You can also list items to sell on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and FreeCycle. You can even list things as collection only, so it’s simply a case of taking some pictures, writing a description and waiting for someone to come and take it away.

https://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/getting-rid-of-old-furniture-tips-276391

4. Freecycle old pieces of furniture

If you’ve had a good clear out, rather than taking your old unwanted items to the tip Angellica recommends taking them to a charity shop or freecycling.

‘Often with things we don’t want we put it on freecycle so people can come to pick it up,’ she explains. ‘You put the item online, and if someone wants it you arrange to go meet them with it.’

There are plenty of websites dedicated to freecycling, and charity shops that specialise in homeware. However, do check that the item is in good condition before dropping it off.

But don’t just stop at handing on second-hand items, consider investing in them too. For inspiration for making the most of older items take a look at our upcycled furniture ideas feature.

https://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/angellica-bell-shares-sustainable-swaps-in-the-home-276472

If you’re looking to buy Ikea furniture, picking up a secondhand item will be cheaper than buying the same item new. But you may be able to find cheaper secondhand furniture by going directly to sellers elsewhere – so it’s worth checking the likes of eBay and Facebook Marketplace first. You may even be able to pick-up free furniture on sites including Freecycle and Freegle.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2021/05/ikea-buy-back-old-furniture-launched/

As for getting the things you need for the children, there are various websites offering free equipment/toys/clothes, such as Freecycle.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/dear-deidre/14723394/saved-grandkids-criminal-home-skint/

See what you can get for free

For most people, moving to a new house means having to get rid of a few things, and pieces of furniture gradually get replaced by better quality items over the years. That means if you ask around, you will almost always be able to find useful items that people are happy to give you for nothing – everything from sofas to kitchenware to carpets. If your family and friends can’t help, try Freecycle. Many charity shops also deal in low-cost furniture and homewares, even if they don’t have them on display. Remember that as long as what you get is still in sturdy condition, you can usually cover up superficial damage at a trivial cost.

Read <a href=” https://www.wales247.co.uk/how-to-kit-out-your-first-home-together-without-breaking-the-bank ” target=”_blank”>more</a>

I wrap each fruit in newspaper, so that if one goes rotten it doesn’t quickly infect its neighbours and place them on shelves.

You can often find redundant fridges on Freecycle, or just by asking for one on social media.

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/f/how-guard-your-vegetables-over-winter

More information about the tip can be found on the Coventry Council website. The advise is to consider whether an item could be reused by others, promoted on the freecycle or taken to a charity shop before bringing it to the Coventry tip. With current Covid restrictions in place however seeking alternatives may be difficult and demand at the local tip may increase.

Look out for non-profit or local neighbourhood groups online such as Freecycle – these are good places to sell, swap or give your pre-loved items. Other organisations, such as Furniture Donation Network, will directly give your items to someone in need.