Finding Free Furniture?

Pghgirl40
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June 14, 20180 found this helpful

There are local churches and other religious organizations (at least in my area) that have what they call Free Stores where you can get things you need for free (clothing, food, furniture etc.).

Their goal or mission is to help people get back on their feet and then pay it forward to the next person when they are able. It seems to work quite well. I found one in my town just by googling Pittsburgh + free store. Perhaps your town has the same.

Do you belong to a church or other religious group? Often they have discretionary funds that help parishioners get back on their feet. They are usually kept very private to protect the confidentiality of the situation....so if you just ask, they can tell you their protocols.

My last suggestion is something I did when I needed help furnishing my first apartment many years ago...I went trash picking in the upper class neighborhoods in my town. I found amazing "like new" things...a TV stand that when I eventually got a TV was perfect for, a really comfortable chair with a few cosmetic issues that didn't bother me (scratches on the backs of the legs), clothing with tags (sadly some not always my size...but that was shocking), dishes, silverware, glasses, pots and pans and even some jewelry.

I was/am still shocked what a wasteful society we live in...but all of those items were there by the curb on what clearly was a trash night. I eventually learned trash picking is a popular thing and people make their living doing this and selling their picks at flea markets and tag sales. WOW!

Sending up lots of good wishes forward to help you get through this time. Be strong and you will succeed!!

attosa
Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,246 Posts

June 13, 20180 found this helpful

You can sign up for a free account on nextdoor.com and it will show you what's free in your area.

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

June 14, 20180 found this helpful

Put want ads on Freecycle and Craigslist.

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

June 14, 20180 found this helpful

Best wishes go your way and hopefully you will be able to find lots of nice furniture.

• One problem that many face when looking for "free" stuff is the problem with having a vehicle (and manual help) to pick up items and also help with getting them into an apartment.
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• Most people who are giving away stuff expect someone to pick it up themselves as they may not be able to help load (or just do not wish to put this on themselves) and certainly will very rarely deliver an item.
• So be sure you have a vehicle (and help to load and unload) or be sure to ask if there is help available when you are asking about free stuff.
• Since the neighborhood is new to you, you may have to use Google for information on where churches are located, as well as just asking about free furniture - be sure to enter your new zip code for places near you.
• Start making calls or visits and if no help there, check Craigslist and Freecycle for free stuff and also place your own ad asking for pieces you need (bedroom, living room pieces or whatever else you need). Nestdoor is a favorite place to place an ad because this will be within a short distance of your apartment. Be sure to state some of your reasons as to why you need help.
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• nextdoor.com/.../
• As for food and clothing you should also check with the local churches you find near you for help with food and clothing as many have "food pantries" and many also have free clothing but usually only on certain days of the week/month.
• Then you can also check out any government programs for which you may qualify by looking up food stamp program or check with the local family services for addresses.

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

June 14, 20180 found this helpful

I also meant to mention that until you get settled in you may want to check into visiting one of "soup kitchens" in your new area (Google soup kitchen with zip code) as they serve free meals at lunch time and some serve in the evening.

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Please do not ever feel/be embarrassed as there are many people who get "down on their luck" at different times in their lives and need a little help or boost to get to the next step/bridge.
Be thankful for what you have and keep on looking for better things to lift your mood and give you more reasons to smile.

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