It can be costly to move into a new house.

You might be required to rent a property or apartment in a high-end market such as New York, Boston, or San Francisco. You will also need to consider closing costs and fees when buying a house.

Furnishing your house can add cost. I purchased all my furniture online and had it delivered directly to my apartment after I moved from college dorms.

Although it was extremely convenient, it still cost me nearly a month of rent. If I had been a little more creative and found some furniture for free, I could have saved quite a bit.

These are the Best Places to Find Free Furniture

Saving money by getting free furniture is like saving money. Who doesn’t like that? You have many options to furnish your home free of charge, including repurposing or finding used furniture.

1. Craigslist

Craigslist is a popular way to buy furniture online. Anybody can place an ad to sell used furniture . You’ll typically find ads from people who are moving or cleaning out their homes. The prices are usually very reasonable. You might even find furniture for free.

Craigslist is a great way to find furniture for free. However, you will need to do all the lifting. The items will need to be picked up and loaded into your vehicle. Before you respond to the ad, make sure that you have enough space in your vehicle to store them all.

Follow the internet safety guidelines. Be with a friend. If you are unable to go with a friend, let them know and plan to meet up at a certain time after you have picked up the furniture. If possible, meet up during the day. Listen to your gut if you feel something is wrong with the poster or the post.

Related to How To Sell On Craigslist (And 6 Tips For Success)

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook has a marketplace that its users can use, which functions in a similar way to Craigslist. People post posts offering furniture for free, before they move or remodel.

Like Craigslist, you should be ready to buy anything that interests you. Be sure to use internet safety best practices.

3. Freecycle

This website is for people who want to dispose of their old items to ensure that they don’t go to waste.

To find a group close to you, search the Freecycle website. You can also search the site for people who are looking to sell everything, from old clothes to furniture to cleaning supplies. Source: Freecycle.org

You can post your items if you don’t find what you are looking for. You can get help from freecyclers who have the items and make arrangements to pick them off.

Related: The Best Selling Apps to Sell Things Online (and Locally).

4. Furniture banks

There are many charities that run furniture banks in various areas. These charities accept furniture donations in good condition. Many of these programs will accept cash donations. These funds can be used to purchase furniture and other supplies.

A local furniture bank might be able help you if you are in a difficult financial situation.

You’ll find many charities that provide beds and cribs for children in many places. The A bed for every child Initiative in Massachusetts offers beds for children from low-income families.

5. Ask your family and friends

Let people know if you have furniture. You never know who might have furniture they don’t want or need. It will be a win-win situation for you both if you are able to pick up the furniture.

It’s easy to let many people know that you are on the hunt for furniture through social media and cell phones. You can post on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform, and then text or email your friends. Most people are happy to let you know if they have furniture you can take, provided you don’t be too demanding or overbearing.

6. Dumpster diving

You can also check out the trash of your neighbours.

One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure, as the old saying goes. You don’t have to throw away furniture from other people, so long as the item is in good condition.

Different areas have different rules about garbage collection. Before you start dumpster diving, make sure to check the regulations in your local area. It’s generally accepted that a neighbor may have towed an old sofa or table to the curb. You might still want to inquire before you accept it. Let your neighbor know about what you are doing.

Furniture that has been thrown out should be claimed with safety. You might have a good reason for the furniture being thrown away. Be sure to check that the furniture is free of any bed bugs, insect, or animal infestations before you move it into your home.

You should make sure it is functional if it has moving parts like a recliner. You should also inspect the furniture for any stains, strange smells, or other reasons it is being thrown away.

7. Local “buy nothing!” groups

A network of community groups based around the idea that neighbors can freely share their items with them If you have items that you want to sell, post them to your local Buy Nothing group. Other members can claim them. People who are searching for items can also post their needs.

The Buy Nothing project is different from other marketplaces that allow people to trade, barter, or ask money. Everything must be given away free of charge. It is a project where members take only what they need and then give away the rest to ensure everyone benefits.

You can give things you don’t need to a Buy Nothing group if you are looking to buy furniture. You can also give gifts of time or talent to Buy Nothing groups, which will allow you to help others in your local community.

8. Yard sales

Yard sales are a great place to find cheap or free furniture.

You can negotiate with the seller if you spot furniture for sale. You might be able to negotiate a great deal if they are.

You might find better furniture deals if you go to a yard sale earlier in the day or closer to the end of it. Offer to buy it from the seller if no one is interested. You might be able to win if they are just trying to get rid.

Keep in mind that yard sales are a way for sellers to get paid. If the seller declines to accept your offer, don’t get mad. Just thank them for taking the time to listen and then move on.

9. On move-out day at colleges

You can find furniture for free if you live in a college community. The sidewalks are often covered in discarded furniture that is too difficult for students to transport. You can find free furniture such as a couch, dresser or chair here. The furniture is often almost new.

To find furniture left behind, take a trip around areas that have a high student population. You can pull over and throw it in your car if you find something you like. Make sure the furniture is not left on the curb and cannot be moved into a moving van. It is not a good idea to steal furniture you think is trash.

You should make sure it is still in good shape before you take it home. This includes inspecting the furniture for any signs of pests or stains, safety, functionality, and safety.

10. Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a social network website that allows people to communicate with their neighbors. This site can be used to connect with your local community and learn about nearby events. You can also trade, give, or receive goods and services.

People will often post items they are trying to sell or give away, just like other online communities. Let people know if you’d like to take a look at furniture that they have posted for free.

Nextdoor is a network that focuses on local neighborhoods so you don’t need to travel far.

11. Recycle old furniture

Furniture you already have is a great source of furniture that can be used for free. You only need some imagination and elbow grease to transform your furniture into something you can use.

Have a bookcase and a TV? You can take the bookcase apart and make a TV stand. Turn some wooden crates into storage. To make a patio table, attach table legs to a shipping container.

You can find tons of information online on how to upcycle large and small furniture. You can find inspiration from websites like Upcycle That and Hipcycle.

12. Thrift shops

You can find furniture at a great price in thrift stores. Some stores will accept donations, while others may purchase used furniture and put it up for auction.

Many charities offer vouchers that you can use to buy furniture at various retailers, including thrift shops. You might be eligible for programs such as this one in Great Falls Montana.

A great perk to buying furniture from a thrift shop is the fact that they have done all the work. You won’t have as many concerns about bugs, stains or other strange smells if the furniture you find is in good condition. Be sure to do your research before you buy furniture. You might not be allowed to return or exchange a furniture item that is defective.

13. Ask your landlord, homeowner, or previous tenant.

If you are renting, make sure to reach out to the landlord or previous occupants before you move in. It’s possible to find a great deal buying furniture from people moving out. Sometimes they may be willing to donate it for free in order to save you the effort of moving and packing it.

It’s possible for them to say no, but it never hurts to ask.

Take care when you meet in public

Free furniture means that the person who gives it away has a reason. You don’t expect to find an eight-piece set of matching furniture. It is possible to find a sofa from 40 years ago that doesn’t match your decor, a rusted-out dining table, or a couch with a bad odor.

It doesn’t matter what quirks it may have, you can decide if it belongs in the home. You can take the furniture if it is in good condition and not a safety risk.

You can save time browsing online listings by learning how to read between the lines. When looking at the photos on the posters, be discerning. Before you go to the showroom, make sure you do your research to determine if you will actually want the furniture.

Don’t forget your safety. You should always take common sense precautions, even if you do find the perfect piece of furniture. To help you look at the furniture or to pick it up, bring a friend. When possible, make in-person transactions.

It’s not worth giving up your health for furniture.