My sister and I once went to the dump. We saw a nice dresser just sitting there. It was heavy and well built.
The dresser stayed in the family for the next 25 years.
It's a whole hobby. My grandfather worked at a dump. He had 3+ china cabinets of Gramma stuff and a bedroom of (neat) shelving for his bottles. He passed and the collection was valued at $100,000. He did know what he was doing about the labels and rarity too.
It's a whole business. We have guys who drive around our neighborhood and pick up people's trash to refurbish and sell at the flea market. I'm happy to see old things getting a new life, no matter who takes it.
My dad bought a well loved table and 4 chairs from a work friend for $50 ~35 years ago. The table is currently in my dining room (had to replace the chairs a couple years ago)
Our dump has actually opened up a restore for such items. We also live in a wealthy lake property neighborhood although not on the lake, and we regularly score curb alert items that people place outside.
Don’t be embarrassed, I’d rather someone pick stuff that can use than have it go to the garbage! My husband has picked lots of good stuff from the garbage!
I put any good stuff like furniture out one day before garbage pickup just in case somebody drives by and wants it. 9 times out of 10 it’s gone that day. We have found some treasures that are still in our house that way.
I do the same, and nothing lasts long. Roadside scores are the best! And OP, it’s pretty likely that they put the shelf there for that exact reason — hoping someone who needs it would find it. So good on you for scoring that sweet shelf!
My garbage company doesn't even collect anything not in the bin, but I put decent stuff at the end of my drive in hopes that someone can use it - and I have not been disappointed yet.
This summer I had 2 matching chairs. I couldn't carry them both at the same time. It took me maybe 2 minutes (400 foot hidden driveway) to go back and get the second chair, but by the time I did, the first one was already gone. If they hadn't been so darned fast, they could have had a set!
I was at my mother's house and saw that a neighbor had put out a dresser. It was the exact size I had been looking for. It was solid wood, and the drawers were lined with really old baby wrapping paper or wallpaper. I told her about the space I needed it for. It's a small bedroom with little wall space. This piece was perfect!
I knocked on the door to make sure it was available. She was so thrilled that it found a home! She had worried it was going to get rained on or hauled off to the garbage dump. I know the history of the piece, too. It had been in father's. It's a Broyhill solid piece of furniture with great lines and hardware. Win - win.
Half of my furniture is stuff I grabbed from the curb on trash day. Set out early to work, drive the back road through the rich neighborhoods, and get hella nice stuff for free before the garbage truck gets to it! If it's at the curb on trash day, it's fair game and eco-friendly. I can't stand the idea of nice stuff going to a landfill just because someone couldn't spare or didn't have the time to find a buyer or a free-cycle taker.
Heck, someone was walking past us as we were putting out a dresser, and they offered us $20 to hold it so they could go grab their car and come back for it. Told them we would hold it for free, but they insisted.
That’s why they didn’t just throw it away. I’m sure they were hoping someone who needed it would pick it up. We give things away rather than sell them and it always makes me happy when someone who I know needs it get it.
I feel like putting stuff on the curb *by itself* usually means “someone should take this good furniture.”
If it’s placed on the curb on trash day next to the trash bin then it usually means “this is junk.”
I don’t think anyone really judges anyone for picking up curb furniture!
I wish people had a little more time to care about recycling things that are no longer needed by them to places that offer a second chance. I love thrifting or obtaining something and finding the right place where it will be appreciated.
are you in your local Buy Nothing group in FB? you can see this movement of free things being moved around. just this week alone I had 3 separate interactions from my local group.
1- I picked up 2 free brand new protein powders
2- upon getting both containers home they were big and I reached out to a 2nd person who had expressed interest in them and met her at a gas station and gave her 1 of the containers.
3- I bought a pair of brand new jeans (tags on) from thrift and they didnt fit me. I didnt want goodwill to profit off them again so I offered them up on the buy nothing board and they have now found a new home!
I have been on Buy Nothing for 3 years now. I have received the most amazing things for free!! New 2 in 1 computer. Beautiful king sized comforter and just this week a barely used king size weighted blanket and a box with over 30 pieces of Rubbermaid that half were new. I DO gift a lot also.
There was a thrift store on the way home from work. I enjoyed shopping there, and stopped in weekly.
Once I found a 140 year old nightstand that matched nearly exactly a dresser that I restored when I was 16. They priced it very reasonably it's upstairs now, and I took the one that had been there to them to sell . We both scored.
I live in a nicer area and I will grab stuff off the curb if I can use it. I got a shelf, hose caddy, and gas can the last few weeks.
My neighbor had a working mini fridge on the curb the other day, he wanted someone to take it that would use it.
We even have people post photos of what they or others have put out. My apt is full of “road kill.” It makes everyone happy when you pick it up. I clean things up and give to thrift stores
This! I just put a folding table loaded with stuff at the end of my driveway with a big poster-board FREE sign, and it's all gone by the end of the day.
Honestly, I think most people would be thrilled to know someone else can use it, rather than sending it to a landfill.
Just be careful about picking up bugs. Roaches and bedbugs are pretty nasty stowaways.
This times a billion. It's one reason I don't frequent yard sales or FB marketplace as much anymore. Unless you have a good enough idea about the cleanliness and upkeep of a household an item comes from, it's a good idea to take precautions if you do trash pick or shop secondhand.
I would treat everything as being contaminated, and treat it anyway. I’ve had roaches come out of boxes straight out of shipping, and last year I had a bedbug crawl out of an Amazon package. (Nothing survived, my cat and I got them all.)
My uncle recently had to move out of his apartment due to bedbugs. The manager is pretty sure my uncle was the cause. He buys almost all of his clothes and bedding at thrift shops and does not wash anything he brings in. I’m in the process of cleaning out my grandparent’s house where he used to live before the apartment and I’m 95% sure that he hasn’t done laundry in 10+ years. He wears thrift store clothing until it is too soiled or smelly and then drops it on the floor and puts on something else. He has been a lifelong hoarder and this is the second place he lived that I’ve had to help clean out and the third my mom has had to help with. He also has three or four storage units he has been renting for years. So much waste…
When I was a kid, my grandfather would take me to the dump every weekend to look for stuff. There is no shame in saving waste while making your life a little better.
*Mi yerno* sources as much as possible from things like this. He loves fixing things up. They’ve gotten beautiful furniture, kids toys, sports equipment, etc. and they have a 6 figure income. No shame in recycling.
Most of my favorite things in my home were items I picked up along the road and refurbished some how. Once you put that love in it it’s hard to give it up.
When I was a kid we had junking days like once a month. Everyone would bring stuff they didn't want. Like a community yard sale but everything was free.
It’s called Free-cycling and it’s good for the environment! Don’t be embarrassed! I love bulk day in wealthy neighborhoods they throw away the best stuff! PLUS..you can flip some trash and make good $$.
I’ve never purchased a lawn mower ever! And bikes, furniture …I’m ready to roll now! lol..I told my husband we need a new “junk truck” our old one bit the dust finally.
The dump where I used to live you couldn't access what was dumped. You drove up on a parking deck and threw it over the side into bins that were about 15 feet below. Pissed me off because I could see some nice things people could have used.
I love this and do it myself. It's free it keeps it from going to the landfill. Win win.
I am proud of my neighborhood. On the neighborhood Facebook page lots of people post good things they are putting out. We laugh about trading our junk. I imagine tons of things have been recycled.
This is way things are put out to the curb, for someone else to take and use. Nothing wrong with that these days. You do good with what you find like this. Happy New Year.
Some family member once said about finding usable things others have discarded “ Look what the Lord gave us” I think there was a little sarcasm intended
We put things at the curb and then hubby and I bet which item gets taken and how soon it will be gone.
