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Poverty furniture -Help me, DataLounge!

I lived in my van for 3 months after I lost my job, then I got a part-time job and a roommate. 2 years pass and I finally got a full-time job. Now I'll be moving into my own place again! I haven't felt this exhilarated in a long time.

But I have no furniture. I'm thinking of buying used patio furniture so I can at least sit down. I have no money for extras, not even cable or a washer and dryer. Please give me some cheap furniture ideas.

by Anonymousreply 70April 26, 2019 12:29 AM

Go to Craigslist, you can get furniture for free. Especially if you have a van to pick it up.

by Anonymousreply 1August 17, 2014 1:49 AM

You're spending $18 to be able to post this?

by Anonymousreply 2August 17, 2014 1:50 AM

If you funds are limited, cable should be at the bottom of your priority list.

by Anonymousreply 3August 17, 2014 1:55 AM

I've always thought patio furniture should be used indoors, it's so comfy.

by Anonymousreply 4August 17, 2014 1:57 AM

I should have asked for some poverty furniture pics.

by Anonymousreply 5August 17, 2014 1:59 AM

Milk crates and boards. The choice of college students the world over.

by Anonymousreply 6August 17, 2014 2:01 AM

Find out when heavy trash pick up day is in the best communities near you. Go out early and you will be surprised by what you find curb side.

by Anonymousreply 7August 17, 2014 2:03 AM

Like R1said. There are lots of sites offering free stuff, check for your area. If you live somewhere with limited access to freecycle places then try a homeless charity - a lot of them have stuff they can donate to people getting back into mainstream living.

Don't be afraid to check the local dump. I wouldn't touch any upholstered items but things like bed frames, garden furniture, chests, dining chairs etc., can be cleaned and made presentable.

by Anonymousreply 8August 17, 2014 2:03 AM

[quote]If you funds are limited, cable should be at the bottom of your priority list.

Because it's so easy to find jobs without internet access nowadays. He can't sit in the library for hours on end either as computer stations have time limits.

by Anonymousreply 9August 17, 2014 2:06 AM

Try Catholic Charities or something similar. They may be able to help with starting over items. Don't forget the kitchen stuff.

by Anonymousreply 10August 17, 2014 2:07 AM

Freecycle.org

by Anonymousreply 11August 17, 2014 2:08 AM

Do you have a Goodwill Store around you? All sorts of good stuff can be found at very reasonable prices. It is truly my favorite store.

by Anonymousreply 12August 17, 2014 2:08 AM

OP - you'd best be careful about some of these suggestions - you are asking for a bedbug infestation.

by Anonymousreply 13August 17, 2014 2:08 AM

Air mattress from a sporting goods store.

by Anonymousreply 14August 17, 2014 2:09 AM

The Goodwills where I live (Austin) are expensive!

by Anonymousreply 15August 17, 2014 2:14 AM

I'm happy for you OP, it's not that easy to get back on track when there's no money. You've done great.

I think the most obvious place to find cheap furniture is at thrift stores. It might be a good idea to rent some equipment to clean the furniture (steam cleaners or wet/dry vacuum cleaners) since you never know what's in there.

One option is to build your own furniture. You can make some pretty cool stuff out of wood but obviously you need the materials and the tools, and probably the place to do it. I mention this because I've been supposed to build stuff myself.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 16August 17, 2014 2:14 AM

1. Don't get cable. The internet is all you need. You can stream tv from www.tvids.net or couchtuner.me

They are good for almost any type of tv show you want to watch. Hulu is free and all 3 major networks have their shows available the next day. Those streaming sites I listed are good, But, you have a good security system on your computer. You can download Norton or Mcafee from your internet provider for free

2. Get a bed until you can afford furniture

by Anonymousreply 17August 17, 2014 2:33 AM

Big Lots

by Anonymousreply 18August 17, 2014 2:36 AM

If you can get a futon frame, go buy a futon cushion. At least for the time being, you have a couch and a bed.

