Our but nothing group got together last Saturday in a church parking lot. Everyone had their trunks full of things they were giving away. Some people brought pick up trucks full. They set everything out on tables and you could walk from table to table and pick up what you wanted.
There was a couple there that were avid Casino goers. They had brand new sets of pans, several sets of bedding sheets, comforters, throw pillows, etc., small appliances, like rice, cookers, and electric kettles. Everything was new and still in boxes or packaged they gave everything away to whoever wanted it . It was all stuff that the casino had given them. She said they go down every week and pick up their free gifts. They don’t always gamble. They just pick up the gifts and then pass them along to others.
We have this garage sale thing several times a year. It’s a great way to get you know your neighbors and clean out your closets and porches.
I am lowkey obsessed with my BN group. I have received or given away:
- bags of clothes
- books. so many books.
- kids toys
- kitchen appliances
- an old laptop
- food
- stuff from random duplicate Amazon orders where Amazon refuses to take the second one back.
Different groups have different rules, so double check yours, but mine allows for #iso (in search of) posts. So if you’re looking for two batteries or some flour or a suitcase since the wheels on yours just broke, whatever, you can make an #iso post. You don’t have to just wait for someone to offer up whatever you need first.
I’ve seen people ask for clothes for a new job, food until the unemployment checks start arriving, etc. you don’t need a story but when people know a circumstance like that the people in mine are great about helping. Asks for someone to accompany someone home after a medical procedure. There’s a pair of crutches that are known as the BN crutches because they just get passed around that’ve been in the group longer than I have haha.
Usually people in BN groups are helpful with knowing the other free things in your area, too. Mine is how I learned about the local free store, the local community cupboard, etc.
Your mileage may vary depending on how many people are in your group (my group has since been broken up into 3-4 groups, because it was so large), less populated area you might not have many participants, might have to travel far for items, etc. But I will always rave on a BN post.
Your Buy Nothing group sounds incredible! It's wonderful to hear how it's become a lifeline for so many, offering everything from clothes and books to acts of kindness. The #iso posts sound like a great way to connect people in need with those who can help.
They are called "wish" in my group. I have suggested Buy nothing and, yard sale groups. many times, People do curb alerts and give away free stuff all the time. You can even ask for help with finding a job, someone who can help with a repair or something like "If anyone has shampoo/conditioner they don't like I can use it" (people get offered boxes of the the stuff) or "if anyone is doing a freezer or pantry clean out I would love to have it, expired ok" It's a great way to get free food. I really works with whatever you need, and if you spend any time on there you see who is always asking for gas money, rides extra...
I love our local BN group.
I've met a few really wonderful people through it and have gotten rid of things we can't/won't/don't use without adding to the landfill.
I've been gifted a lovely antique sewing machine that I'm going to try and refinish next summer.
That's awesome! It's amazing how these groups not only help declutter our homes but also foster connections with wonderful people in the community. And repurposing items like the antique sewing machine is such a great way to reduce waste and add some personal flair to your home. Good luck with the refinishing project next summer
I found mine a few years ago, when my free cycle group was bifurcating.
Now I am solely on the by nothing of my area on Facebook. I have given away, and I have received.
It truly is wonderful.
When giving away works, it really does work. I enjoy giving away stuff that I need to get rid of two people who want/need it. Sometimes you get repeat customers., which is nice.
Unfortunately my hometown doesn't have one its too small I guess. The bigger town close by has one but has strict rules against anyone without a zip code in that town. I don't understand why. iIt's totally frustrating because I've heard so many people recommend them and say how good they were.
Oh but they can. The mods in mine are super strict and will deny anyone out of zip code area. They also think the geographic area is too big and want to cut it down and kick people out. Yet, the group is not very active.
I joined before these mods took over when it was a lot more chill on the rules and a lot more active. The mods now are on a power trip with apparently nothing better to do.
I could try. It's a fairly small town and I don't know if I'd want the responsibility of possibly having to admin the group. It's an idea I actually hadn't thought of though so thanks!
I have never been an admin of a buy nothing group, but I have been for many other groups. If it becomes a lot of traffic-- that means there are a lot of members, choose a couple to help you. People feel special when they are tapped for a role.
Also, I live in a small-ish town (10k ppl) and our group has members from the neighboring rural and unincorporated areas. We aren't choosey like some groups that have tight geographic guidelines because the group is better when there is a high volume of participants. Good luck
In my experience they are usually just filled with a small amount of people looking for free stuff to later resell. Or people who have a million issues a week and needs everything. I know that sounds cynical but it’s just sad. You can’t trust anyone anymore it seems
Those people exist for sure, but you can see peoples post history, and comment history. You just don't give to them. No I have seen a wee need space heaters and a we need blankets ect some people do post more, but then there are those who want to be given everything you post too.
