Never heard of freecycling? You’re not alone. Freecycling is a recent trend that takes garage sale-ing to the next level. Freecyclers use internet groups to get rid of their unwanted goods and pick up new things, all for free. Currently over one million members in over 50 countries around the world participate in freecycling.
The original Freecycle Network formed in Tucson, Arizona in May 2003 to promote waste reduction and help save the desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The concept of environmental protection, paired with free stuff, took off and local groups can now be found in almost 3,000 communities around the world. Local groups are run by a volunteer moderator and membership is free and open to individuals and non-profit organizations.
They say one person’s trash is another’s treasure – but what’s better than finding treasure for as much as 90% of its original price?! That’s right – summer is here and it’s time for the all-out, buying extravaganzas known garage sales.
Maybe you’ve stopped by a sale once or twice, pawed through someone else’s junk for a few minutes and left, empty-handed and disillusioned, wondering how that guy on Antiques Roadshow managed to unknowingly pick up the $50,000 comic book at a local yard sale. Garage sales can be frustrating, but knowing the right strategies can turn you into a garage sale warrior, leading to bargains beyond your wildest dreams.