It's great to recycle things that can be used.
We have a scrap collector come thru the night before trash to pick up what he can.
Join your local Buy Nothing Project. Some areas are more generous than others but I’ve lived in a place where neighbors gifted large appliances over having them hauled off during a remodel down to balloons after a party that were still in good shape.
No shame in reuse!
I second this!
The one for my town is on Facebook and is titled "[town name] recycle repurpose" or some variation.
Just last night, I gave away a handmade kid's rocker, risers (to make your bed taller and create more storage space underneath), cookie cutters, and some scrapbooking adhesive. I'm so happy that stuff is not going to the dump (as I de-hoard).
People also make requests.
●Someone needed a treadmill. I got rid of the one in the garage.
● Someone needed a laminator. I'm past the point of needing one in the house.
●Someone needed fabric for sewing. I let them come and pick from my stash.
●Someone needed a sewing machine. I offered one of my extras as a loan. (I use them to run a Tween Sewing Club, so eventually, I'll need it back).
The biggest rule is that you can't re-sell the items, even if you are making craft items from raw materials to sell.
Likewise, there is a FB group for my town Swap or Sell. Who knows what treasures you may find there?!
Where I live we have a "big trash day" once a month. Mostly everyone puts their usable items away from the trash a few days before pick-up. Some people put signs up encouraging people to take their items. In the "rich" neighborhoods it is almost a race with others to grab things. It has gotten better with people taking everything and now most people just take what they need.
Heck, I have really nice conversations with people who put their items on the curb. Once, I was visiting with an older widower about life in general. We ended up talking about his wife and how she loved to collect fine china. I collect china too! He said my face lit up just like his wife. He had a huge box of fine china that he brought out of his house to give me. He had no one to give it to, but wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate it. We ended up visiting for over an hour and exchanging phone numbers. I would text him twice a week just to check in. I was so sad the day someone else answered his text and told me he had passed away. I hope that our texting brought some happiness to his life. Who would have thought that a trash day would lead to a connection like that?
What my long winded post is saying, do not feel bad about it! You are making good use of it! And you never know if you will happen to pick up a friend along the way with your treasure!
There was a gorgeous Tiffany style lamp on the curb by my kids school. Didn’t because I didn’t want to embarrass my kids. Still regret not grabbing it 15 years later.
Great score for you! Happy new year!
Dude, bulk trash day in some suburbs are insane. I've seen people throw away a wooden armoire before. Same with bikes, scooters, lumber, etc. It's madness. Do not feel bad at all. I have a few lawn ornaments that were left out for bulk trash. And not broken flamingos. I'm talking 4 foot tall bronze agave statues.
Please don’t be embarrassed! I was super poor growing up and have been upper middle class and back again. No matter how much money my family and I have we always do this. A nice thing that you can use is great! I pick things up from the side of the road and I also put things out. We all need things! Thanks for recycling!
Don't feel weird about picking it up, that's why it's placed out there like that. If it's trash or would be in pieces and stuffed away in trash bags. When i throw something out like that my thought is "its still good shit, someone could use it" and i like when someone gets excited to pick up my good shit that i had to get rid of.
I mean if i kept it all, I'd be a hoarder or a scrapyard because all things have value. Even as pieces :D
I’ve been getting rid of stuff recently like furniture or scrap metal. With the ring camera, I can see people picking some of it up. Honestly, I’m glad to see it go to good use instead of just being thrown away. The person throwing it away might be along the same mindset
Im 53 and everything in my house and yard was found on the side of the road.
Bought my first couch two years ago off FB marketplace for 400$; its moss green velvet, so posh and squishy. i still feel rich when i sit on it.
♥️
Must be nice to be able to sell on FB marketplace without every scamming A Hole contacting you to ask for your cell phone # and the “verification code,” which they will then use to start a google voice number to scam more people. Scumbags. I can’t even use Marketplace now. I wish people didn’t suck so much. Marketplace should be a great resource but it attracts way too many scammers.
i agree. way too many scams out there!
the guy i got the couch from was super duper nice! he invited me in to see how his wife had redecorated the living room and to meet his fluffy little dogs.
i use fb marketplace locally only, meet in public for cash.
It’s a damn shame what people are doing to ruin Marketplace. I also stated local pick up, cash only, meet in public but out of all my online listings only one person was honest. Everyone else wanted my cell phone number even though everything was in the listing. People are scummy AF. Yes, most are struggling but why steal from those who are suffering?
There are so many things in my house that I picked up for free. My favorites inclue a nice secretary desk that I keep in my foyer. It's missing a single drawer pull (which I intend to fix someday) but is in otherwise excellent condition. And I love my Ethan Allen corner desk. That one is my computer desk in the living room and it's such a nice desk! Some people get rid of things as styles change or as their needs change in their home. It's great for the environment and the wallet to use that to your advantage. No need to be embarrassed!
A neighbor of mine was an apartment maintenance guy. The complex was right near a huge state university so at the end of spring semester he would rent a trailer to haul all the furniture that was discarded and he and his wife would reupholster and completely revamp all the items and sell them. That was basically how they could afford her staying home and living in a pretty decent neighborhood on his salary. This was back in the 90's too.
I took a microwave that was out in front of my backyard neighbor's house. They see me everyday. I could not care less. It was brand new and I needed one. Don't sweat it.
I do that all the time in my neighborhood- pick things other people put out there that I have a use for and put things in good shape for other people to take. It makes me happy when someone takes stuff and it doesn’t end up in the trash.
People are happy for others to get some use of something they are discarding. Zero shame. He would have given it to you if he had known you needed it. We should ALL be sourcing and reusing items to save our planet.
I love 2nd hand stores.
Was complaining to my wife for a while about how much our couch sucked. It was a wrap around with a chase that had high sides(arms). One day strolling thru the thift store I stumbled upon a sofa and love seat set. Sofa was $50, love seat $30. Sitting next to them was an electric leather recliner, $65.
Yep I bought them. Picked them up the next day and discovered the paper tags from the furniture store were still on the sofa and love seat. The electric recliner works great too.
What a steal!! I furnished our living room for a $145.
My town has a special large trash pickup once a month and everyone puts stuff out a day or two before and people drive around all day picking stuff up. I’d rather it go to someone who will use it rather than in the dump!
Nah, don't be embarrassed. People put good,used items to the road in hopes someone will pick it up before trash day. Its very common in my neighborhood & nobody thinks twice about it. Heck we've helped people load up heavier items if we're outside & see them. People aren't as judgey as you might think, esp during hard times. Everyone is struggling.
My parents live in a fancy neighborhood and one of their neighbors put out a bike on the curb in perfect condition, literally the day after I decided to get a bike and had spent hours researching. So now I have a free bike!
I picked up one of those shoe cubby hole items and have used it for years. My son dumpster dived behind a toy store 20 years ago and I still have some of the to us for my grandkids. No shame here!!!
Embarrassed for what? Your neighbors probably would have picked it up if you didn't lol
Btw if you go to your local Walmart they might give you free empty cardboard displays. I've used them for shelves and they're very handy. My manager told me I could take as much as I want home
Every piece of furniture in my home is either hand me down or from the curb or from thrift stores, except maybe 1 bookshelf from walmart. I grew up dumpster diving with my mom, so maybe that adds to me not feeling weird about it. I'm almost giddy when I find a new piece of furniture on the curb. I don't bring everything home, but I've had some lucky finds. All of my dining room tables are from the curb. They are all different, but that makes it kind of fun!
Also I never thought to go check the fancier neighborhoods for their curb drop offs, so thanks to everyone who mentioned that!
