I’m going to show you how to get free stuff without surveys — yes, the real kind, the good kind, the “wait, why would anyone give this away?!” kind. If your goal is to save money, make money, or stretch your budget until it stops screaming, you’re in the right place.
Truth bomb: free stuff is everywhere!!
Most people just don’t know where to look, how to ask, or when to swoop in.
Let’s dive into the realistic, beginner-friendly guide for how to get free stuff online and locally—all in a way that helps you keep more money in your pocket (or earn more of it).
Why People Give Away Free Stuff
Before you learn how to get free stuff, you first need to understand why people give away perfectly good things in the first place.
And trust me — once you get inside the psychology of the “freebie giver,” everything becomes ten times easier.
Because when you understand why people are handing out free items, you know when to check, where to look, and how to swoop in before anyone else.
Let’s break it down………
People Are Overwhelmed and Want Things Gone
Most people have way more stuff than they need. Life gets busy, closets get full, basement bins multiply, and suddenly they’re tired of tripping over a chair they don’t even like anymore.
Here’s why people give away good-quality items for free:
1. They’re Moving
Moving day brings out a unique combination of adrenaline and panic.
That chair they loved?
That shelf they swore they’d repaint “someday”?
Nope. They want it gone immediately.
This is why early mornings and late nights on:
1️⃣Facebook Marketplace → https://www.facebook.com/marketplace
2️⃣Craigslist Free Section → https://www.craigslist.org/about/sites
…are prime times to check for free items.
People will post:
✅ “Free — must pick up tonight,”
✅ “Moving tomorrow. Curb alert,”
✅ “Take it all. Just come get it.”
Because the last thing anyone wants on moving day is another heavy box.
2. They’re Renovating
New floors? New paint? New kitchen cabinets?
Renovations cause chaos — and chaos creates free stuff.
Which means things like:
- furniture
- light fixtures
- decor
- shelving
- storage
- rugs
…all end up on Marketplace or at the curb with a “FREE” sign.
And renovation seasons (spring + fall) are some of the best times to learn how to get free stuff online.
3. They’re Overwhelmed by Clutter
This is the Marie Kondo era.
The “if it doesn’t spark joy, toss it out” generation.
People declutter to feel:
- peaceful
- organized
- in control
- less stressed
But decluttering takes effort — and many people realize it’s easier to give something away than:
- photograph it
- write a listing
- answer 47 messages
- negotiate
- wait for someone to show up
So, they list it for $0 and call it a day.
4. They’re Upgrading
When someone buys a new:
- couch
- phone
- mattress
- kitchen table
- TV
…the old one becomes “someone else’s problem.”
Most people simply want the old item gone before the new item arrives.
This is your moment!!
5. They’re Downsizing
Empty nesters, seniors, divorced couples, or people moving from a house into an apartment get rid of:
- tools
- furniture
- decor
- appliances
- storage units
Downsizing = free haul heaven. 👼
6. They’re Changing Styles
Trends change every 6 minutes.
People get bored of decor fast these days!
Today’s “Pinterest chic” becomes tomorrow’s “eww I hate this; please take it.”
If you want to know how to find free stuff that’s cute and stylish, follow accounts on Marketplace that consistently upgrade their homes.
7. They’re Bored or Impulsive
Some people just buy things they don’t need. (No judgment — we’ve all been there.)
They try something once and decide:
✅ “I don’t like this.”
✅ “It doesn’t fit.”
✅ “This was a mistake.”
These are the best pieces to grab because they’re usually in perfect condition.
8. They’re Rushing
✅ A last-minute move…
✅ A landlord deadline…
✅ A breakup…
✅ A same-day renovation…
When life gets chaotic, free stuff drops like confetti baby!
9. They’re Fed Up with Selling
Selling is a whole job:
- flaky buyers
- people offering $5 for a $100 item
- strangers no-showing
- endless messages saying, “Is this available?”
Eventually, people just get annoyed and end up saying:“Ugh.You know what? Take it. Free. Please.”
This is when learning how to get free stuff fast becomes a superpower! Lol.
Convenience Beats Money Every Time
Here’s the part most people never think about:
Most people value time more than money. (and these are the people that usually have good stuff too!)
If selling an old dresser means:
- taking photos
- listing it
- waiting
- negotiating
- coordinating pickup
- dealing with flaky buyers
Many people decide, “Not worth my time. I just want it gone.”
