Our pots and pans have seen better days. One night after cooking, we had to just throw a teflon pot away. It was chipping. And chipping teflon equals cancer. We said we’d have to go to the store and buy a new one. And a few additional ones, too, most likely. It’s a good thing I’m not super mom and didn’t go out the next morning.
The next afternoon, some neighbors were moving out. They had a TON of stuff they were getting rid of, and all of it was really nice. I guess they were downsizing. Bookshelves, cabinets, a fake Christmas tree, tables, and pots and pans. I felt kind of weird being the first person out there, but I grabbed them up. We probably saved at least $70; there’s not much variety, but they’re pretty nice.
The bookshelves, tables and cabinets were gone by sunset. Stuff doesn’t stay on curbs around here very long. I know someone that’s always finding TVs this way. I’m wondering if that’s a geographic phenomenon or if turning one man’s literal trash into your own treasure is a common practice across cultures. What do you think? Would you scavenge?
Score!! I would scavenge. I just never find anything. But maybe that’s because I am not really looking.
I just happened to be out on my porch at the right time. I think it may be easier in more urban areas.
I totally scavenge. Always lots of stuff in Vancouver. I’ve gotten a coffee table, speaker stands, side table, and many many books!
Nice! There was a Twilight book out there, but I passed…
Haha… good call.
I would.. I used to get so embarrassed when I wanted to, but I’m over that now.
I was totally embarrassed at first, but then as I watched everything else go I realized it was silly to worry about it.
I’m not above scavenging either. In my old apartment there would always be something or another that someone was giving away for free. I got my microwave for free off of craigslist too.
I think it would be a fairly common practice, but it probably gained momentum in North America after the recession.
I so want to write a research paper on this now that follows the popularity of the trend. I think I have a comp class in a couple of semesters…
good find – we’ve snagged some sweet stuff off curbs!
Xo Megan
It’s good to know I’m not alone!
If you are in Korea and you see four beautiful chairs sitting on the curb, whatever you do DON’T BRING IT HOME. I had an old Korean woman yell at me. No one was around to translate. I shrugged and took them into my apartment.
I learned after that furniture on the curb is NEVER for the taking in Korea. It’s for the movers to come and pick them up.. =$
Wow, that’s super interesting! Just the kind of thing I was hoping to learn. 🙂
I rarely scavenge for stuff. Honestly, I’m WAY too picky about stuff and will usually fork out the extra money to get exactly what I want brand-new.
I still try to find sales, coupons and other ways to save money on my purchases though.
Yeah, I don’t do it every time. But these pots were practically brand new and literally what we were looking to replace. Doesn’t hurt to look!
WOW, those are amazing finds! I think it’s everyone’s culture, I mean, why not? If you need the things that someone else wants to get rid of – it’s logical to help each other out!;-)
Apparently not Korea! Haha but I know what you mean…it only makes sense.
All the time! All the time…trash picking is practically a sport in these parts 😉 We have truly scored some great finds–glad you did too!
Haha that’s so awesome. I bet you guys find some amazing stuff in Chester Co, too!
I haven’t, but I certainly would if the opportunity presented itself with something I needed.
As a kid, I roamed the alleys with my pals looking for treasures. Drove my mother nuts.
Back when we lived in Lakewood Ohio we were on a busy street. They day before trash collection, people would put stuff out on the tree lawn and sitting on our porch we could watch as scavengers stopped by to poke thru it all. Unlike Korea, if you put it out there it was free for the taking.
One time we had a laugh as a lady in a brand new Mercedes stopped and picked up a few things. Until it occurred to us that she was the one with the new Mercedes….
I’ve missed you! Glad to hear from you again and hope Brazil is amazing! It’s amazing how quickly those scavengers nab stuff up; and good for the Mercedes lady!
I don’t, but I would if I saw something! You got some great pans there 🙂
Driving around after garage sales are over is a great way to do it, too. Look for “TAKE ME!” or “FREE!” signs. I got some patio chairs that way once.
Um, absolutely! It’s also good to let your friends know that you are not too proud for their Goodwill pile — I have gotten TONS of cool stuff that way!
YES I would scavage. I was driving home one day and noticed a lawn roller on the curb. I stopped my truck and asked the bloke outside the house about it. He was an older gentleman and he said take it. There’s nothing wrong with it but I’m too old to push it any more. So $150 later, it’s in the back of my truck and away I go! So ya.. bring it on! Great finds for you.. Cheers Mr.CBB
Now those are some awesome finds! I think it was meant to be that they were outside waiting for you 🙂
No shame! Stuff doesn’t stay around for very long on my curb on trash day either. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so good job looting!
what a deal! they look great to me! I love getting new-to-me goodies that are in great shape.
scavenging for things that are no consumable, like pans, is totally ok with our family. shelves and tables are common scavenges for us.
I love to scavenge. I find that most of the stuff other people get rid of is better than the stuff I have. Nearly our entire household is furnished with other people’s leftovers. I wish I could find someone getting rod of a couch right now. We really need one but no way am I paying new prices. One will turn up. I hope you enjoy your finds.
Pingback: Garage Sale Gems | Femme Frugality