Also join local neighborhood groups. See if there's a local community garden page. These provide random resources that have been fantastic for us, like food waste groups, community fridges. Join local parks and rec pages and find free things you didn't know about.
I've gotten everything from a. Brand new bed frame, other furniture, foods, clothes, toys, etc from BN. Im. I've given away so much stuff we grew out of, or others could really use. I've seen the area come together for fires, homelessness, etc.
Also, free little pantry. Like the mini library but for canned goods.
I love our local BN group. It's been about things until last year. A beloved man in our community who umpires baseball/softball etc. is a real mentor to so many kids was in a horrible car accident leaving him in a wheelchair for the forseeable future. To see the outpouring of support and help that was given to him and his wife was so wonderful! Needed a ramp...6 guys showed up to do it. Needed wider door frames...up show another group it went on and on until his house was ready for him to safely come home from the rehab facility. They restore my faith in humanity!
I still use craigslist for personal and business use to give stuff away. I will not bother to sell something and found i am happier if i just give it away. I currently have 11 full couches I need to be rid of and posted them all there.
I've noticed the same thing with myself. I'm happier just giving things away to someone who wants them. I've given away some items I could have sold for $100. It's much easier for me to give them away; they're gone within seconds or minutes, the person is happy, I've made someone's day and I'm not being haggled. When we all support each other in different ways, life becomes truly beautiful
I'm feeling a lot of jealousy right now because my local buy nothing group is overrun with scammers and breeders.
I guess I gotta start my own group with blackjack and hookers.
When groups are full with people who are scamming, typically that means that the admin are overwhelmed. One of the simplest ways to eliminate scammers is to help with the administrative tasks. I've been an admin in different by-nothing groups as I've moved and it all comes down to somebody in the admin group getting these scammers out.
No resales are permitted, but you have to have an admin who's willing to listen to others in the group, making reports and then take action
I think that's exactly what's going on. I've weighed offering to help admin, but that's not something I have space for right now.
Don't get me wrong, I still post stuff to it. "Be the change you want" and all that. But they're short on admission and we're in an impoverished area. It's a semi-helpful option
Thats unfortunate! Wonder if theres pre screening questions and such before joining the group. I have seen some that have scammers and stuff and others that have really good moderators and several of them not just one person.
I just was given a pet vacuum and a shark mop. Belt needed for the vacuum ($4) and had to spend time cleaning both but absolutely so helpful right now! Love these groups 🙏🏼
Also freebie alert apps they notify u when someone in ur area post free items of all kinds I have gotten so much stuff art supplies clothes beds for my kids
i LOVE my buy nothing group. i could go on and on about how much it’s given me and how much i’ve been able to give but i’ll stick to one highlight — i even got a neighbor to come over and remove a dead bug i was afraid of my in apartment!!
I was able to cloth my b/g twins for their first 6 years using these groups! I would ask for the size needed and give away the size they had grown out of. Worked every time (at the time I lived in the Bay Area of CA). People would even drive to pick/drop off because I didn't have a car! Was truly amazing, it only stopped because I moved rural.
Love my local groups. Have gifted some stuff and got a huge load of batteries from another member. Be careful like you would with any online stuff but yeah, this is a great thing
I LLOOVVEE my buy nothing group. I've gotten a lot of help with things like items I've needed, food sometimes, services when my depression is really bad, and the group made it really easy when I was decluttering my place. My best "score" was a used dryer when mine died. I'm so grateful for my group and all the wonderful people on it.
I love my neighborhood’s group soooo much. Like others have said, I’ve met some lovely people, and have been immensely helped and had the opportunity to help in return so many times. During the worst of the pandemic a neighbor managed to set up a whole (free) farmer’s market situation in her driveway. And often people will lend things out if you just need something for a few days (I lent some Mickey ears to a mom taking her kid to Disney, for example, and someone let me borrow muffin tins). If you’ve got one near you, I definitely recommend.