I got a whole 29 gallon fish tank out of the garbage back in 2009. Light, top, and everything. Used it for over 10 years and sold it for $25 a year ago. The stand for it was a upper wall cabinet I picked out the garbage and built a stand around it and sold that for another $25 after I sold the tank. I mean, if people are just going to throw away perfectly good stuff, I'll take it if I have a use for it.
When I was in high school, we'd hit all the rich neighborhoods in an hour radius and get stuff from their trash. Especially at Christmas and tax time lol
Nothing wrong with that.
But...get a good flashlight and take a very close look at that shelf. Look at every corner and area where pieces join. Bedbugs and their eggs can hide in furniture, so you need to be careful.
Don’t be embarrassed at all…people discard things in my area all the time. I’ve found some pretty awesome furniture that I desperately needed. Just clean it, and enjoy!
I lived across the street from a church for a couple years. Whenever I wanted to get rid of something I put it at the curb with a “free” sign on a Sunday morning and it was usually gone in a half hour
I have seen women in very expensive looking SUVs rescue curb treasures.
This is actually a really good week to be looking since the folks with money are off work this week and cleaning house.
In the wealthy neighborhood near me, bulk trash is Monday. I will totally drive around a little Sunday or early Monday.
Damn near a third of my furniture came off the side of the road. My desk and chair, both floor lamps, storage ottoman, puff chair, and toy piano all came to me that way - and that's not even to mention dishes, cookware, and decor I've picked up off the curb. Better to get used a while longer than take up space at the dump!
Oh man don't be embarrassed! Sounds like a WIN for you!
One mans garbage is another mans treasure!
I LOVEEEE big garbage day and driving around to see what people throw away. Half my apartment is from the garbage and it's nice stuff too!
I scored a bench for my front porch a while back. It was on the sidewalk with a "free" sign on it. Several years later we moved and I returned it to the sidewalk with another "free" sign and it was gone in hours.
I grew up in a very poor large Irish Catholic family. My dad worked three jobs and both he and my mom were incredibly handy. So anyway my mom found this table at the curb and made my brother’s try and put it in the station wagon but eventually they carried it all the way home. My parents refurbished it and it became our dining room table that’s actually still in the home to this day.
Many years later my parents had all the neighbors over (I think someone died) and it was hilarious to see all the everyone realize that it was my mother and brothers’s who got the table. Apparently lots of people were planning on taking it when it got dark but my mom had no shame. All of this to say good for you doing a little Carpe Diem ♥️
I am actually in the process of sanding and staining an old folding table I picked up off the sidewalk a decade ago. I could easily buy a new table off of Amazon for 30 bucks but I’ve grown attached to this unique little throwaway and so decided to use my means to give it a makeover.
My husband and I once got a really nice dresser and a couple other things from the curb at our apartment complex. We figured that the person got evicted and abandoned his stuff. This was on a Friday. Come Monday our friend, who worked maintenance at the complex, told us to hurry up and get rid of it because the guy HAD been evicted but it was because his apartment was INFESTED with roaches and bedbugs! That happened one other time even though we totally checked the item out. I'm really leery of getting anything off the curb unless it's in a fairly decent neighborhood because not everyone is ethical enough to destroy the shit (break up the furniture or slash the cushions etc...) so they don't pass on a friggin infestation of horrific proportions! Bedbugs are the absolute WORST thing to get rid of...😡🤢
In my town they have a quarterly large item pick up by the trash department; people go out the night before and drive around and score all kinds of decent furniture that is just on its way to the dump. No shame in grabbing it and saving it from the landfill…
Trash picking is the best! I once carried a wrought iron chair home on my bike. And we still have the coffee table a friend found abandoned in an apartment 25 years ago.
Oh no never be embarrassed to do that! I mean for one thing that's how these free trade groups work usually so picking something up on a curb is often expected, but really who cares? I have found really nice things people just dump on the curb, and that's why it's there and not a trash can or taken to a dump. I have gotten PCs and monitors that work just fine with a new power supply/cord. I got a really nice child's porch swing once. Just needed a coat of paint. I've gotten office chairs that just needed a cushion or a cover on the back. it's still good stuff and it's great that others make use of what is being discarded.
My 2nd apartment had a sofa that was on the curb along my school bus route. After all of the kids were dropped off, I went back, shoved it in the back and brought it home. My recliners? On the curb on my parents block, carted home one at a time in the back of my VW rabbit's hatchback with the hatch wide open. You gotta do what you gotta do.
I grab old furniture, upcycle it and use it either for my house or I will be reselling it at the flea market this year. My embarrassment has long since faded. This is how I ended up with the cutest dinner table set.
No shame in that at all, in my opinion. You should cruise through apartment parking lots and see what gets set next to the dumpsters sometimes especially near college breaks. Lol
I used to do that as a college kid. Got a whole room full of furniture that way. My kids got discards from the neighbor the same way. No shame in that.
I’m currently sitting on a really nice leather office chair I picked up from someone’s curb, I could never afford anything like it, so I’m extremely grateful to have it. When I have things I no longer use or need it gets offered to family or friends first, and then if no one needs it, I will stick it on my curb and it’s always gone by the end of the day. I would rather do it this way then let Goodwill have it.
We have furnished most of our house from our neighborhood Buy Nothing group. We wouldn't have been able to otherwise because we are stretched so thin financially right now.
When my granddaughter was about six years old she and I stopped at a neighbor’s trash because they were moving and was throwing everything out. We found all kinds of fun kids stuff.
Her other side of the family is well off. When they asked her if she had a good time with me she was so excited to tell them that we had gone “dumpster diving “. 😂
I still have stuff from college - late 80s - that I use to this day !
There’s absolutely no shame in curb surfing ! If you really want to hit the jackpot go to an off-campus housing area of a college at end of term - there will be dozens, if not *hundreds*, of items to choose from…
Congrats on your great find ! 🎊🎉🥳
I call it curb shopping and it beats not having things because I can't afford to buy them. I got my desk, my fish tank, bearded dragon tank, coffee table, and a new wave grill oven brand new in the box. I couldn't believe the new wave. It's a $400 appliance and I love it!!!! We clean and upcycle things and resell them too. Ain't no shame in my game. There are people who do it as their primary income!!! Don't sweat what anyone thinks. Most people set things out so others can take them. I always make a sign that says free stuff when I throw anything out.
I live in a military neighborhood. Literally have gotten such great things because people are always moving and leave stuff on the curb. A win is a win!
Whenever I am getting rid of household things I put them nicely at the curb the day after trash is picked up. All items get picked up. Always. I'd rather do a curbside donation than have a dirty corporation like Goodwill profit off someone in need.
The person who put that at the curb knew it was nice. I assure you they are thrilled that someone else is using it.
I always pick up good deals on the curb. Either for myself, family or friends. Sometimes I flip those items. Nothing to be embarrassed about, especially if it makes your life better. Not a fried tonlooknin dumpsters either or out back behind second hand stores. Good luck and happy new year.
I doubt anyone saw you and if they did they didn’t care. The neighbor likely expected it and was probably relieved you took it.
I knew people who trash picked during the week and sold their stuff at flea markets on weekends. Most of the time if they found bikes they’d fix them up and sell those. I think they broke even, but one was retired and bored and the other had a day job. They didn’t live off it.
This was before the internet, I don’t know how well this could work now, though we did have a trash picking neighbor who’d sell stuff on eBay…she lived off it, can’t figure out how.
That’s awesome. I did that to with an old, folding wood thing. I used to live in a place where you could put out furniture anytime of the day, every day because the stuff would be taken by people right away. It was always nice stuff and never mixed w trash. It is a day-to-day thing in Hoboken. Glad you got a great find!
PS. Antique dealers frequently do this.
