"Found" Items
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
December 18, 2007 4:26pm CST
I found a very nice TV stand the other day, which was exactly what I had been needing. In the building where I live there is what we call a "trash room" on each floor. It is a fair-sized room with a chute in the wall where you can deposit garbage. Sometimes when people move out or purchase new things they will place bulky items in this room for the maintenance guys to dispose of. Since I've been living here I have "found" maybe three or four items that I could really use. With a bit of cleaning they are just fine. I have gotten a torchiere with a glass globe that I placed in my living room from there. I also have a little black wrought iron table in my bathroom that I got from there. The TV stand is black and low with two shelves that are now holding much of my stuff. It has enabled me to place my bedroom TV closer to my bed. My question for you is do you ever "find" things that are useful and take them home? BTW, I have also placed items in the trash room over the last few years that I hope someone gave a good home to-such as a wicker queen-sized bed headboard and a white 4-shelf bookcase.
6 people like this
11 responses
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
19 Dec 07
We have the same thing here worldwise where myself and neighbors put items that are still in good condition in the garage on a bookshelf, as well as the trash rooms. Usually people put notes on them saying "works fine" or something along those lines so others can use. I found many household items when we first moved here and it pretty much fille1/2 of our house. Now that I have bought a few new furniture items, I have given some stuff away and or left them down at the bookshelf or in the trash room for others to use too.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
19 Dec 07
I think it's a great premise, maddysmommy-everyone helping each other, in a way. I know that I just want something different sometimes and it's great to be able to pass items on for others who can make use of them.
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
18 Dec 07
You might want to check out a web site called Freecycle where people offer things for free. I don't know if it is in every city or area. My son-in-law brought home a large entertainment center last night that he got for free. It is all wood and in great shape. It could sell for $100 or more for sure. Sometimes people just want to get rid of stuff for free.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
19 Dec 07
I used to be a member of Freecycle, sigma, but it did not work well for me because I gave away some items and had no transportation to pick up items that I wanted. It is a great site though. I might sign up with them again just to get rid of some of the books I've accumulated.
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
19 Dec 07
I believe this is called "recycling" and I love it! Lots of times we call around to ask our friends if they have items they don't need that we do, and also the other way around. Not only does it help save money and the environment, but when we have get togethers we can comment on one another's "found items"--like telling a friend I gave my love seat and wingchair to how much I like the corner nook she set up with my furniture--they looked so warm and cosy! We love our stuff, so we just look for others who will love them (and use them) equally well. Love this discussion, by the way.
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
20 Dec 07
Back when the babies were small, we (girlfriends, relatives, neighbours) also passed down kids' clothes, toys, and furniture. It really helped the budget a lot, being as we were all growing families just starting out. It was fun, though. We held a "sharing bee" and oohed and aaahed over the baby clothes while the owners played (or slept in carriers) in the basement. Boy! The memories really take me back...sigh.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
20 Dec 07
Years ago, seagoddess, it was much the same way within my circle of friends, but some have moved on and relationships have changed making it harder to acquire castoffs from friends. This is the next best thing though.
1 person likes this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
19 Dec 07
I think that even though the main idea is for the maintenance people to dispose of that room still is a good idea so people can actually use some of the things that might be useful for them.
A few years back we lived close to some of our friends, and when we replaced something we use to check with each one in case they had use for it, it was a great idea and worked great. A pity that we're now all living apart.
I'm glad you have been finding some things that you could use in that room:)
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
19 Dec 07
It really works out well, arkaf, especially when you are trying to live on a tight budget.
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@cefaz_21 (2596)
• Philippines
20 Dec 07
it seems so nice to live in your place..the trash room,the freecycle..and other stuff you can get for free..
here in our country,people threw things when they are alraedy worn out-I mean you cannot use it anymore,when they have to get rid of things that can still be use,they will sell it to the the 2nd hand shop.. :)
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
20 Dec 07
You can find many useful items here every day, cefaz. People tire of them and just throw them out and buy new things.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
19 Dec 07
Oh yes, all the time. And where I live they have a bi-annual garage sales and if you drive around the last day in the evening, many people throw what they didn't sell down by the curb for the trash truck to pick up.. Yep, not too proud to go trash digging..lol
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
20 Dec 07
I used to enjoy so much going to garage and yard sales with my daughters, carmelanirel! Things have changed, though, and I really miss our outings. I admit that I have no pride when I see something that could be of use to me and someone has cast it aside, LOL.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169453)
• United States
30 Dec 07
I have a lamp we found in a trash pile waiting for the trash truck. My husband knocked on the door and the lady said "take it". At the same time the local big bargain hunter who ran a junk shop was yelling at the lady saying "let me have it, I will give you money" but the homeowner told her we saw it first. Your trash room sounds like a terrific idea really. A good way of giving new life to things.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
19 Dec 07
It sounds like your own recycling center in your building, that is great. You are to be commended and so should your neighbors and landlord for creating such a nice environment.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
19 Dec 07
You know what they say, Debs: One man's trash is another man's treasure.
@MommaOfAllTrades (969)
• Canada
19 Dec 07
Oh how I miss the trash room from when we lived in an apartment! There are some really nice stuff sometimes.
I'll admit, that when I lived in a big city, I would go 'garbage picking'. People throw out really nice stuff. I furnished my first apartment with other people's trash and a friend of mine furnished her nursery! I would often knock on doors and ask the owners why they would throw the item out if I wasn't sure! Most were more than willing to help me put the item in the car!
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
19 Dec 07
Yes, Momma, it's great when people share like that. I remember when we used to live in a huge apartment complex and my mom used to go through the dumpsters and find all kinds of good items. I've never gone that far, but, to each his/her own, LOL.
@chelle39574 (215)
• United States
19 Dec 07
we dont have a room like that where i live but thats sounds like a good way to find lots of things i usually find things on the side of the road in people trash i have lucked up a lot of really good things bed frames, dressers, mirrors.....
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
20 Dec 07
There was also a nice black lacquered bed headboard in there, chelle, but I had no need for it since I got rid of the nice one I had a year or so ago.
@cruelkitti (230)
•
19 Dec 07
that's really awesome, everyone should have a "trashrooom"!
:)
1 person likes this
