10 friends live secondhand for a year

[s.saver]

I would totally be willing and ready to try this as a challenge. I think that it would make it that much easier for me to have a support group. Also think of all the ideas and inspirations we could share with each other.

[Thrifty Ray]

I would jump in on this...but my DH and DD3---um, not so much. They are not as frugal-loving as I am.

[sarah]

I've spent the night thinking about this and I am going to try it. I am uncertain for how long but at least for several months. Is there anybody out there who be willing to actually joint me for at least a while.

[sparkysgirl]

anyone join their website?

[sparkysgirl]

I'd love to do this , but don't even know how to start something like this in Ohio. everyone I am friends with now think i am nuts living the way I do trying to save a dime.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by sparkysgirl

I'd love to do this , but don't even know how to start something like this

I think the main thing would be to put together a list of all the area thrift shops, consignment shops, used furniture stores, auctions, etc. Also, check your local papers for yard sales, flea markets, church bazaars, etc. You can also browse ebay, craigslist and freecycle (if there is one in your area), as well as classified ads in the paper for anything you might need. Just about everything can be purchased second-hand if you look around. Of course, it will be a lot easier during the warm weather months due to yard sales and flea markets, but there are enough resources around all the time to do this. And don't forget trash-picking as a great way to get secondhand stuff free of charge.

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

And don't forget trash-picking as a great way to get secondhand stuff free of charge.

ok, dumpster diving tip for those considering this for next year: go to apartment complexes at the end of the month. leases often are up the last day of the month, and a lot of stuff gets tossed that is still perfectly usable. the 15th is also a common lease day.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

ok, dumpster diving tip for those considering this for next year: go to apartment complexes at the end of the month. leases often are up the last day of the month, and a lot of stuff gets tossed that is still perfectly usable. the 15th is also a common lease day.

Another tip - College campuses at the end of the school year. Many students buy furnishings that they have no use for once they graduate so they just trash them. Find out where the seniors live and check those areas.

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Another tip - College campuses at the end of the school year. Many students buy furnishings that they have no use for once they graduate so they just trash them. Find out where the seniors live and check those areas.

hehehehe!!! i've gotten great jeans and a set of shelves this way when i was in college, both which lasted almost 10 years. check to see if there are apt complexes that cater to students from a local university. check their dumpster area monthly, but keep the place STAKED OUT starting the beginning of may...

[sarah]

I have decided to try this. See my blog for details.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I'm sorry I missed the original story. I would especially like to read about why the practice would make anyone angry.

What kinds of things are excuded from the don't buy used category in the story? I mean, my watch just died. Must I pay a jeweler to fix a $14 watch if I can find no one to give or trade one to me? What if the battery died? May I have a new battery, or should I find a used watch and salvage that battery? How about toothpaste? New shoe strings? A spool of thread to mend a seam? Do I have to settle for brown thread on my white t-shirt because brown is what my friend was able to give me? Or do I have to carefully remove the thread from a white raggedy shirt that will be used to mop up spills and use that thread to mend my t-shirt?

If the blower on my furnace burns out, may I buy another? How will I deal with the need for furnace filters? Must I have one of those permanent, washable filters? What ithey aren't made for my furnace? And if my skin is dry in the winter weather, may I buy the cheapest jar of vaseline, at least? Brake fluid is okay? Well, then, how about an oil filter? An oxygen sensor if mine goes bad? Say I'd like a bottle of sunscreen to use while I garden, is that out? ...Oh, I don't know...it just brings up a zillion questions.

By the way, am I the only one who noticed the president again saying last week that we should think about going shopping more???

[Bookie]

I wonder when the President last went shopping?

[PrincessPerky]

Joan...maybe the point is to make you think about where to get white thread from a different friend..or if you really needed the shirt..or if you could buy some thread from a thrift store..or the watch..or if you need a watch in addition to the cell phone...or whatever.

I would think the skin care, personal hygene thing new is fine..though..I honestly stopped buying hand creme, because I was to cheap when getting out of CC debt..and I found olive oil or eucerin works better, and is cheaper in the end....

I think you bring up the kind of reason I would avoid a group ....but I also think the whole 'how do I avoid buying' is going ot bring up interesting ideas and solutions..rather than buy first....

and if you really need thread, email me your address I'll mail you some ... I don't sew, and I have lots!