8 sources for fun, affordable DIY projects
One of the best things about DIY projects is that there are no limits to what you can create! Maybe you want to find a dresser to upcycle for your spare bedroom, or some end tables to paint to match your family room. No matter where you live or what’s on your wishlist, there are so many sources for affordable pieces to reuse and repurpose. And products like BLUE BEAR® Safenol™ Paint & Urethane Stripper and BLUE BEAR® Soy Gel™ Paint & Urethane Stripper will make any project easier because they are easy-to-use, low-odor and safe for use indoors. Whether you’re doing a small project at the kitchen table or tackling something larger in the basement or garage – the possibilities are endless. And looking for the perfect piece to revamp can be a fun treasure hunt; consider these sources as you begin:
Friends & family
If you have a neighbor moving out-of-state or an aunt selling her house, talk to them about what they might be leaving behind. Downsizing to a smaller abode or relocating to a distance location could mean some furniture and decor may need a new home.
As the old saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Great deals can be had on everything from furniture and fixtures, to decor and more. Feel free to bargain for anything you want; most sellers don’t want their stuff back in the house again.
Estate sales
Typically held when someone dies or downsizes, estate sales (also called tag sales) often include much of a person’s lifetime accumulations. Often held in the seller’s home, you can expect to find everything from furniture to knick-knacks and decorations. Most sales run two or three days and discounts are common after the first day. Check estatesales.net for sales in your area.
The original mission of thrift stores was to sell donated goods at a discount price in support of a non-profit. Goodwill, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity Restore are among national names familiar to many. Today, there are also for-profit thrifts that may also have potential DIY projects at competitive prices. Some stores have an active social media presence where you can see new merchandise as it becomes available.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is like a virtual garage sale. Just put in your location, and search for the items you want. Bonus: If you are traveling, you can search other destinations as well.
Facebook buy/sell groups
Depending on where you live, there may also be local Facebook groups that advertise antiques, used furniture and more for sale.
Here, price is determined by the number of people interested in a specific item, and what’s for sale varies greatly. You’ll see everything from antiques and collectibles, entire estates or what remains of a shuttered business. Bidding can be in-person or online, depending on the auction. Check gotoauction.com for auctions near you.
On the curb
Driving through a neighborhood the evening before garbage pickup? Keep your eye on the curb - you never know what people might leave out with the trash!
Take a look at what’s available online and in your community, pick a project and let BLUE BEAR help you make something old new again. Our bio-based paint strippers are great for the DIYer – even if you’re a beginner. You don’t need a lot of space or fancy equipment, just some spare time and a piece that sparks your creativity.
Happy hunting!