About Secondhand Furniture
The perfect piece of furniture does not have to come from a high-end dealer or retail store with inflated prices. Think second-hand. Pieces that are no longer wanted by one person may be just the right fit for the next. And, whether you find a piece of furniture in a second-hand store or a curbside, it can be turned into an unexpected treasure with a little care and maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?
Identification
People discard furniture--even pieces in perfect condition--for a number of reasons. People who are downsizing to a smaller home, or moving and can only take a limited amount of furniture with them, may toss some pieces or donate them to charities like Goodwill or Salvation Army. These organizations clean up furniture and sell it.
Benefits
In 2005, the EPA reported that Americans threw away 8.8 million tons of used furniture. Recycling second-hand furniture will help to keep it out of the already overflowing landfills that pollute our Earth. It will also save you money.
Considerations
Not every piece of used furniture is worthy of a Dumpster dive. When scouting out second-hand furniture, pay particular attention to the quality of the item. Pieces that indicate poor craftsmanship, such as the use of particle board or veneer, are not built to last. Look for fine, sturdy wood pieces made of oak or other hardwoods. These second-hand pieces can always be repaired, upgraded and painted.
Expert Insight
When shopping for second-hand furniture, the Internet is ideal. Websites like Freecycle and Craigslist allow users to post their furniture for a much broader audience. Craigslist posters may request a fee for their second-hand goods, while those on Freecycle are looking to give away their furniture for free.
Warning
Children's furniture can be very expensive, so finding good-quality, second-hand items can save you a bundle. Be sure that the items meet federal safety guidelines before allowing your child to use them.
Thoroughly clean any furniture that contains fabric before bringing it into your home. The previous owner may have had pets, which may have urinated on the piece or brought in fleas that may have found a home in the cushioning. Also give furniture the sniff test: Think twice if it smells moldy or like it has been used as a litter box. You can also replace the fabric and cushioning. Never recycle mattresses.
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