With the return of one of my favourite shows tonight on channel 4 ‘Kirstie’s Fill Your House For Free’ I thought I would write a post about my fondness of Freecycle, Freegle and all things well…Free.
Growing up, the majority of my weekends involved visiting charity shops with my lovely Nan , we also did the rounds at the car boot sales and there was always a hand me down to be had from cousins, I thank all those things for my love of a second hand bargain or a freebie, I’m not ashamed to say that at all.
When Chris and I moved in together we had not a scrap of furniture between us, some things we had to buy new but we pretty quickly turned to websites like Freecycle and Freegle to help us out, over the years we have had some amazing things for free and of course given as much back in return.
I thought I would show you a few photos of things we have been ‘gifted’ as I like to call it.
The cabinet above which is originally from Ikea was brand new when we got it from Freecycle, the lady bought it and decided she didn’t like it!
These fabric canvases were from a lady on Warrington Freegle, your local area should have their own group you can join.
This xylophone was in a box of toys we got from Freecycle, I was so excited to see it was a ‘Melissa & Doug’ toy as I’m a huge fan of their products.
These Little Tikes garden toys were from a couple on Freegle who were emigrating to Australia, we also got a Turtle sandpit from them which we gifted to someone else as we wouldn’t use it.
My favourite freebie from Freecycle this year has to be this gorgeous Pink Lining change bag, I love the toadstool design it’s just perfect for me.
We have been gifted so many lovely things over the last few years I couldn’t possibly show all of them to you, from furniture to baby clothes, from tools to toys the list is endless.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on your local Facebook selling pages as lots of people give things away for free on there too.
The only downside is that items are getting snapped up really quickly since sites like Freecycle became more popular but we still get the odd gem every now and again.
Some people may turn their nose up at second-hand freebies but not me.
What do you think about sites like Freecycle? What’s the best thing you’ve gotten for free from similar sites? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to know.
I too am a bit fan of hunting things out for free or cheap. Recently I picked Eli up a little singing cookpot that he LOVES from a charity shop for )2. Such a bargain!
I love that xylophone :-
It always amazes me that people go through the hassle of putting something on ebay to get £1 for it – we often do charity shop runs for the smaller items but will look into the Freecycle type sites too 🙂 #MMWBH
Oh I forgot that was on last night. Look at all your finds, amazing what you can get isn't it?
I'm crazy for charity shops but have never tried Freecycle – off to have a look now.
#Midweekbloghop
Great post and really educational – never considered Freecycle or Freegle; I'll be giving them a go! #MMWBH
Wow you've inspired me to try freecycle, up until now we have bought some random bits n bobs from charity shops n upcycled but never been gifted anything! Must have a look!
#MMWBH
I'm always amazed, of course you get some tat as well but it's all worth a chance 🙂
I know what you mean, sometimes it's best just to give it away and let someone else have something they might really need than make a couple of quid 🙂
I know which crockpot you mean someone gave one to Daisy and she loves it ! Little ones don't care if something's new or not as long as they can play with it 🙂
ooh let me know if you have any success 🙂
Lovely, let me know if you have any success 🙂
Brilliant, let me know if you find anything good on there 🙂
Wow, what fab freebies! I joined freecycle, but have yet to use it. I have some stuff to give away, but I was a bit put off because my dad gave away a bike, then saw the person selling it at a car boot the next weekend. Also, a guy I used to work with made no secret that he used to make up sob stories to get free stuff from these sites to put on eBay. I was so disgusted I didn't speak to him after I learned that! It's a real shame people abuse these things 🙁
I know exactly what you mean as I've had that done to me, but I just think oh well if they are that desperate for the cash good luck to them, I think it's a sign of the times 🙂
what wonderful finds! I have absolutely no issue with using these sites. We often use facebook selling sites too. I picked up a great desk for Buddy which someone had gifted.
I just love charity shops and car boot sale and this is the first time that I had heard of freecycle and I am going there now! The best things in life is freebies =P Thanks for sharing this site =) #mmwbh
A great post, it is so true that if you are prepared to get out and look there are plenty of useful things you can get free or for next to nothing, I have no problem with second hand things, but lots of people do. #MMWBH
Facebook selling sites can be great for finding a bargain or selling on can't they 🙂
I've noticed a reduction in people offering good items in the last few months, hopefully it will pick up again soon
Good Luck, hope you find something good 🙂
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Thank you, glad to have inspired you, hope you find some nice things 🙂
I have been meaning to upcycle things from charity shops for a while now, but time has always been against me! So you lady have inspired to pop over to freecycle for a nosy! Lovely post and what lovely 'gifted' items you found too. Thanks for linking up with #MMWBH xx