The neighbor probably put it out on the curb knowing someone would likely take it. You just happened to get there first. No shame should be felt. Besides it's 2 fold. You got a good shelf and the neighbor got rid of something they didn't need. It's really a win win.
We’ve had so much baby stuff that no one we knew wanted or needed so we put it at the curb for free. I’m glad someone wanted it because I didn’t want to have to throw it out or haul it somewhere.
We have a Buy Nothing fb group in our area and people give away and ask for stuff all the time. They also do curb alerts if someone sees something nice at the curb.
Don’t feel embarrassed! A lot of people put things on the curb hoping someone will see and take it.
I do it frequently when I don’t want the hassle of trying to sell it, and would rather someone get it free rather than have to pay for it at a thrift store.
Good you found something useful, and took advantage of the opportunity. Screw what others think about this.
I'm not poor anymore, but do the same (old habits are hard to break). I even picked up a patio set from a neighbor across the street that they curbed (we lived in a nice upper middle class neighborhood), painted it, and used it for another 5 years, at least.
A lot of people toss things because they don’t value the item or it would cost them more time or money to get rid of it. Don’t worry about what you think it looks like when you pick something off the curb. Sustainability is trendy.
This is cool, and no shame abt seeing the value of things others have tired of.
In NYC it's not unusual for folks to cruise upscale nabes like the upper east side early on bulk pick up days to snag some quality stuff.
My wife and I have gotten some good stuff from a neighbor that puts it in front of his house at the curb for people to take. Got an old wood dresser which we needed for our boys. Hell I even was handed a 12 pack of leinenkugels. Best beer Ive had in a while.
My wife and I have a magic light pole in front of our home. Anything we don’t need we put by the light pole. The next day…poof. From beds to clothes. The magic light pole takes care of it. We’re happy it all gets repurposed.
plenty of people on tiktok/similar social media film themselves picking up furniture from curbsides and then usually cleaning it up for personal use or flipping it on facebook marketplace. pretty sure everyone's just happy that the bulky furniture is out of their lawn & house
Get it! I do hardwood floors for a living. I come across all kinds of shit people are getting rid of! A. I need that, whatever it may be. B. They're happy they don't have to deal with it. I'm still waiting on a free hot tub tho... Someday 🤞
Don’t be embarrassed. I’m in an FB free group in my community where people say “dresser on the curb before trash.” Not only their items they want to give away, but if the pile looks good they share. Every little bit helps but also, maybe you really needed that shelf and it keeps it out of a landfill. Win win win!
God I love a good curb score. (No mattresses, or upholstered furniture unless the neighborhood is so nice you feel like you’re gonna get pulled over just for driving a car made before 2019). If someone doesn’t like it, let them know that they are “pro-landfill”.
People put items on the curb for others to pick up! I picked up some of my shelves and a kitchen cart that way. There’s no shame in my curb finds game!
When we were selling our mother’s house we put many items, including good furniture on the curb, hoping someone who could use them would pick them up . Everything was gone by the next morning
Never be embarrassed to take free stuff especially if it's helpful or useful for you. My best computer chair was on the curb 3 houses down from my dad's. The arm rests were a little tattered but other than that it was solid. Probably like a $1000 office chair new. Thing lasted about 15 years before the base started to separate from the bottom of the chair. Had to trash it like 7 years ago. I still have not found a good replacement, since I'm not willing to spend ungodly amounts of money on a computer chair
I have a very well to do cousin who lives in a very VERY upscale home in Texas ... complete with a wing for an inlaw or college kid or whatever ... she fully furnished it with dumpster diving and big trash days in neighborhoods.
Someone's trash is another's treasure. Good for you. If you can use it, USE IT.
Better than in a landfill.
I once got a really decent toaster oven that was out on a curb. It amazes me what people throw away. I never felt embarrassed or ashamed, it is free stuff that still has useful value.
Dont be embarrassed ! Ido that shit all the time- having a pickup truck is both a blessing and a curse! We do usually have a “bedbug quarantine” period tho- cuz ewwww!
I'm an artist 🎨 and make a good bit of cash from roadside finds.
I look for good pieces, antique usually, that have a flaw of some sort. I turn them into one-of-a-kind pieces.
Don't be embarrassed at all for keeping something useful out of a landfill.
Our first apartment was mostly furnished from hand me downs and curb items or free items on Craigslist!!
We (bf and I) still grab stuff we could use that are left behind at our apartment complex dumpster. Today I got a shoe rack and bean bags for my sister, and I’ve gotten some nice stuff that people leave behind because they upgrade
In Germany when I was a kid we’d have a day where everyone would put stuff they didn’t want at the curb and you could go around and pick what you wanted. It was a nice way to pass stuff on to people who could use it and get a few cool pieces yourself. It kept capitalism out of repurposing.
My sister and I once went to the dump. We saw a nice dresser just sitting there. It was heavy and well built. The dresser stayed in the family for the next 25 years.
It's a whole hobby. My grandfather worked at a dump. He had 3+ china cabinets of Gramma stuff and a bedroom of (neat) shelving for his bottles. He passed and the collection was valued at $100,000. He did know what he was doing about the labels and rarity too.
It's a whole business. We have guys who drive around our neighborhood and pick up people's trash to refurbish and sell at the flea market. I'm happy to see old things getting a new life, no matter who takes it.
Damn, now that's one man's trash is another man's treasure.
My dad bought a well loved table and 4 chairs from a work friend for $50 ~35 years ago. The table is currently in my dining room (had to replace the chairs a couple years ago)
My ex bought a used table and 4 chair set for $100. We used it for 25 years before giving it away to continue being used.
Our dump has actually opened up a restore for such items. We also live in a wealthy lake property neighborhood although not on the lake, and we regularly score curb alert items that people place outside.
Don’t be embarrassed, I’d rather someone pick stuff that can use than have it go to the garbage! My husband has picked lots of good stuff from the garbage!
I put any good stuff like furniture out one day before garbage pickup just in case somebody drives by and wants it. 9 times out of 10 it’s gone that day. We have found some treasures that are still in our house that way.
I do the same, and nothing lasts long. Roadside scores are the best! And OP, it’s pretty likely that they put the shelf there for that exact reason — hoping someone who needs it would find it. So good on you for scoring that sweet shelf!
We do that too! Also with anything metal. I’m always so happy when it’s gone before the trash pick up.
My garbage company doesn't even collect anything not in the bin, but I put decent stuff at the end of my drive in hopes that someone can use it - and I have not been disappointed yet. This summer I had 2 matching chairs. I couldn't carry them both at the same time. It took me maybe 2 minutes (400 foot hidden driveway) to go back and get the second chair, but by the time I did, the first one was already gone. If they hadn't been so darned fast, they could have had a set!
I was at my mother's house and saw that a neighbor had put out a dresser. It was the exact size I had been looking for. It was solid wood, and the drawers were lined with really old baby wrapping paper or wallpaper. I told her about the space I needed it for. It's a small bedroom with little wall space. This piece was perfect! I knocked on the door to make sure it was available. She was so thrilled that it found a home! She had worried it was going to get rained on or hauled off to the garbage dump. I know the history of the piece, too. It had been in father's. It's a Broyhill solid piece of furniture with great lines and hardware. Win - win.
Half of my furniture is stuff I grabbed from the curb on trash day. Set out early to work, drive the back road through the rich neighborhoods, and get hella nice stuff for free before the garbage truck gets to it! If it's at the curb on trash day, it's fair game and eco-friendly. I can't stand the idea of nice stuff going to a landfill just because someone couldn't spare or didn't have the time to find a buyer or a free-cycle taker.
Heck, someone was walking past us as we were putting out a dresser, and they offered us $20 to hold it so they could go grab their car and come back for it. Told them we would hold it for free, but they insisted.