DO NOT re-use anything upholstered or a matress/boxspring. Bed bugs!

by Anonymousreply 19August 17, 2014 2:38 AM

Patio furniture's fine but if it's not cushioned you'll be in a world of hurt when you want to just veg out.

Find a comfy padded couch or a big comfy chair.

by Anonymousreply 20August 17, 2014 2:40 AM

Goodwill. As long as you don't care about looks. You may get lucky, but most of the stuff is pretty ugly.

You were basically homeless and worked your way back to getting a place and having a full-time job, yet you really can't figure where to get cheap furniture. I don't buy it.

by Anonymousreply 21August 17, 2014 2:40 AM

OP, I hate to say it but the Salvation Army stores often have great buys. I got a modest kitchen table and four chairs for 70 bucks last year. Good condition, just not real wood. I also go to garage sales. I got great kitchen stuff at garage sales. Also linens and bedding.

Good luck, and take your time. There is no rule that says you have to get everything at once. One thing I have found, living in limited circumstances helped me be frugal and stay within a budget. By sticking to my budget and developing a plan, I was able to buy the stuff I needed a little at a time.

by Anonymousreply 22August 17, 2014 2:46 AM

You got me, R21! I'm a troll, I'm an EST post! I derive satisfaction from manipulating strangers into giving me tips about used furniture. Oh, getting an erection, gotta go!

by Anonymousreply 23August 17, 2014 2:47 AM

In general, I've found garage sales to have cheaper items than thrift stores, especially for kitchenware. Think about swinging by places after garage sales are supposed to be over. Households in my area leave things out on their front lawn with a "Free" sign. They don't want to deal with putting it back in or it's not worth hauling out again next year. I've seen a couple of old sofas that looked in good condition, desks, a lamp, bookcases. We're by a university and the items get snapped up. Like someone above said, steam cleaning is a good idea.

by Anonymousreply 24August 17, 2014 2:54 AM

I didn't say you're a "troll" or derive satisfaction from getting used furniture tips from strangers. Simply, that you really could have figured it out. You know that. Come on.

by Anonymousreply 25August 17, 2014 3:06 AM

OP I have to echo the caution about upholstered furniture. Do not get chairs couches, mattresses or anything that can harbor bed bugs...or mice. If you purchase linens at a garage sale like towels etc., or bedding, wash everything in the hottest washer setting and use bleach on it. Dry it on a high setting too. Then it is ready to be used.

But you can definitely get kitchen stuff at garage sales. I got a Kitchen Aid food processor, brand new, unused, for less than $40 two months ago. Garage sales got me excellent cookware a piece at a time, and two nice sets of dishes and serving platters.

I got a full set of pasta bowls and a huge matching serving dish from Williams Sonoma, for $15. It had no scratches, cracks, or chips, or signs of wear. I found cheap framed art for my walls, and a nice area rug I shampooed with a scrub brush some rug cleaner and water.

I love garage sales. If the sale starts Friday, I usually go on Saturday afternoon. Rainy Saturdays are best since a lot of people don't come out. if a sale ends at 4 PM I try to get there around 2 PM.

by Anonymousreply 26August 17, 2014 3:13 AM

Upi know, of course OP "could have figured it out" but this site is a like hanging out, discussing stuff and sharing experiences and information. So what? I enjoy it and good for OP.

by Anonymousreply 27August 17, 2014 3:14 AM

And how could he have known that people advertise on Craigslist to give away the sorts of items he needs. Maybe he's never stopped at a garage sale in is life to know what type of stuff is sold. Maybe he's young and doesn't have a load of life experience.

by Anonymousreply 28August 17, 2014 3:18 AM

R22 is right. The best advice is take it slow. If you try to get everything as quickly as possible,you'll wind-up hating most of it. And finding better things later.

A bed & some bedding obviously ( get the best mattress you can afford & sheets a Marshall's ). Treat yourself to at least four bed pillows,not throw-pillows,if you're going to sleep,watch tv,read,eat(?),entertain(?),on the bed you'll be more comfortable with several pillows to prop you up.

