Well, if you read Young House Love, you may be familiar with how they got rid of all their backyard landscaping, with no backbreaking work, through Craigslist.
Well, this inspired Ryan and I when we were trying to get rid of our own eyesore.
This fence.
This fence was installed at the small house many years ago. It was worn out, caving in an installed backwards. The neighbor was complaining about it and we wanted to take it down.
Enter Freecycle.
I posted that the fence was up for grabs at 10:00 p.m. on a Sunday night several weeks ago. I only asked that the person take it down and load it off him (or her) self. On Monday morning, I woke up to 43 emails.
Everyone wanted the fence.
We gave it to the first person, who came over and took it all down for us. Then, he hauled it away.
Ryan and my dad grated out the driveway and created some drainage for the backyard. Then, Ryan planted grass seed (it’s pretty much all up now, but I haven’t taken a new photo).
It was definitely a heckuva lot easier to get rid of that fence by giving it away than by taking it out ourselves.
It was definitely a heckuva lot easier to get rid of that fence by giving it away than by taking it out ourselves.
Have you ever used Freecycle or Craigslist to get rid of unwanted things? Do tell…
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
emry@my little creative outlet says
I love to use freecycle! saves me a trip to the thrift store and I know that the person really wants/needs it. love love love it.
Freckles Chick says
That’s awesome!! Can’t wait to see the new fence. We’re talking losing sleep here!
Kelly says
I’ve never heard of freecycle. We have used Craigslist before. My husband purchased a workbench and tool storage thingy from a woman who was selling her ex husband’s belongings. It was in perfect condition.
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
We haven’t had any luck with free labor from the Craigslist-ers in our area. 🙁 That is awesome that they took your fence though!
On a side note, you’re only a few states away from me, you’re totally invited to our red party next year!
Rebecca says
WOW Im so glad I read your blog before I tore up my living room carpet next weekend! I am SO going to use freecycle!
Thank you!!!
Stephanie says
that is AWESOME!! it’s so true about your trash being someone else’s treasure… before we moved to guam, we sold so much stuff on craigslist that we probably would have otherwise tossed…made about $250! i sold a 15 year old computer desk for $30. seriously, most people would have just put it on the side of the road, but i made $. also, i sold a 4 year old TV for $20 and it was selling at walmart for just $30. i didnt think that was so bad! i sometimes had some regrets, though, wishing i would have priced stuff higher b/c maybe someone woulda given more–oh well. it’s outta my life!
Amber says
I can learn so much from you guys!
LZ says
Yes! I hate throwing away something when I know somebody somewhere can use it so I love me some Freecycle.
Just a couple weeks ago Andy was like “How do you dispose of broken TVs?”
I said “Freecycle of course!”
He said “No way, nobody wants that junk.”
12 hours later I said “Yes way, SOMEBODY always does!” as two guys came and took them all off our hands.
Mrs. Dirnberger says
I never thought of using those list but that is a great idea! Now I am thinking of things I want to get rid of but dont’ want to haul..haha..
tlm says
I am going to get rid of some monkey grass and some bushes the same way. I hope I am successful as you!
Carrie says
I used FreeCycle a lot back in Colorado. I got rid of an old chair (that I now wish I’d talked Shawn into keeping), a bike, a stereo system…even my leftover supplies from wedding favors!
Madeline says
What a fantastic idea!!! Omg…my mind is spinning with all the ideas 🙂