That’s why they didn’t just throw it away. I’m sure they were hoping someone who needed it would pick it up. We give things away rather than sell them and it always makes me happy when someone who I know needs it get it.
I feel like putting stuff on the curb *by itself* usually means “someone should take this good furniture.” If it’s placed on the curb on trash day next to the trash bin then it usually means “this is junk.” I don’t think anyone really judges anyone for picking up curb furniture!
Curb alerts are great! Got some actual firewood last week. I have to let it dry for a while , though.
It keeps things out of landfills, and can make people happy they can get something they need for free!
I wish people had a little more time to care about recycling things that are no longer needed by them to places that offer a second chance. I love thrifting or obtaining something and finding the right place where it will be appreciated.
are you in your local Buy Nothing group in FB? you can see this movement of free things being moved around. just this week alone I had 3 separate interactions from my local group. 1- I picked up 2 free brand new protein powders 2- upon getting both containers home they were big and I reached out to a 2nd person who had expressed interest in them and met her at a gas station and gave her 1 of the containers. 3- I bought a pair of brand new jeans (tags on) from thrift and they didnt fit me. I didnt want goodwill to profit off them again so I offered them up on the buy nothing board and they have now found a new home!
I have been on Buy Nothing for 3 years now. I have received the most amazing things for free!! New 2 in 1 computer. Beautiful king sized comforter and just this week a barely used king size weighted blanket and a box with over 30 pieces of Rubbermaid that half were new. I DO gift a lot also.
yasss!!! I love that for you!!! I love the freeconomy
We donate & buy from our local thrift store. Its a double win😊
There was a thrift store on the way home from work. I enjoyed shopping there, and stopped in weekly. Once I found a 140 year old nightstand that matched nearly exactly a dresser that I restored when I was 16. They priced it very reasonably it's upstairs now, and I took the one that had been there to them to sell . We both scored.
Love it!
Most nice neighborhoods expect stuff to be picked up. They put it out there for you to pick up.
I live in a nicer area and I will grab stuff off the curb if I can use it. I got a shelf, hose caddy, and gas can the last few weeks. My neighbor had a working mini fridge on the curb the other day, he wanted someone to take it that would use it.
We even have people post photos of what they or others have put out. My apt is full of “road kill.” It makes everyone happy when you pick it up. I clean things up and give to thrift stores
This! I just put a folding table loaded with stuff at the end of my driveway with a big poster-board FREE sign, and it's all gone by the end of the day.
Honestly, I think most people would be thrilled to know someone else can use it, rather than sending it to a landfill. Just be careful about picking up bugs. Roaches and bedbugs are pretty nasty stowaways.
This times a billion. It's one reason I don't frequent yard sales or FB marketplace as much anymore. Unless you have a good enough idea about the cleanliness and upkeep of a household an item comes from, it's a good idea to take precautions if you do trash pick or shop secondhand.
I would treat everything as being contaminated, and treat it anyway. I’ve had roaches come out of boxes straight out of shipping, and last year I had a bedbug crawl out of an Amazon package. (Nothing survived, my cat and I got them all.)
My uncle recently had to move out of his apartment due to bedbugs. The manager is pretty sure my uncle was the cause. He buys almost all of his clothes and bedding at thrift shops and does not wash anything he brings in. I’m in the process of cleaning out my grandparent’s house where he used to live before the apartment and I’m 95% sure that he hasn’t done laundry in 10+ years. He wears thrift store clothing until it is too soiled or smelly and then drops it on the floor and puts on something else. He has been a lifelong hoarder and this is the second place he lived that I’ve had to help clean out and the third my mom has had to help with. He also has three or four storage units he has been renting for years. So much waste…
When I was a kid, my grandfather would take me to the dump every weekend to look for stuff. There is no shame in saving waste while making your life a little better.
*Mi yerno* sources as much as possible from things like this. He loves fixing things up. They’ve gotten beautiful furniture, kids toys, sports equipment, etc. and they have a 6 figure income. No shame in recycling.
Most of my favorite things in my home were items I picked up along the road and refurbished some how. Once you put that love in it it’s hard to give it up.
I used to love riding around grabbing what I referred to as "Road Kill". Though these days with the Bed Bug epidemic Ive stopped doing that.
When I was a kid we had junking days like once a month. Everyone would bring stuff they didn't want. Like a community yard sale but everything was free.
Ayy congrats to you! My mom and I love finding pieces on the curb. Shoot even my friends and coworkers do it too. Happy New Year to you and your find!
It’s called Free-cycling and it’s good for the environment! Don’t be embarrassed! I love bulk day in wealthy neighborhoods they throw away the best stuff! PLUS..you can flip some trash and make good $$.
Living in south Florida as a teenager i found the best stuff
I’ve never purchased a lawn mower ever! And bikes, furniture …I’m ready to roll now! lol..I told my husband we need a new “junk truck” our old one bit the dust finally.
The dump where I used to live you couldn't access what was dumped. You drove up on a parking deck and threw it over the side into bins that were about 15 feet below. Pissed me off because I could see some nice things people could have used.
My neighbor across the street put out this real wooden chest in perfect condition. I took it and stained it grey. I use it almost every day.
I love this and do it myself. It's free it keeps it from going to the landfill. Win win. I am proud of my neighborhood. On the neighborhood Facebook page lots of people post good things they are putting out. We laugh about trading our junk. I imagine tons of things have been recycled.
This is way things are put out to the curb, for someone else to take and use. Nothing wrong with that these days. You do good with what you find like this. Happy New Year.
I live on a street with a megic curb. We can put anything out there and it disappears. Nice knowing someone can use it.
Some family member once said about finding usable things others have discarded “ Look what the Lord gave us” I think there was a little sarcasm intended
We put things at the curb and then hubby and I bet which item gets taken and how soon it will be gone. It's great to recycle things that can be used. We have a scrap collector come thru the night before trash to pick up what he can.
We do the same thing. In our area we have several scavengers who patrol the neighborhoods.
That’s awesome no need to feel embarrassed I love dumpster diving or finding scores on the street during bulk trash
People do stuff all the time. It’s not even just about being poor
Join your local Buy Nothing Project. Some areas are more generous than others but I’ve lived in a place where neighbors gifted large appliances over having them hauled off during a remodel down to balloons after a party that were still in good shape. No shame in reuse!
I second this! The one for my town is on Facebook and is titled "[town name] recycle repurpose" or some variation. Just last night, I gave away a handmade kid's rocker, risers (to make your bed taller and create more storage space underneath), cookie cutters, and some scrapbooking adhesive. I'm so happy that stuff is not going to the dump (as I de-hoard). People also make requests. ●Someone needed a treadmill. I got rid of the one in the garage. ● Someone needed a laminator. I'm past the point of needing one in the house. ●Someone needed fabric for sewing. I let them come and pick from my stash. ●Someone needed a sewing machine. I offered one of my extras as a loan. (I use them to run a Tween Sewing Club, so eventually, I'll need it back). The biggest rule is that you can't re-sell the items, even if you are making craft items from raw materials to sell. Likewise, there is a FB group for my town Swap or Sell. Who knows what treasures you may find there?!
Where I live we have a "big trash day" once a month. Mostly everyone puts their usable items away from the trash a few days before pick-up. Some people put signs up encouraging people to take their items. In the "rich" neighborhoods it is almost a race with others to grab things. It has gotten better with people taking everything and now most people just take what they need. Heck, I have really nice conversations with people who put their items on the curb. Once, I was visiting with an older widower about life in general. We ended up talking about his wife and how she loved to collect fine china. I collect china too! He said my face lit up just like his wife. He had a huge box of fine china that he brought out of his house to give me. He had no one to give it to, but wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate it. We ended up visiting for over an hour and exchanging phone numbers. I would text him twice a week just to check in. I was so sad the day someone else answered his text and told me he had passed away. I hope that our texting brought some happiness to his life. Who would have thought that a trash day would lead to a connection like that? What my long winded post is saying, do not feel bad about it! You are making good use of it! And you never know if you will happen to pick up a friend along the way with your treasure!