Thrift shops are the best for everything you need for the kitchen. Then just make a point of revisiting the places where you find good stuff (make a point of leaving empty- handed, unless it's exactly what you want.).

One more thing. If people know you need things they'll want to help,but beware. A lot of times they want to unload crappy furniture no one wants.

Pat yourself on the back OP.

by Anonymousreply 29August 17, 2014 3:19 AM

Alleys and dumpsters if you have access to them. Not only furniture but just about every kind of household item you could need will eventually turn up. Brooms, mops, dishpans, wastebaskets, ice cube trays, rugs, office supplies, dishes, curtain rods...... Close to the end of the month when people are preparing to move the dumpsters fill up when people throw out perfectly good stuff because they don't want to move it or donate it. I won't have to buy dish soap for at least a year because I found several nearly full bottles thrown out by some dumb girls up the block when they moved. They'll have to buy it AGAIN and I won't. Put that van to good use and get cracking! OH, and sometimes you can find stuff to sell if you know anything about collectibles or antiques. Or just accumulate enough useful stuff in good condition to have a successful yard sale. Congratulations on your new job and apartment!

by Anonymousreply 30August 17, 2014 3:33 AM

Thanks for all the good tips! I'm happy to have plastic lawn chairs and I'll gradually get more stylish. And real curtains, no trash bags.

by Anonymousreply 31August 17, 2014 3:38 AM

Love R30!

by Anonymousreply 32August 17, 2014 3:40 AM

Salvage places, hotels upgrading their rooms, older couples downsizing into condos... These are all sources for housewares.

I once lived in a large apt building, built in the 30s. The top floor was a giant attic, filled with solid dark wood furniture... bookcases, tables, chairs, headboards that were leftover from decades ago when the bldg offered furnished apts. I was offered a couple pieces when I moved out. Wish I'd taken more. It was much better quality than what you can get today.

You might start with an aerobed because buying a mattress is worse than buying a used car.

by Anonymousreply 33August 17, 2014 4:12 AM

Shop mattress sales and just buy a mattress and box spring. Most places will throw in a free bed frame. You can buy a headboard later on.

I did this a number of years ago when I moved from Florida and my stuff got stuck in storage after a hurricane. I needed a new mattress and box spring anyway. I had tossed the old one before I moved.

I agree with the person who mentioned freecycle.org. I use them a lot when I move for stuff I don't want to move or when I buy something new to replace something older that I would normally just toss.

by Anonymousreply 34August 17, 2014 4:27 AM

Just remember that the cheapest string mattresses might be horrid. I bought quite a cheap one when I was a student and after using it for a few weeks I started having problems with my back. I ended up sleeping on the floor using the bed's mattress pad after that.

by Anonymousreply 35August 17, 2014 4:35 AM

Craigslist has a free section. Also check alleys the night or very early a.m. before garbage pickup. Certain days like Sept 30 and April 30 are big moving days and people pitch a lot of stuff.

If you're serious about patio furniture, buy an adirondack chair and get cushions. Do everything that's been suggested to sanitize them.

by Anonymousreply 36August 17, 2014 4:36 AM

It is amazing what furniture people toss out. Curb crawling is profitable. I have found antiques, good ones, plus excellent, sometimes near new stuff. Plenty of collectibles! Some people start businesses with what they find. I agree with previous posters, however, about upholstered anything. Avoid it!!

