Chic on a Shoestring Decorating: 31 Days of Decorating on a Shoestring Budget Day 14, Craigslist


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31 Days of Decorating on a Shoestring Budget Day 14, Craigslist

Hi there!  Thanks for stopping by. :)

Did you miss the first 13 days of my series?  Find them here:

Today I'm going to urge those of you who are scared of Craigslist to give it a try.  Craigslist always kind of weirded me out because I'm one of those paranoid people that thinks all strangers have some kind of bad ulterior motive.  Or, that I'd buy something and it would smell like cigarettes and/or cat pee.  

There are some weirdos on craigslist but if you're just looking for furniture type things and not a date then you cut out probably 98% of the weirdos and then there's only a 2% chance that the furniture seller will be weird.  But just funny-weird, not psycho-weird.  Big difference.

If you're buying something from a stranger on Craigslist take someone with you to pick it up.  The good old buddy system... safety in numbers, right?  If in your conversations with the seller/buyer before meeting give you the heeby-jeebys then by all means, listen to your gut and back out of the sale.  Don't let people drop things off at your house, go pick it up or meet them in a busy parking lot somewhere to do the transaction.  

So, now that you're over your fears of Craigslist weirdos, start shopping.  It is a great place to find inexpensive furniture.  Your best bet is to check it everyday.  If you find a good deal, don't hesitate to contact the person right away.  The good stuff that is priced well sells pretty quick around here.  

In my area prices are all over the board.  Some people ask way too much and some sell junky stuff for $1 (why bother?)  Hopefully, you'll be able to know a good price when you see one in your area.

When buying on Craigslist you can ask a seller for additional pictures or if you can see the item in person before committing to buy if you're unsure.  Don't commit unless you're sure as it may cost the seller other sales.


Today I had my second Craigslist transaction.  I bought a desk that will go in one of our boys room (after a little TLC of course).  I took Mr. Chic with me to pick it up.  First, so he could protect me from any crazy people and mostly to use his big muscles to move the desk.


My seller did not take very detailed pictures of the desk but the price and size were right so after finding out the measurements I told her I would buy it.  In this situation I just said I'd take it because it was so cheap and looked good from the pics.


Both the chair and desk are in really great shape and do not smell like cigarette smoke or cat pee.  I got them both for $30 bucks.  Quite a deal for around here.  I plan on doing a little something to the desk so it will go with my boy's room but haven't decided quite yet.  I'm in love with the cool vintage chair and may keep it for myself!  The seller was very nice and not crazy.  She even gave me a bunch of design magazines. :)

So, if you're a Craigslist rookie needing some new budget friendly furniture consider Craigslist, there are deals to be found!

Have you ever bought anything on Craigslist?







6 comments :

  1. I buy BIG things and Little things on Craigslist! I sell on Craigslist too! I always give friends the address I am going to and any info I have on where I am going or who I am meeting! I always tell friends who is coming and if I can get the license plate down before they come to the door! I also make sure their bills are "real" if it is a large purchase! My husband and I will just put close cities into the search field and see what comes up! I also like typing in my favorite high end stores... Light Fixtures were a cheap easy upgrade for our last house! No more painted brass! It really changed the rooms and help us sell! Go to CL for anything you are doing... You would be amazed what you can find! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I should do a book about what we have bought there!

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  2. I don't buy much but I sell all the time. Furniture is a hot ticket and it is all in the wording. Once I sold an old egg chair for $100 to a high end decorator. The next summer, they were in all the magazines!

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  3. My hubs and I bought our camper on Craig's List last year and we sold a motorcycle and a golf cart in the last month on CL. I have not bought furniture items - but I just might have it give it a try.

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  4. Great deal.
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    The Busy Bee's.
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  5. My beautiful mahogany buffet was a Craigslist deal! It is absolutely perfect in our dining room. I offered $50 less than the asking price, with the rationale that I was going to have to rent a van. They said if I paid the full price, they'd take care of it AND help move it into our house. Sold!

    I've also sold some furniture and our super-basic refrigerator on Craigslist.

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  6. My kitchen table was a $45 Craigslist find (originally from Pier 1), and we also picked up a $40 armchair awhile back. We've had good luck selling on there, too. Enjoying your series!

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