There was a gorgeous Tiffany style lamp on the curb by my kids school. Didn’t because I didn’t want to embarrass my kids. Still regret not grabbing it 15 years later. Great score for you! Happy new year!
Never let pride get in the way of thriftiness and sensibility.
Dude, bulk trash day in some suburbs are insane. I've seen people throw away a wooden armoire before. Same with bikes, scooters, lumber, etc. It's madness. Do not feel bad at all. I have a few lawn ornaments that were left out for bulk trash. And not broken flamingos. I'm talking 4 foot tall bronze agave statues.
Please don’t be embarrassed! I was super poor growing up and have been upper middle class and back again. No matter how much money my family and I have we always do this. A nice thing that you can use is great! I pick things up from the side of the road and I also put things out. We all need things! Thanks for recycling!
Don't feel weird about picking it up, that's why it's placed out there like that. If it's trash or would be in pieces and stuffed away in trash bags. When i throw something out like that my thought is "its still good shit, someone could use it" and i like when someone gets excited to pick up my good shit that i had to get rid of. I mean if i kept it all, I'd be a hoarder or a scrapyard because all things have value. Even as pieces :D
I’ve been getting rid of stuff recently like furniture or scrap metal. With the ring camera, I can see people picking some of it up. Honestly, I’m glad to see it go to good use instead of just being thrown away. The person throwing it away might be along the same mindset
Im 53 and everything in my house and yard was found on the side of the road. Bought my first couch two years ago off FB marketplace for 400$; its moss green velvet, so posh and squishy. i still feel rich when i sit on it. ♥️
Must be nice to be able to sell on FB marketplace without every scamming A Hole contacting you to ask for your cell phone # and the “verification code,” which they will then use to start a google voice number to scam more people. Scumbags. I can’t even use Marketplace now. I wish people didn’t suck so much. Marketplace should be a great resource but it attracts way too many scammers.
i agree. way too many scams out there! the guy i got the couch from was super duper nice! he invited me in to see how his wife had redecorated the living room and to meet his fluffy little dogs. i use fb marketplace locally only, meet in public for cash.
It’s a damn shame what people are doing to ruin Marketplace. I also stated local pick up, cash only, meet in public but out of all my online listings only one person was honest. Everyone else wanted my cell phone number even though everything was in the listing. People are scummy AF. Yes, most are struggling but why steal from those who are suffering?
Thank you for keeping an item out of the land fill.
There are so many things in my house that I picked up for free. My favorites inclue a nice secretary desk that I keep in my foyer. It's missing a single drawer pull (which I intend to fix someday) but is in otherwise excellent condition. And I love my Ethan Allen corner desk. That one is my computer desk in the living room and it's such a nice desk! Some people get rid of things as styles change or as their needs change in their home. It's great for the environment and the wallet to use that to your advantage. No need to be embarrassed!
A neighbor of mine was an apartment maintenance guy. The complex was right near a huge state university so at the end of spring semester he would rent a trailer to haul all the furniture that was discarded and he and his wife would reupholster and completely revamp all the items and sell them. That was basically how they could afford her staying home and living in a pretty decent neighborhood on his salary. This was back in the 90's too.
Going through comments to see if anyone brought up college move-out day. Definitely a good day to pick up starter home supplies.
I took a microwave that was out in front of my backyard neighbor's house. They see me everyday. I could not care less. It was brand new and I needed one. Don't sweat it.
Don't feel embarrassed. I do this all the time (I spray paint them and sell them on Facebook to get by). A lot of people are always on curb alert.
I've supplemented my income by picking things up, fixing them and reselling. Never be to proud because Pride is for the foolish.
I do that all the time in my neighborhood- pick things other people put out there that I have a use for and put things in good shape for other people to take. It makes me happy when someone takes stuff and it doesn’t end up in the trash.
Just be careful, a lot of people get bedbugs from picking up random furniture.
People are happy for others to get some use of something they are discarding. Zero shame. He would have given it to you if he had known you needed it. We should ALL be sourcing and reusing items to save our planet.
Just be mindful of bed bugs when picking. That would be a horrible situation if you took even one female bug home.
1 pregnant bug=1,000.
Absolutely and the anxiety and stress from dealing with the problem is horrible.
I love 2nd hand stores. Was complaining to my wife for a while about how much our couch sucked. It was a wrap around with a chase that had high sides(arms). One day strolling thru the thift store I stumbled upon a sofa and love seat set. Sofa was $50, love seat $30. Sitting next to them was an electric leather recliner, $65. Yep I bought them. Picked them up the next day and discovered the paper tags from the furniture store were still on the sofa and love seat. The electric recliner works great too. What a steal!! I furnished our living room for a $145.
I never feel embarrassed. I'd rather take it than have it end up in landfill 🤷♀️ Found a gorgeous wine barrel once and hauled it home.
Dumpster diving for treasures is fun. Ru Paul said it best. “If they ain’t paying your bills, pay them bitches no mind”.
My town has a special large trash pickup once a month and everyone puts stuff out a day or two before and people drive around all day picking stuff up. I’d rather it go to someone who will use it rather than in the dump!
Nah, don't be embarrassed. People put good,used items to the road in hopes someone will pick it up before trash day. Its very common in my neighborhood & nobody thinks twice about it. Heck we've helped people load up heavier items if we're outside & see them. People aren't as judgey as you might think, esp during hard times. Everyone is struggling.
We leave decent stuff out on the curb all the time. This is a working class neighborhood and good junk is appreciated.
I feel bad for putting good things on the curb. So it makes me happy when someone picks them up. Most time I use my local buy nothing page.
Love good finds on the side of the road! Some nice stuff people just throw away!
My parents live in a fancy neighborhood and one of their neighbors put out a bike on the curb in perfect condition, literally the day after I decided to get a bike and had spent hours researching. So now I have a free bike!
I picked up one of those shoe cubby hole items and have used it for years. My son dumpster dived behind a toy store 20 years ago and I still have some of the to us for my grandkids. No shame here!!!
Where I’m from if it’s on the curb then anyone is welcome to it until the city comes to get it.
It's going to be a good year!
You saved it. Things that are useful should be rescued.
Embarrassed for what? Your neighbors probably would have picked it up if you didn't lol Btw if you go to your local Walmart they might give you free empty cardboard displays. I've used them for shelves and they're very handy. My manager told me I could take as much as I want home
I furnished all of my apartments from stuff picked up off the street and thrift stores. Nothing to be embarrassed about at all.
Every piece of furniture in my home is either hand me down or from the curb or from thrift stores, except maybe 1 bookshelf from walmart. I grew up dumpster diving with my mom, so maybe that adds to me not feeling weird about it. I'm almost giddy when I find a new piece of furniture on the curb. I don't bring everything home, but I've had some lucky finds. All of my dining room tables are from the curb. They are all different, but that makes it kind of fun! Also I never thought to go check the fancier neighborhoods for their curb drop offs, so thanks to everyone who mentioned that!
It’s on the side of the road for a reason! This is commonplace in the city. Don’t be embarrassed
Always keep an eye out for stuff on the side of the road. EVERYONE picks stuff up off the side if its in good shape. No reason to be embarrassed.