Oh, the tables I have to pass up because they wouldn't fit into the car!!! And last month someone tossed out 8 dated but still very nice dining room chairs! Argh!

by Anonymousreply 37August 17, 2014 5:00 AM

Hi OP, see if there's a Freecycle near you. It's a yahoo based group made up of people in various cities looking to give away perfectly good stuff, just to get it out of the house. It's mostly furniture but other items as well - i got a great Yamaha electric keyboard, for example. Just google the name of your town and freecycle. And another yes to thrift stores & Craigslist. Put a "free furniture wanted/needed" up on CL, you might get exactly what you need! Bed first, bye, probably the only item worth putting a little money into. Tabies, chairs, dressers - these you can get for free or for v little + cost of moving, I bet. Good luck!

by Anonymousreply 38August 17, 2014 5:18 AM

Like the other posters have said, Garage Sales are a great place to get things. I'm having one next weekend (near Atlanta) and I'm selling everything cheap. Towels, bedding, blankets, clothes, kitchenware.

by Anonymousreply 39August 17, 2014 6:07 AM

Urgh. I didn't know there was povo furniture. I suppose it stands to reason, but... urgh.

Perhaps a bean bag or two, OP?

by Anonymousreply 40August 17, 2014 6:13 AM

Check Freecycle and Craig's List. The local Goodwill teaches furniture upholstery to men looking for work. You can get some good furniture deals. The pieces that are more expensive are usually the ones that have have had a total makeover.

by Anonymousreply 41August 17, 2014 11:32 PM

The OP either is a troll or an idiot, or both.

Anyone with a brain would know where in his community to locate cheap furniture, and what necessities there are (chairs, table, bed). Acting as if a person doesn't know what to get (the cable/washer and dryer bit was too obvious as "extras" considering the OP acts as if he can't afford toilet paper) is lazy trolling.

Give us your budget, you ass.

by Anonymousreply 42August 18, 2014 1:15 AM

r42 needs to remove the large piece of furniture from up his ass

by Anonymousreply 43August 18, 2014 1:28 AM

Are you in LA, OP? I have a bunch of stuff I'm getting rid of.

by Anonymousreply 44August 18, 2014 1:31 AM

*hugs*, OP

I'm happy to hear you're getting things together. Some great ideas, here. Ignore the haters.

by Anonymousreply 45August 18, 2014 1:40 AM

Don't go to the Salvation Army, try Savers.

by Anonymousreply 46August 18, 2014 6:28 AM

I know people said to not buy a used mattress but I lucked out about a decade ago at a thrift shop which had someone's brand new "default" mattress from a new bed purchase. Still in the plastic zipper bag and everything. You might want to check into it.

Also check into some cheap futon cushions or papasan chair cushions.

by Anonymousreply 47August 18, 2014 6:44 AM

Most second-hand/thrift stores won't even accept used mattresses due to the risk of bed bugs, mites, and human waste. You're better off checking craigslist or other classifieds. Big Lots often has cheap mattress sets too.

by Anonymousreply 48August 18, 2014 7:11 AM

Don't forget to turn your van into income property. Now that you have a home, your van can be your first appreciating asset.

Just a little humor to help celebrate your return to feeling normal again.

by Anonymousreply 49August 18, 2014 7:28 AM

I once moved to a rooming house in another city (long story). I found a cot with a thin mattress in a nearby thrift store. And made a coffee table out of cinderblocks and some wood partitions someone had thrown out. A neighbor down the hall moved out and gave me his desk. I bought a fan, vacuum cleaner and small B+W TV at a garage sale.

You get by.

by Anonymousreply 50August 18, 2014 2:09 PM

There are people GIVING AWAY furniture for free, as they have so much stuff they cannot even sell it

Check Freecycle and Craig's List. The local Goodwill

by Anonymousreply 51August 18, 2014 2:12 PM

Very happy for you OP! Nice to hear.

by Anonymousreply 52August 18, 2014 2:22 PM

I wish we knew where you lived. I have dishes and kitchen stuff a new apartment dweller could use.

by Anonymousreply 53August 18, 2014 2:26 PM

West Elm

by Anonymousreply 54April 24, 2019 11:18 PM

FreeCycle

by Anonymousreply 55April 24, 2019 11:45 PM

Habitat for Humanity has stores where people donate things similar to how Goodwill works but at least my local one has used furniture. They are called ReStores.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 56April 25, 2019 12:05 AM

Take advantage of Comcast 30 days money back guarantee ...

by Anonymousreply 57April 25, 2019 12:08 AM

I love our local Restore. You can find some good bargains there.

