When a non-emergency “I need to buy a new thing!” situation comes up, instead of buying something right away, try putting the word out.
Let your group of friends know you’re looking to buy/borrow the item.
Put a “wanted” post out on freecycle/Nextdoor.
Ask your neighbor if she knows someone who has item X for giveaway/sale.
This works especially well for things people don’t constantly use for long periods of time (like tools. or baby gear. or niche kitchen items. or a carpet steamer.)
Of course, this doesn’t always pan out, but it’s worth a try as long as you have the luxury of waiting for a little while.
And if it doesn’t work out, well, you still always have the option of buying the item.
Chelsea Powers
Saturday 21st of April 2018
Another great place to check is local community Facebook groups, as well as your Buy Nothing group! Find yours at buynothingproject.org. Buy Nothing is the way I've met my best neighbors and many of my friends.
JD
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
This is a great idea. I can’t remember how many times my kids and I have found that one of us is getting rid of an item that is exactly what the other one had been looking for. We also share a carpet cleaner, serving dishes, clothes and jewelry. Some of my friends and I like to put the word out that we are wanting to obtain or get rid of an item. It works well!
Marybeth
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
Hubby's coworker is moving out of her parents home for the first me. She hung a note in the office kitchen saying she is happy with anything since all she has is a bed and a couch. I went through boxes in the basement and gave her a 2 slice toaster, 2 vases, some glasses, some dishes, a big pot, and a coffee maker. She was so happy. I was happy to find it all a good home and to get some room in our basement. All of it is in good shape. They were either given to us or free piles.
Jenelle
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
Just borrowed a set of ear protection for my son (Monster Truck Jam) from a co-worker. She was more than happy to let us use them.
Grandma Bev
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
This feels like share your sorrow and share your joy. Whatever it is that you want/need tell everybody you know! Someone knows someone that has that very thing. Great Idea.