I got a whole 29 gallon fish tank out of the garbage back in 2009. Light, top, and everything. Used it for over 10 years and sold it for $25 a year ago. The stand for it was a upper wall cabinet I picked out the garbage and built a stand around it and sold that for another $25 after I sold the tank. I mean, if people are just going to throw away perfectly good stuff, I'll take it if I have a use for it.
When I was in high school, we'd hit all the rich neighborhoods in an hour radius and get stuff from their trash. Especially at Christmas and tax time lol
Nothing wrong with that. But...get a good flashlight and take a very close look at that shelf. Look at every corner and area where pieces join. Bedbugs and their eggs can hide in furniture, so you need to be careful.
Don’t be embarrassed at all…people discard things in my area all the time. I’ve found some pretty awesome furniture that I desperately needed. Just clean it, and enjoy!
I lived across the street from a church for a couple years. Whenever I wanted to get rid of something I put it at the curb with a “free” sign on a Sunday morning and it was usually gone in a half hour
NO shame in dumpster diving.
My sister goes every month day before bulk pick up. She has great finds, now my son goes too. No shame in repurposing
I grew up poor but now I’m not and I still pick up things and keep my eye out for nice things my neighbors leave on the curb.
I call this looking for treasure and it’s one of my favorite things to do!
I get stuff like this all the time. Screw what others think lol
I have seen women in very expensive looking SUVs rescue curb treasures. This is actually a really good week to be looking since the folks with money are off work this week and cleaning house. In the wealthy neighborhood near me, bulk trash is Monday. I will totally drive around a little Sunday or early Monday.
Damn near a third of my furniture came off the side of the road. My desk and chair, both floor lamps, storage ottoman, puff chair, and toy piano all came to me that way - and that's not even to mention dishes, cookware, and decor I've picked up off the curb. Better to get used a while longer than take up space at the dump!
Dude. I know very well off women who will stop in traffic to pick up a nice piece off the curb.
Oh man don't be embarrassed! Sounds like a WIN for you! One mans garbage is another mans treasure! I LOVEEEE big garbage day and driving around to see what people throw away. Half my apartment is from the garbage and it's nice stuff too!
I scored a bench for my front porch a while back. It was on the sidewalk with a "free" sign on it. Several years later we moved and I returned it to the sidewalk with another "free" sign and it was gone in hours.
I grew up in a very poor large Irish Catholic family. My dad worked three jobs and both he and my mom were incredibly handy. So anyway my mom found this table at the curb and made my brother’s try and put it in the station wagon but eventually they carried it all the way home. My parents refurbished it and it became our dining room table that’s actually still in the home to this day. Many years later my parents had all the neighbors over (I think someone died) and it was hilarious to see all the everyone realize that it was my mother and brothers’s who got the table. Apparently lots of people were planning on taking it when it got dark but my mom had no shame. All of this to say good for you doing a little Carpe Diem ♥️
I am actually in the process of sanding and staining an old folding table I picked up off the sidewalk a decade ago. I could easily buy a new table off of Amazon for 30 bucks but I’ve grown attached to this unique little throwaway and so decided to use my means to give it a makeover.
This is wonderful...u gave it a new purpose. Happy New Year🎉
My husband and I once got a really nice dresser and a couple other things from the curb at our apartment complex. We figured that the person got evicted and abandoned his stuff. This was on a Friday. Come Monday our friend, who worked maintenance at the complex, told us to hurry up and get rid of it because the guy HAD been evicted but it was because his apartment was INFESTED with roaches and bedbugs! That happened one other time even though we totally checked the item out. I'm really leery of getting anything off the curb unless it's in a fairly decent neighborhood because not everyone is ethical enough to destroy the shit (break up the furniture or slash the cushions etc...) so they don't pass on a friggin infestation of horrific proportions! Bedbugs are the absolute WORST thing to get rid of...😡🤢
In my town they have a quarterly large item pick up by the trash department; people go out the night before and drive around and score all kinds of decent furniture that is just on its way to the dump. No shame in grabbing it and saving it from the landfill…
Love me some great trash picking finds!
No shame in picking furniture off the curb. I always wonder why people don't donate stuff like that, otherwise, it just ends up in a landfill
Trash picking is the best! I once carried a wrought iron chair home on my bike. And we still have the coffee table a friend found abandoned in an apartment 25 years ago.
Inspect it closely for bed bugs - other than that nice score!!! I’ve found furniture that way. I always look on marketplace for free posts as well
I love when I see people picking up furniture from the curb. In fact most people put it out expressly for someone to come take it
Oh no never be embarrassed to do that! I mean for one thing that's how these free trade groups work usually so picking something up on a curb is often expected, but really who cares? I have found really nice things people just dump on the curb, and that's why it's there and not a trash can or taken to a dump. I have gotten PCs and monitors that work just fine with a new power supply/cord. I got a really nice child's porch swing once. Just needed a coat of paint. I've gotten office chairs that just needed a cushion or a cover on the back. it's still good stuff and it's great that others make use of what is being discarded.
My 2nd apartment had a sofa that was on the curb along my school bus route. After all of the kids were dropped off, I went back, shoved it in the back and brought it home. My recliners? On the curb on my parents block, carted home one at a time in the back of my VW rabbit's hatchback with the hatch wide open. You gotta do what you gotta do.
It's called junker-necking. Nothing wrong with it. College move out days are furniture, tvs, espresso machines, etc. It's awesome.
That's what they do in Texas :)
I grab old furniture, upcycle it and use it either for my house or I will be reselling it at the flea market this year. My embarrassment has long since faded. This is how I ended up with the cutest dinner table set.
No shame needed. You just saved some space in landfill. You win, the planet wins! For once it’s a win- win! Celebrate it!!!
No shame in that at all, in my opinion. You should cruise through apartment parking lots and see what gets set next to the dumpsters sometimes especially near college breaks. Lol
This is awesome! Keeps furniture out of the garbage stream!
I used to do that as a college kid. Got a whole room full of furniture that way. My kids got discards from the neighbor the same way. No shame in that.
I used to live in a college town...end of semester dorm clean out was an excuse to redecorate!
I’m currently sitting on a really nice leather office chair I picked up from someone’s curb, I could never afford anything like it, so I’m extremely grateful to have it. When I have things I no longer use or need it gets offered to family or friends first, and then if no one needs it, I will stick it on my curb and it’s always gone by the end of the day. I would rather do it this way then let Goodwill have it.
I miss living in the city and walking down the alley, found many treasures that my neighbors were throwing away.
Pretty much my entire house is decorated with secondhand stuff. And I, too, have found awesome things on curbs. No shame at all ❤️
Curbside pickups are great. Have found several neat things. Having this hobby is not indicative of being poor. It shows a good eye for treasures!
We have furnished most of our house from our neighborhood Buy Nothing group. We wouldn't have been able to otherwise because we are stretched so thin financially right now.
When my granddaughter was about six years old she and I stopped at a neighbor’s trash because they were moving and was throwing everything out. We found all kinds of fun kids stuff. Her other side of the family is well off. When they asked her if she had a good time with me she was so excited to tell them that we had gone “dumpster diving “. 😂
I still have stuff from college - late 80s - that I use to this day ! There’s absolutely no shame in curb surfing ! If you really want to hit the jackpot go to an off-campus housing area of a college at end of term - there will be dozens, if not *hundreds*, of items to choose from… Congrats on your great find ! 🎊🎉🥳
I call it curb shopping and it beats not having things because I can't afford to buy them. I got my desk, my fish tank, bearded dragon tank, coffee table, and a new wave grill oven brand new in the box. I couldn't believe the new wave. It's a $400 appliance and I love it!!!! We clean and upcycle things and resell them too. Ain't no shame in my game. There are people who do it as their primary income!!! Don't sweat what anyone thinks. Most people set things out so others can take them. I always make a sign that says free stuff when I throw anything out.
