We explain how online 'swap sites' can not only get you stuff for free, but help you get rid of your unwanted things, too.
‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ or so the saying goes – and this is certainly true of the increasing number of swap sites now cropping up on the net.
These enable you to browse a constantly growing selection of items from sofas and phones to TVs, all posted by people who no longer want them and therefore are giving them away for free.
You could find an item you’ve always wanted and get it for nothing, or become a swapper yourself and get rid of the junk that’s been cluttering up your closet. It’s a win-win situation.
Why swap?
There are plenty of benefits to using swap sites, both for your purse strings and for your peace of mind. If you have a specific item in mind that you need or want, it’s possible you’ll find it on one of these sites for free, instead of having to buy it new or second-hand. Even if you aren’t on the quest for a particular item it’s worth having a look at what’s on offer in your local area: there may well be a freebie you can’t resist.
Additionally you can use these sites to ‘recycle’ the things you no longer use by passing them on to a new owner, thereby giving your unwanted belongings a second life. This benefits you by helping to clear any clutter you might have; and if there are large items you want to get rid of, it eliminates the cost of having to hire someone to take them away for you.
You’ll be doing your bit for the environment, too: passing goods on to new owners rather than binning them reduces waste and helps cut down on landfill growth.
How can I get started?
One of the most popular swap sites is Freecycle. By ‘changing the world one gift at a time’, Freecycle exists globally to enable people to give and get free stuff.
Simply type in the name of your local town or city to find your own Freecycle network, join your local group, and start browsing the goods available in your area. You’ll find objects from the mundane to the exotic to the just plain bizarre – and maybe you’ll find just the thing you need.
You can then email the owner of your desired item, and although you will usually have to arrange a time to pick it up yourself, it’s worth it for the money you will save.
Gumtree also functions in a similar manner. With networks worldwide you can quickly locate your local Gumtree community and see what’s on offer. Either browse the ‘Swap Shop’ pages where people post things they wish to give away, often asking for a specific item in return; or have a look through the ‘Freebies’ where you can simply arrange to go and collect an unwanted item for free.
Craigslist is worth a look too, with free stuff listed in communities throughout the world. Click on the country and city of your choice, then find the ‘Free’ section under ‘For Sale’. As with the others, you can browse the items available to collect, as well as post items you no longer wish to own. Someone may be more than willing to take it off your hands for free.
There are plenty of other swap sites available, who all exist with the same goal of cultivating an online environment that encourages free and safe swapping. A few more worth checking out are iSwap, Swapit Shop and SnaffleUp.
What's The Catch?
There is none – you’ll be saving money by getting the stuff you want for free, as well as having your unwanted things taken off your hands. It’s a great way to get something for nothing.