OP, if you can't afford a full bed and mattress, you may want to buy an air mattress. You can find them in the camping section at WalMart. Speaking from experience, it's better than sleeping on the floor or patio furniture.

by Anonymousreply 58April 25, 2019 12:30 AM

Lots of good cheap mattresses on Amazon

by Anonymousreply 59April 25, 2019 12:36 AM

Garage and estate sales

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by Anonymousreply 60April 25, 2019 12:50 AM

You can build your own with FedX boxes!

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by Anonymousreply 61April 25, 2019 1:02 AM

If you live in a college town, it’s almost the time where a lot of college students need to get rid of their furniture (and the rest of their crap) that they can’t bring home with them. They need to empty their dorm or apartment and will give it away if you’re willing to take it away that day. Good luck!

by Anonymousreply 62April 25, 2019 1:16 AM

Facebook Marketplace. I have an unfinished basement and wanted leather furniture for it: got four couches, a loveseat, a large leather coffee table/ottoman, and two large comfy leather chairs (one has its own ottoman) for $800. I could have got it for less or for free if I'd been patient and persistent to keep checking the listings. Last week my dehumidifier broke. A brand new one costs $160-200 on Amazon but I got an almost-new one for $40 from a woman on FB Marketplace.

I will say my furniture acquisition was primarily possible because my SUV has a trailer hitch so whenever I need to pick up something big I can rent a U-Haul trailer for $15-20. Without a vehicle that has a trailer hitch, I don't know how you'd be able to get anything second hand.

by Anonymousreply 63April 25, 2019 1:16 AM

[quote]then I got a part-time job and a roommate. 2 years pass and I finally got a full-time job. Now I'll be moving into my own place again! I haven't felt this exhilarated in a long time.

Apparently, you didn't learn anything from your recent experience.

You lived in your van, then worked a part-time job for two year before finding a full-time job. Perhaps you should rethink your finances and spend more time living with a roommate in order to increase your savings. You have a baseline about how long it took to find full-time employment.

What makes you think the next time it will take any less time? Given the precariousness of your financial situation (honey, you can't even afford furniture), does it really seem wise to get a place by yourself right now. Foolishness and bad decisions often repeat themselves, as do the bad outcomes like living in a van.

by Anonymousreply 64April 25, 2019 3:40 PM

[quote] Apparently, you didn't learn anything from your recent experience. You lived in your van, then worked a part-time job for two year before finding a full-time job. Perhaps you should rethink your finances and spend more time living with a roommate in order to increase your savings. You have a baseline about how long it took to find full-time employment. What makes you think the next time it will take any less time? Given the precariousness of your financial situation (honey, you can't even afford furniture), does it really seem wise to get a place by yourself right now. Foolishness and bad decisions often repeat themselves, as do the bad outcomes like living in a van.

This thread is from 2014.

by Anonymousreply 65April 25, 2019 5:39 PM

Lol Jesus ty r65, I didn't notice. Who the hell bumped this random thread from 2014?

by Anonymousreply 66April 25, 2019 11:58 PM

Habitat for Humanity for the best furniture deals.

by Anonymousreply 67April 26, 2019 12:00 AM

Does your area have Nextdoor.com? Lots of giveaways there. I'd even feel safe with upholstered items from a neighbor. Good luck, OP.

by Anonymousreply 68April 26, 2019 12:22 AM

It's almost end of school year for colleges. If there is one near you, scope it out around end of exams. Students throw tons of good stuff out at the end of the year. Dorms but also off campus housing.

by Anonymousreply 69April 26, 2019 12:24 AM

Sometimes motels need to get rid of furniture. Talk to the manager

by Anonymousreply 70April 26, 2019 12:29 AM
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