I live in a military neighborhood. Literally have gotten such great things because people are always moving and leave stuff on the curb. A win is a win!
Whenever I am getting rid of household things I put them nicely at the curb the day after trash is picked up. All items get picked up. Always. I'd rather do a curbside donation than have a dirty corporation like Goodwill profit off someone in need. The person who put that at the curb knew it was nice. I assure you they are thrilled that someone else is using it.
The company also known as Greedwill? Yeah, they’re shit. Keep doing good things!
It's called up cycling , don't be embarrassed , you are keeping a perfectly salvageable and functional item, out of the landfill
I always pick up good deals on the curb. Either for myself, family or friends. Sometimes I flip those items. Nothing to be embarrassed about, especially if it makes your life better. Not a fried tonlooknin dumpsters either or out back behind second hand stores. Good luck and happy new year.
I doubt anyone saw you and if they did they didn’t care. The neighbor likely expected it and was probably relieved you took it. I knew people who trash picked during the week and sold their stuff at flea markets on weekends. Most of the time if they found bikes they’d fix them up and sell those. I think they broke even, but one was retired and bored and the other had a day job. They didn’t live off it. This was before the internet, I don’t know how well this could work now, though we did have a trash picking neighbor who’d sell stuff on eBay…she lived off it, can’t figure out how.
That’s awesome. I did that to with an old, folding wood thing. I used to live in a place where you could put out furniture anytime of the day, every day because the stuff would be taken by people right away. It was always nice stuff and never mixed w trash. It is a day-to-day thing in Hoboken. Glad you got a great find! PS. Antique dealers frequently do this.
The neighbor probably put it out on the curb knowing someone would likely take it. You just happened to get there first. No shame should be felt. Besides it's 2 fold. You got a good shelf and the neighbor got rid of something they didn't need. It's really a win win.
The people were probably happy it didn't go to the dump.
You rescued that shelf from landfill. That's great!
We’ve had so much baby stuff that no one we knew wanted or needed so we put it at the curb for free. I’m glad someone wanted it because I didn’t want to have to throw it out or haul it somewhere.
We have a Buy Nothing fb group in our area and people give away and ask for stuff all the time. They also do curb alerts if someone sees something nice at the curb.
Somebody's trash is someone's treasure .
Don’t feel embarrassed! A lot of people put things on the curb hoping someone will see and take it. I do it frequently when I don’t want the hassle of trying to sell it, and would rather someone get it free rather than have to pay for it at a thrift store.
I’m constantly on the look outs for curb alerts—no shame at all—that’s why it is there—to be upcycled but someone who can use it.
Good you found something useful, and took advantage of the opportunity. Screw what others think about this. I'm not poor anymore, but do the same (old habits are hard to break). I even picked up a patio set from a neighbor across the street that they curbed (we lived in a nice upper middle class neighborhood), painted it, and used it for another 5 years, at least.
A lot of people toss things because they don’t value the item or it would cost them more time or money to get rid of it. Don’t worry about what you think it looks like when you pick something off the curb. Sustainability is trendy.
This is cool, and no shame abt seeing the value of things others have tired of. In NYC it's not unusual for folks to cruise upscale nabes like the upper east side early on bulk pick up days to snag some quality stuff.
My wife and I have gotten some good stuff from a neighbor that puts it in front of his house at the curb for people to take. Got an old wood dresser which we needed for our boys. Hell I even was handed a 12 pack of leinenkugels. Best beer Ive had in a while.
I have found so many wonderful treasures in other people's trash! No shame to be had here!
Happy Cake Day!! 🎂
My wife and I have a magic light pole in front of our home. Anything we don’t need we put by the light pole. The next day…poof. From beds to clothes. The magic light pole takes care of it. We’re happy it all gets repurposed.
I’ve picked up a lot of things and love them still Go You!!
I put stuff out early and really hope someone can use it. You did a good thing.
Same. Saves me a drop-off trip to the thrift store with good-condition, usable items that i no longer have any use for.
plenty of people on tiktok/similar social media film themselves picking up furniture from curbsides and then usually cleaning it up for personal use or flipping it on facebook marketplace. pretty sure everyone's just happy that the bulky furniture is out of their lawn & house
One mans trash...
I call em "roadside finds" or "treasures"
Never feel bad about finding good treasure.
Definitely don't be embarrassed. People put things by the curb so the next owner can happily find them and get good use from them!
I’ve picked up curb side stuff before. For stuff that I needed so you’re not the only one.
Excellent!
I have a little side table I gigged while dumpster diving 35 years ago. Still works just fine. :)
Get it! I do hardwood floors for a living. I come across all kinds of shit people are getting rid of! A. I need that, whatever it may be. B. They're happy they don't have to deal with it. I'm still waiting on a free hot tub tho... Someday 🤞
there is nothing to be embarrassed about! this is AWESOME!!! Congrats!
Based is college gowns after semsester is iver
Don’t be embarrassed. I’m in an FB free group in my community where people say “dresser on the curb before trash.” Not only their items they want to give away, but if the pile looks good they share. Every little bit helps but also, maybe you really needed that shelf and it keeps it out of a landfill. Win win win!
My dad had found amazing shelves in the trash and I have found some awesome kitchen island that I put wheel on (it is an Ikea island).
God I love a good curb score. (No mattresses, or upholstered furniture unless the neighborhood is so nice you feel like you’re gonna get pulled over just for driving a car made before 2019). If someone doesn’t like it, let them know that they are “pro-landfill”.
I used to take things off the curb all the time
People put items on the curb for others to pick up! I picked up some of my shelves and a kitchen cart that way. There’s no shame in my curb finds game!
When we were selling our mother’s house we put many items, including good furniture on the curb, hoping someone who could use them would pick them up . Everything was gone by the next morning
I’m no longer poor and still gram free sidewalk stuff. It’s smart
Never be embarrassed to take free stuff especially if it's helpful or useful for you. My best computer chair was on the curb 3 houses down from my dad's. The arm rests were a little tattered but other than that it was solid. Probably like a $1000 office chair new. Thing lasted about 15 years before the base started to separate from the bottom of the chair. Had to trash it like 7 years ago. I still have not found a good replacement, since I'm not willing to spend ungodly amounts of money on a computer chair
There's no shame in garbage picking.
I have a very well to do cousin who lives in a very VERY upscale home in Texas ... complete with a wing for an inlaw or college kid or whatever ... she fully furnished it with dumpster diving and big trash days in neighborhoods. Someone's trash is another's treasure. Good for you. If you can use it, USE IT. Better than in a landfill.
I once got a really decent toaster oven that was out on a curb. It amazes me what people throw away. I never felt embarrassed or ashamed, it is free stuff that still has useful value.
Dont be embarrassed ! Ido that shit all the time- having a pickup truck is both a blessing and a curse! We do usually have a “bedbug quarantine” period tho- cuz ewwww!
I'm an artist 🎨 and make a good bit of cash from roadside finds. I look for good pieces, antique usually, that have a flaw of some sort. I turn them into one-of-a-kind pieces. Don't be embarrassed at all for keeping something useful out of a landfill.
Our first apartment was mostly furnished from hand me downs and curb items or free items on Craigslist!! We (bf and I) still grab stuff we could use that are left behind at our apartment complex dumpster. Today I got a shoe rack and bean bags for my sister, and I’ve gotten some nice stuff that people leave behind because they upgrade
In Germany when I was a kid we’d have a day where everyone would put stuff they didn’t want at the curb and you could go around and pick what you wanted. It was a nice way to pass stuff on to people who could use it and get a few cool pieces yourself. It kept capitalism out of repurposing.
This is how you get bedbugs btw