I’m always on the hunt for free stuff. I’ve been a Freecycle member for years, and have found all kinds of great stuff like office chairs, electronics, packing boxes, etc. You can find practically anything in some communities.

Back in Gaithersburg, MD, I was able to get all kinds of great free stuff. Both the quality and quantity are greater there because people need to make more room for their new stuff.

I haven’t had much luck with Freecycle here in Alfred, nor Craigslist. Although I don’t really have much of a need for anything either, and only pursue the really great stuff.  A small car makes it easy to paass over larger items like sofas, desks, etc. All of which I’ve realized I don’t really need.

I did, however, stumble across a salvage yard with help from my roommate and part-time business partner, Michael Stevenson Jr. He’s been in Alfred for years now, and is no stranger to what most people would call “junk”.

Anyway, we were driving down Main St. the other day, and he points this place out. We pop in today, and sure enough, there are a bunch of sweet vinyl covered, wood chairs. Unfortunately, many of them were damaged by the snow and ice, and only 2 of them would fit in my car, but a steal nonetheless.

They’re really nothing special, but we can only borrow our neighbor’s chairs for so long, and these will go nicely in the kitchen. Chairs seem to be in increased demand in the kitchen with all the group dinners we’ve been having as of late.

The best part about these chairs, of course, is that they can be tossed right back into the dumpster they came from. Although, my roommate will likely hold onto them and get a bunch more use out of them, long after I’m gone.

The moral of this story is to use free and used stuff when the opportunity arises, but you have to keep an eye open for the opportunities. Spending less or getting stuff for  free also makes it infinantely easier to get rid of when it’s just taking up space and distracting.