😉
Sheila says
Your house sounds like mine for furniture. Sofa from and aunt who moved to a nursing home. Rocker from parents purched for 50 cents approx 48yrs ago at an auction. Two recliners, sleeper sofa, love seat from parents. Desk from son’s old girlfriend. Desk from sister. Washer from sister. It had a visable scratch from the constructions guys who remodeled and it drove her husband nuts to see it. Not sure why she didn’t paint it, but it is happy in my basement. 2 lamps from mom. 2 lamps from Grandma. little table from grandma. Family/friends have been very good to us. I nevser say no!
Julie says
I have turned down a few things just as we didn’t need them or they were just so far from my style, I couldn’t handle it. But mostly, we have been incredibly blessed with the things we need. 🙂
Gentle Joy says
This is such a good thing… we can help each other out and be a blessing. 🙂
Sarah @ Pretty Simple Ideas says
I LOVE thrifting. ANd what a great tip to post on facebook if you ever need anything! Smart.
Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage says
God meets our needs in many ways. I’m glad you’re finding the help you need.
JES says
Yes, Yes! This is how we were able to furnish our house when we first got married. We said “YES” when people were getting rid of things. Thank you for sharing these thrifty ideas with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays this week 🙂 Happy Thursday to you!
Julie says
Never under estimate the power of simply asking. It’s amazing how you are able to do so much and be blessed with such a simple action. 🙂