That’s why learning how to get free stuff is really learning how to show up at the perfectmoment.
Because convenience wins. Every. Single. Time.
How This Helps You
Now that you understand the psychology, you’ll know exactly:
✅ when people are most likely to post free stuff
✅ which listings to check first
✅ why certain items become free
✅ ……and how to jump on opportunities instantly!
This mindset shift alone can save you hundreds—or help you earn hundreds when you flip free items.
Where to Get Free Stuff (Updated List for 2026)
If you’re serious about learning how to get free stuff without surveys, this is the exact list I personally use. No gimmicks. No fake survey sites. Just real places that work.
1. Facebook Marketplace (The #1 Place for How to Get Free Stuff Online)
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is the easiest, fastest, most consistent place to score freebies. If Marketplace were a person, she’d be the friend who redecorates every season, regrets half her purchases, and hands you her leftovers like, “Here, babe. I’m done with this.”
What to Search For:
Use keywords like:
📌 free
📌 curb
📌 porch pickup
📌 must go
📌 needs gone
📌 moving today
📌 curb alert
📌 getting rid of
Why Marketplace Works:
1️⃣ People want things gone now.
2️⃣ If you respond quickly, you win.
That’s all there is to it my friend!
Which is why Marketplace is a powerhouse for anyone learning how to get free stuff fast.
2. Buy Nothing Groups (Best for How to Get Free Stuff Locally)
Search on Facebook: “Buy Nothing + Your City”
Or use the official group locator:
https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/
These groups are wholesome, generous, and overflowing with free goodies.
Common Freebies You’ll See
📌furniture
📌unopened beauty products
📌toys
📌kitchen gadgets
📌storage bins
📌décor
📌pet supplies
📌household basics
‘Buy Nothing’ groups are perfect if you want how to find free stuff in your own neighborhood!
3. Craigslist Free Section (The OG Spot for How to Get Free Stuff Without Money)
Visit: https://www.craigslist.org/about/sites
Select your city → click “Free”
Craigslist is ideal for:
✅larger items
✅building materials
✅big furniture
✅moving leftovers
✅outdoor furniture
✅appliances
Craigslist remains a goldmine for beginners wanting how to get free stuff to resell.
4. Freecycle (Best for Eco-Friendly Freebies)
Visit: https://www.freecycle.org
Freecycle is like the community swap meet of your dreams. It’s one of the few places where free stuff is posted every single day.
Common finds:
📍books
📍plants
📍housewares
📍décor
📍small furniture
📍baby gear
5. Yard Sale Aftermath (Bulk Freebies for Zero Dollars)
If you want to master how to get free stuff in bulk, go to yard sales during the last 30 minutes.
What to Say:
“If you’re donating leftovers, I can take them.”
Most people will hand you:
- clothing
- toys
- storage items
- decor
- kitchen stuff
- books
- seasonal items
Buyers are gone. Sellers are tired.
This method is extremely beginner friendly.
6. Apartment Building Free Zones (The Secret Spot Most People Miss)
No, you’re not climbing into dumpsters like a determined raccoon. You’re simply checking the “free pile” areas beside the bins—not inside them.
This is one of the easiest places to learn how to get free stuff without asking anyone.
Common finds:
📍 mirrors
📍 shelves
📍 lamps
📍 rugs
📍 desk chairs
📍 toys
📍 decor
People moving out don’t want to pack heavy items. That’s your opportunity!
7. Free Samples by Mail (Great for Saving Money + Reselling Bundles)
If you want to know how to get free stuff online without surveys, here are several trusted sites:
- https://freeflys.com
- https://www.samplesource.com
- https://www.pinchme.com
- https://www.influenster.com
- https://www.startsampling.com
Samples You Can Expect to Receive:
- beauty products
- detergent
- snacks
- vitamins
- baby items
- cleaning wipes
You Can:
- save money using samples
- create gift baskets
- or resell sample bundles
8. Your Own Home (The Most Overlooked Freebie Source)
Before hunting anywhere else, your home is full of free stuff you forgot existed.
Look For Items Like
- decor you never used
- clothes that don’t fit
- toys your kids outgrew
- extra kitchen tools
- electronics you replaced
- purses
- old phones
- unopened products
This is the BEST starting point for beginners learning how to get free stuff to resell.
How to Get Free Stuff Fast
Here’s where the strategy comes in. Knowing where to find free stuff is one thing—getting to it before 20 other people is another.
1️⃣ Never Say “Is This Available?”
