The Rabbit Hole

I love getting things for free. My general assumption is that at least 99.9% of the population loves getting things for free as well.

If you are one of that majority, then I think you will enjoy my list of ways to score something awesome for free.

1. Craigslist

I absolutely love Craigslist. It is an amazing resource for finding things, people, places, and even pets. One of it’s best features is it’s free section.

You can get anything from moving boxes, to furniture, or even love. The site has a search function, which makes it easy to find the coffee table or 1980s encyclopedia set you’ve just got to have.

Personally, I enjoy just browsing the page. You never know what you could score. There was even a guy who traded one red paper clip, and then kept trading over Craigslist until he ended up with a house.

2. Freecycle

They put it best: “Freecycle provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to “recycle” unwanted items. One person’s trash can truly be another’s treasure!”

Similar to Craigslist in some ways, Freecycle has groups available in different cities. You do have to join the groups before you can access the postings. Messages are posted in two categories, Offers and Wants. So if you’re looking for something in particular you can post a WANT ad.

Once you find something you like, all you have to do is go get it!

3. Samples

I love samples. They’re free, they give you a chance to try something new, and a lot of time’s they’re really handy.

You can score them at the store or also sign up for them online. Walmart.com’s samples are some of the best around. There are also many blogs devoted to the subject, a few of my favorites being Hey It’s Free! and Sweet Free Stuff.

A lot of times the samples are “travel sized,” perfect for traveling or tossing in your purse or backpack. I’ve never bought lotion to carry in my purse, I’ve just used sample bottles.

4. Coupons

Coupons have been getting a lot of buzz lately as a great way to save money, but they’re also a great way to get products for free! Many times you can get coupons that are for a free product, or buy one get one free. The majority of coupons are for reduced prices on items, but combining them with sales can sometimes make the items completely free.

There are countless blogs with different methods for best utilizing coupons to score free products. I recommend checking out Money Saving Mom as a starting point.

Here’s a video that shows not only how you can get free products, but also make a little money back at Rite Aid:

5. Dumpster Diving

It may seem gross and icky, but dumpster diving is one of the most fun ways to score new and interesting things for free. Dumpster diving doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go dive in a dumpster, it can be as simple as walking or driving around an area and looking at items placed out for the trash.

Living in the city, the week period surrounding the end of one month and the beginning of the next, when a lot of people are preparing to move, is an absolute golden opportunity to go scouting for new treasures. About 50% of the furniture in my first apartment were items discovered in the alley behind our building. Beyond that I’ve scored books, a TV antenna, vase, flower pots, and other random knick nacks.

For more info, check out How To Dumpster Dive for a ton of smart tips.