While you expect garbage cans to be the only things left on the curb, you’d be surprised at the number of valuable hidden gems people toss. One TikToker shared how she made the most of her curbside find, scoring a great deal in the process.
The scoop
Sometimes, the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is literal. TikToker (@itssissylala) shared an for getting a big bargain by repurposing curbside castoffs, calling her discovery the “best curb find” ever.
He hates it when I do this… 🤫
After spotting wooden chairs on the curb, Lala loaded them into her van and drove them home. She explained she only needed a bit of , water, and paint to upcycle her “new” outdoor furniture, giving it a second life.
Naturally, how you upcycle curbside furniture depends on its condition and type — what works for a used leather couch might differ from what helps an old lamp, of course. More often than not, figuring out how to fix up your find is half the fun.
How it’s helping
Repurposing curbside furniture saves you money. In Lala’s case, a quick Google search showed the patio chairs would’ve cost over $100 new — and similar listings went up to $899 — but she scored them for free. As she remarked, it’s fair game if it’s on the curb.
You could save thousands of dollars each year depending on how many items you find on the curb. One person claimed they a friend’s kitchen, saving them over $12,000 on a full remodel, per BBC News.
If you think about it, you’re also helping the planet. and upcycling and drive down demand for the creation and shipping of new items, helping you maintain a healthy environment by reducing the pollution that’s driving more worldwide. Your community would benefit, too, since dumping grounds pollute soil, water, and air.
and upcycling by reducing the amount of waste you create. You’ll lead a more sustainable life if you decorate your home with curbside finds and leave your old items on the curb for others to take.
If you don’t have neighbors, plenty of stores accept used furniture, gadgets, or knickknacks. For example, retailers like Costco and Best Buy , letting you recycle your old electronics. Sometimes, they even in exchange.
What people are saying
People appreciated this simple, cost-saving . “Nice score,” one user commented, seemingly impressed by the great deal Lala found.
“Good for you, so much better than for it to end up in a land fill,” another pointed out.
If you’re like most commenters, you’re probably impressed by Lala’s luck. Finds like hers are more common than you’d think, though, and not just lucky. If you’re ever in the market for something new, keep an eye out for items on the curb before visiting a store, or try finding, joining, or even starting a local on Facebook or elsewhere online.
Join our for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