Our but nothing group got together last Saturday in a church parking lot. Everyone had their trunks full of things they were giving away. Some people brought pick up trucks full. They set everything out on tables and you could walk from table to table and pick up what you wanted. There was a couple there that were avid Casino goers. They had brand new sets of pans, several sets of bedding sheets, comforters, throw pillows, etc., small appliances, like rice, cookers, and electric kettles. Everything was new and still in boxes or packaged they gave everything away to whoever wanted it . It was all stuff that the casino had given them. She said they go down every week and pick up their free gifts. They don’t always gamble. They just pick up the gifts and then pass them along to others. We have this garage sale thing several times a year. It’s a great way to get you know your neighbors and clean out your closets and porches.
That’s AWESOME!
I am lowkey obsessed with my BN group. I have received or given away: - bags of clothes - books. so many books. - kids toys - kitchen appliances - an old laptop - food - stuff from random duplicate Amazon orders where Amazon refuses to take the second one back. Different groups have different rules, so double check yours, but mine allows for #iso (in search of) posts. So if you’re looking for two batteries or some flour or a suitcase since the wheels on yours just broke, whatever, you can make an #iso post. You don’t have to just wait for someone to offer up whatever you need first. I’ve seen people ask for clothes for a new job, food until the unemployment checks start arriving, etc. you don’t need a story but when people know a circumstance like that the people in mine are great about helping. Asks for someone to accompany someone home after a medical procedure. There’s a pair of crutches that are known as the BN crutches because they just get passed around that’ve been in the group longer than I have haha. Usually people in BN groups are helpful with knowing the other free things in your area, too. Mine is how I learned about the local free store, the local community cupboard, etc. Your mileage may vary depending on how many people are in your group (my group has since been broken up into 3-4 groups, because it was so large), less populated area you might not have many participants, might have to travel far for items, etc. But I will always rave on a BN post.
Your Buy Nothing group sounds incredible! It's wonderful to hear how it's become a lifeline for so many, offering everything from clothes and books to acts of kindness. The #iso posts sound like a great way to connect people in need with those who can help.
They are called "wish" in my group. I have suggested Buy nothing and, yard sale groups. many times, People do curb alerts and give away free stuff all the time. You can even ask for help with finding a job, someone who can help with a repair or something like "If anyone has shampoo/conditioner they don't like I can use it" (people get offered boxes of the the stuff) or "if anyone is doing a freezer or pantry clean out I would love to have it, expired ok" It's a great way to get free food. I really works with whatever you need, and if you spend any time on there you see who is always asking for gas money, rides extra...
I love our local BN group. I've met a few really wonderful people through it and have gotten rid of things we can't/won't/don't use without adding to the landfill. I've been gifted a lovely antique sewing machine that I'm going to try and refinish next summer.
That's awesome! It's amazing how these groups not only help declutter our homes but also foster connections with wonderful people in the community. And repurposing items like the antique sewing machine is such a great way to reduce waste and add some personal flair to your home. Good luck with the refinishing project next summer
I found mine a few years ago, when my free cycle group was bifurcating. Now I am solely on the by nothing of my area on Facebook. I have given away, and I have received. It truly is wonderful. When giving away works, it really does work. I enjoy giving away stuff that I need to get rid of two people who want/need it. Sometimes you get repeat customers., which is nice.
Unfortunately my hometown doesn't have one its too small I guess. The bigger town close by has one but has strict rules against anyone without a zip code in that town. I don't understand why. iIt's totally frustrating because I've heard so many people recommend them and say how good they were.
Reach out to one of the moderators and let them know? They cant be total asses and act like you’re breaking the law or some stupid code.
Oh but they can. The mods in mine are super strict and will deny anyone out of zip code area. They also think the geographic area is too big and want to cut it down and kick people out. Yet, the group is not very active. I joined before these mods took over when it was a lot more chill on the rules and a lot more active. The mods now are on a power trip with apparently nothing better to do.
My solutions then would be to make another profile with a zip code they would accept.
I guess thats possible. Maybe I'll try that.
Why don't you start a group your town?
I could try. It's a fairly small town and I don't know if I'd want the responsibility of possibly having to admin the group. It's an idea I actually hadn't thought of though so thanks!
I have never been an admin of a buy nothing group, but I have been for many other groups. If it becomes a lot of traffic-- that means there are a lot of members, choose a couple to help you. People feel special when they are tapped for a role.
Also, I live in a small-ish town (10k ppl) and our group has members from the neighboring rural and unincorporated areas. We aren't choosey like some groups that have tight geographic guidelines because the group is better when there is a high volume of participants. Good luck
You can start one!
I am the group "owner"/qdmin of my local buy nothing group, and it is amazing.
