YOU can get your hands on a variety of home essentials such as washing machines, refrigerators, and kids’ beds for free this summer.
Stocking up on homeware doesn’t have to break the bank – there are five ways to score key appliances and furniture at no cost to you.
There are many ways for Americans to score free appliances such as refrigerators[/caption]
There are several organizations and platforms where homeowners and renters can access household goods free of charge[/caption]
Furnishing your home can be a costly venture, ranging from thousands of dollars to upwards of tens of thousands.
However, there are multiple avenues through which homeowners and renters can access household goods completely free of charge.
Whether you’re just moving in and can’t afford pricey new appliances or have broken or old homeware on your hands, there are five easy ways to access free appliances and furniture.
1. BUY NOTHING GROUPS
Local Buy Nothing groups, typically organized on platforms such as Facebook or on dedicated apps, are online communities aimed at giving and receiving items for free.
These groups implement a “no buying, selling, or bartering” rule, barring members from exchanging money or other goods for the listed items.
These groups have a dual benefit, helping participants easily get rid of items they no longer need and connecting those individuals with others in need of the unwanted items.
You can score a range of homeware items on Buy Nothing groups as your neighbors renovate their homes or prepare to move.
If you don’t see any listings with the item you need, you can make an “ISO” post, which means you are “in search of” that particular item.
2. LOCAL CHURCHES
If you’re in need of an essential home appliance such as a fridge, local churches are often a great resource.
They frequently lend a helping hand, such as by connecting individuals seeking help with people who can provide assistance.
Local churches also often collect donated items that they can then hand out to those in need.
Reaching out to your local church and inquiring about their process for providing aid to community members could be helpful.
3. NONPROFIT FURNITURE BANKS
Just as food banks exist, so too do furniture banks.
These nonprofit organizations give gently-used furniture and other household necessities to individuals and families in need.
Furniture banks receive donations from individuals, businesses, and other organizations, which they sort, clean, and repair before offering them up for free.
While these organizations generally center on furniture, they may occasionally offer other large household items such as refrigerators or ovens.
You can reach out to your local furniture bank and see if there is a list of people waiting for appliances.
Other ways to score free appliances and furniture
- NextDoor
- Facebook Marketplace
- Freecycle
- Local utility company
- Habitat for Humanity
- Letgo
- OfferUp
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- Net Wish
- Craigslist
4. SALVATION ARMY
Salvation Army, an international Christian charity, is another resource where you may be able to score free household essentials.
The organization helps those in need by providing vouchers for free furniture, homeware, and even apparel at its Family Store.
Salvation Army has offered vouchers for fridges, washing machines, and dryers to low-income families, providing these essential appliances for free and helping to potentially slash their utility bills.
You can contact your local Salvation Army and apply for a voucher, but keep in mind that you likely will need to provide documentation to prove your eligibility.
5. LIHEAP AND WAP
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federal grant program aimed at aiding low-income households with heating and cooling costs.
Funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the organization is mainly known for assisting with energy bills.
However, LIHEAP has offered free fridges in some states in the past and can also help individuals buy energy-efficient appliances or repair their existing ones.
The Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, is also focused on energy-efficient home improvements.
This may include replacing old refrigerators with a free or low-cost one.
An inefficient fridge could be spiking your energy bills, which are set to skyrocket to $784 for the highest cost in 12 years – and some states are bracing for “shut-offs.”
Check out the simple mistake you’re making that is costing you $100s on your energy bill – and it’s been confirmed by an HVAC tech.