That message puts you last in line.
Say instead:
“Hi! I can pick this up today. What time works for you?”
Fast. Polite. Confident.
2️⃣ Turn on Marketplace Notifications
Enable alerts for:
- Free
- Curb Alert
- Must Go
- Porch Pickup
If you want to learn how to get free stuff fast, notifications are everything.
3️⃣ Use Multiple Devices
Laptop = browsing
Phone = instant replies
Tablet = backup
Speed wins.
4️⃣ Use Multiple Facebook Accounts
Each account has different algorithm behavior.
Meaning: more accounts = more free stuff.
5️⃣ Sanitize Every Free Item
Free is amazing—but clean is required.
How to Sanitize Freebies:
📍wash fabrics
📍freeze items (kills pests)
📍wipe surfaces
📍disinfect electronics
📍air-out furniture
This step makes free items safe to use or flip.
What Free Stuff Resells the Best?
If your plan is learning how to get free stuff for reselling, start with items that flip fast.
Best Sellers Include:
- solid wood furniture
- home decor
- kids’ toys
- baby gear
- outdoor furniture
- shelving
- tools
- electronics
- rugs
- kitchen gadgets
Clean + good photos = fast sales.
How I Use Free Stuff Now
💡 To Save Money
If I can get something free instead of spending $40–$200, I do.
💡 To Make Money
Cleaning, painting, staging—BOOM. Instant side hustle.
💡 To Help People
I pass along quality free items to families who need them.
Learning how to get free stuff benefits everyone.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to get free stuff is the easiest way to:
- save money
- build a home
- create a side hustle
- stretch your budget
- help others
- stop living in a broke-girl spiral
✘ It’s not sketchy.
✘ It’s not desperate.
✘ It’s strategic.
Free stuff is everywhere—once you know where to look! Speaking of free stuff… check out my post how to get free Walmart gift cards, I put together a super simple guide that shows you every legit way to snag them without surveys, scams, or your precious wasting time (because make no mistake about it, your time IS precious!!)
How to Get Free Stuff — FAQ
What’s the fastest way to get free stuff?
Facebook Marketplace with notifications ON.
I’m not kidding—if you want to score freebies before anyone else, Facebook Marketplace is your bestie, bestie! So quick, turn on notifications for the Free Stuff category, add a few keyword alerts (such as “curb alert,” “moving,” or “free furniture”) and suddenly you’re living in a real-life treasure hunt.
Is it safe to get free stuff from strangers?
Yes—meet in public, check profiles, sanitize items.
People give away perfectly good items because they’re moving, upgrading, decluttering, or just don’t want to drag a couch down three flights of stairs. And if you’re the first one to message? Boom. Free dresser, free kid toys, free patio set… free everything.
It’s basically extreme couponing without scissors.
Can you make money from free stuff?
Absolutely. And not in a “maybe someday if the stars align” way—I mean this weekend.
Free items are basically hidden paycheques waiting for someone with a little hustle and a Facebook account. Furniture flips alone often earn $50–$200 per piece, and that’s before you even get into things like free baby gear, electronics, or home décor. Grab it, clean it, fix a loose screw, maybe slap on a coat of paint, and boom—profit.
People are out here turning curbside chairs into grocery money, bill money, and vacation money. It’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to build cash without spending a dime.
Where can I get free stuff online?
You’ve got options, babe—so many options. Your first stop should always be Facebook Marketplace, because people give away wild amounts of perfectly good stuff when they’re moving or purging.
Then join your local Buy Nothing Groups, where the whole mission is neighbors gifting to neighbors—no money, no guilt, no weirdness. Freecycle is another goldmine for everything from bookshelves to blenders, and Craigslist still has a massively underrated “Free” section that updates constantly.
And if you love tiny freebies (think beauty samples, snacks, cleaning products), bookmark the popular sample sites that ship goodies straight to your mailbox. It’s basically online treasure hunting, minus the map and the pirates.
Do people really give away good stuff?
Daily. And I’m not talking about crusty old lamps and half-broken end tables—people give away nice stuff. Brand-name furniture, barely used appliances, kids’ toys that still have the stickers on them… it happens every single day.
Why? Because most people want space more than money. It’s easier to put something on the curb or post “Free stuff! No holds” than deal with messages, haggling, and no-shows. Decluttering is the new self-care, and you get to swoop in like a friendly little thrift fairy and benefit from their “fresh start” moment.