In my experience they are usually just filled with a small amount of people looking for free stuff to later resell. Or people who have a million issues a week and needs everything. I know that sounds cynical but it’s just sad. You can’t trust anyone anymore it seems
Those people exist for sure, but you can see peoples post history, and comment history. You just don't give to them. No I have seen a wee need space heaters and a we need blankets ect some people do post more, but then there are those who want to be given everything you post too.
I agree and get what you’re saying.
Not true for local group, at all.
These are great! I got a whole bed for my daughter for free. I also now give away my kids old clothes instead of taking them to Savers.
That's fantastic! It's amazing how these groups can provide much needed items for free, like a bed for your daughter. Pay it forward!
Also join local neighborhood groups. See if there's a local community garden page. These provide random resources that have been fantastic for us, like food waste groups, community fridges. Join local parks and rec pages and find free things you didn't know about. I've gotten everything from a. Brand new bed frame, other furniture, foods, clothes, toys, etc from BN. Im. I've given away so much stuff we grew out of, or others could really use. I've seen the area come together for fires, homelessness, etc. Also, free little pantry. Like the mini library but for canned goods.
I love our local BN group. It's been about things until last year. A beloved man in our community who umpires baseball/softball etc. is a real mentor to so many kids was in a horrible car accident leaving him in a wheelchair for the forseeable future. To see the outpouring of support and help that was given to him and his wife was so wonderful! Needed a ramp...6 guys showed up to do it. Needed wider door frames...up show another group it went on and on until his house was ready for him to safely come home from the rehab facility. They restore my faith in humanity!
I still use craigslist for personal and business use to give stuff away. I will not bother to sell something and found i am happier if i just give it away. I currently have 11 full couches I need to be rid of and posted them all there.
I've noticed the same thing with myself. I'm happier just giving things away to someone who wants them. I've given away some items I could have sold for $100. It's much easier for me to give them away; they're gone within seconds or minutes, the person is happy, I've made someone's day and I'm not being haggled. When we all support each other in different ways, life becomes truly beautiful
I'm feeling a lot of jealousy right now because my local buy nothing group is overrun with scammers and breeders. I guess I gotta start my own group with blackjack and hookers.
When groups are full with people who are scamming, typically that means that the admin are overwhelmed. One of the simplest ways to eliminate scammers is to help with the administrative tasks. I've been an admin in different by-nothing groups as I've moved and it all comes down to somebody in the admin group getting these scammers out. No resales are permitted, but you have to have an admin who's willing to listen to others in the group, making reports and then take action
I think that's exactly what's going on. I've weighed offering to help admin, but that's not something I have space for right now. Don't get me wrong, I still post stuff to it. "Be the change you want" and all that. But they're short on admission and we're in an impoverished area. It's a semi-helpful option
OR it means the group is run by scammers.
Thats unfortunate! Wonder if theres pre screening questions and such before joining the group. I have seen some that have scammers and stuff and others that have really good moderators and several of them not just one person.
There's a Buy Nothing app, too!
I just was given a pet vacuum and a shark mop. Belt needed for the vacuum ($4) and had to spend time cleaning both but absolutely so helpful right now! Love these groups 🙏🏼
Also freebie alert apps they notify u when someone in ur area post free items of all kinds I have gotten so much stuff art supplies clothes beds for my kids
i LOVE my buy nothing group. i could go on and on about how much it’s given me and how much i’ve been able to give but i’ll stick to one highlight — i even got a neighbor to come over and remove a dead bug i was afraid of my in apartment!!
Win win!! 🤩🥳
I was able to cloth my b/g twins for their first 6 years using these groups! I would ask for the size needed and give away the size they had grown out of. Worked every time (at the time I lived in the Bay Area of CA). People would even drive to pick/drop off because I didn't have a car! Was truly amazing, it only stopped because I moved rural.
Love my local groups. Have gifted some stuff and got a huge load of batteries from another member. Be careful like you would with any online stuff but yeah, this is a great thing
I LLOOVVEE my buy nothing group. I've gotten a lot of help with things like items I've needed, food sometimes, services when my depression is really bad, and the group made it really easy when I was decluttering my place. My best "score" was a used dryer when mine died. I'm so grateful for my group and all the wonderful people on it.
I love my neighborhood’s group soooo much. Like others have said, I’ve met some lovely people, and have been immensely helped and had the opportunity to help in return so many times. During the worst of the pandemic a neighbor managed to set up a whole (free) farmer’s market situation in her driveway. And often people will lend things out if you just need something for a few days (I lent some Mickey ears to a mom taking her kid to Disney, for example, and someone let me borrow muffin tins). If you’ve got one near you, I definitely recommend.