Where do you find these old things...???

Question

Old doors, old shutters, old dressers, dresser drawers, wooden boxes, etcetera... Where in the world is everyone finding these things??? Besides the items that I have saved for years and years (a lot of stuff, actually) I cannot find these many things. Every time I see a project...I always say aloud 'But where did you get the old shutter (or whatever) ???? Stores here seem only to sell 'finished' items!!! I am exasperated! Thanks for letting me sound off...but if anyone can tell me some tricks, please do.....!! Linda in Augusta, GA

Debbie Harris · Answer

Linda, I've been a 're-purposer' my whole life. I always find things at construction sites, junk yards, thrift stores and Salvation army and Goodwill stores. Break out your phone book and call some construction companies and ask if they are involved in any remodels or teardowns then see if you can work a deal. Yard sales are another great way to find stuff.

Kendra · Answer

Habitat for Humanity Restore has always been a good source for me. You can donate and/or purchase things. I'm not sure if I drag more stuff in there ... or out of there! Here's a link to see if there is a store near you: http://www.habitat.org/

Judy4justice · Answer

I see doors and windows at my local Thrift store quite often.I just never have a project in mind when I see them.So many creative people here.I will start to look at these things differently now.

Carolynm · Answer

There are a lot of thrift stores in my area. I visit them often and sometimes, they will call you if something you want comes in. Also the Habitat for Humanity ReStores are a great place to look. I found fan blades (5 for $1.00) to make dragonfly fence decorations.

Linda · Answer

Wow! I clicked the link and found 4 nearby addresses. I didn't think we had any H for H places here. I will have to call to see if they are just some kind of offices, or a 'ReStore' as I think it is called. Thank you so much for your help. God Bless Y'all.

Linda · Answer

I guess I just need to look a little harder!! We don't have any 'thrift' stores here, other than Goodwill. We just have a lot of consignment shops. Most of them have already 'done the work' and charging that higher price. They seem to know where to snap up these items, but won't share their resources with customers!! Goodwill seems to want too much for their bigger stuff, and have never seen doors, shutters, and stuff like that. I have had to pass up some nice furniture pieces because they are just too high. I'll give the Salvation Army Store a call. I am under the impression that all they sell is clothing, but maybe I'm wrong. Will check! Thanks to everyone!!!

Barbara R · Answer

Here in our small town, we have Groups in Facebook. They are called 'The town' Yard sellers, or Yard Sales. People post things for sale and also post ISO (In search of) items. You can do a ISO items you need like doors, shutters, etc. You would be surprised what you can get. Look on Facebook for the County or Town name and see if there are already groups formed or start your own.

Linda · Answer

WOW...I'll check out Facebook for our area. Haven't heard of this, but I'll fish around and see what comes up. Thanks for the wonderful tip, but mostly for your time in replying. Happy Hunting to you, too!

Lori Wallace · Answer

Craigslist! Also, if you know a contractor, they clear out a lot of old architectural elements to put in new, and the owners just tell them to dispose of it. Put out feelers. But seriously, you can find anything on Craigslist.

R.V.R. Farris · Answer

Look for a group in your area called Freecycle. Everything must be free, they communicate via email and once you join you can post what your looking for, and if there's anything you need to get rid of.

Linda · Answer

Yeah! You're right! Thanks for the helpful hints.!!!

Linda · Answer

Hah!!! Just googled freecycle in Augusta....yep! there it is! Thanks....I'll be checking them out!! Thanks for the tip!

R.V.R. Farris · Answer

Good luck, hope you find all kinds of neat things.

Linda · Answer

Thanks @R.V.R.Farris, I hope I do too!!

Julie Moyna · Answer

any flea market, estate sale. www.estatesales.net has one in your area!

Linda T · Answer

I didn't have time to read all the comments, so this has probably been suggested, but another good source is auctions mostly in permanent buildings, weekly, and sometimes in homes that are being sold. To find them, go to 'Auctionzip.com' Click on the distance from home, and you will probably find a couple of dozen!

Linda · Answer

Oh, yeah! Checked it just now, and there are a number in the upcoming weeks within 30 miles of my zip code. Thanks for the great tip!!!

Linda · Answer

Thanks @Julie Moyna I googled estatesales.net and found several withing 100-150 miles...and even some regular ones scheduled every week very nearby. Will try to check them out! Really appreciate that you took the time to answer. Bless ya, Girl!!

Jane · Answer

Others have given you terrific resources but I have a couple of additional suggestions. # 1) If you live in a large enough town where they have regular pickup days for furniture or big items that cannot go into the regular trash, you might hit the jackpot! I live in a condo complex bordered by several large apartment complexes and it is amazing what people leave behind when they move in and out of these places. I don't even go looking for this stuff-its just sitting on the curb and I usually see it as I'm passing through the neighborhood on my way to work. I've found a lot of junk but also some unbelievable free treasures over the last five years: a 48 inch glass and brass coffee table in perfect condition; bookshelves (needed a little love in the form of paint); patio chairs (needed scrubbing), an armoire (perfect condition...donated it to a group home for developmentally disabled); several old doors (friends and I made desks out of them); an almost new recliner (steam cleaned it and gave it to my sister who loved it); set of four custom built base cabinets (painted them and added countertops and shelving to add storage and display areas along a 15 foot wall in my LR); two chandeliers that I refurbished with paint and new shades or globes; three lamps (which were in great condition except for needing new shades); numerous picture frames (great for my photography and art projects; a 4 ft.x 5 ft. wood framed mirror (now in my dining room); set of shutters (haven't used them yet), a small slab of granite (12 in.x 14 in.) which I use as a base for a sculpture a family member made for me; a box of cabinet hardware (used on the base cabinets); a 30 in. high vase (repainted and used to display my collection of canes in my entryway); numerous baskets, crates and metal tins (used for storage and craft projects) etc.. I also love yard sales although I don't get to them very often because of my work schedule but on one or two occasions that has worked in my favor. Sellers are eager to get rid of items and often will offer to sell at lower prices just so they don't have to box up the remaining items. 
Years ago I lived in a fairly good sized military town (two bases) and while there discovered two resources for all kinds of treasures...hence suggestion #2). Many times military families do not move all their belongings so they either sell them to each other or sell them to a third party broker who gives them cash for their furniture and then turns around and sells them to other military families or the public at large for deeply discounted prices. I was really into chairs (I don't know why) and found several really cool wooden chairs for a few bucks each. Also got a bedroom dresser for $12 that I still have twenty years later! I also found a dealer who bought furniture
from hotel chains when they remodeled their rooms...furniture, lamps, art , drapes etc. You could get some real deals and some really nice items. I didn't end up buying anything for myself because my house was bursting at the seams but a friend bought several items...a cute bistro table and chairs, some bars stools, a love seat and a Bombay table. She still has them and they have held up well over the years. Well happy treasure hunting...Keep your eyes and ears open because there is tons of treasure in both the obvious and unexpected places!

TJ · Answer

the best auctions for me are farm auctions. Bits & pieces of stuff that have been sitting around their farms forever. Sometimes you do get some folks bidding that are not experienced enough to know how to keep bids low or antique dealers, but I find the worst ones are other older guys. Just look and don't be afraid to ask. I got two trailer loads of bricks from the hospital I was born in when they were doing a massive change and tearing down walls. One brick even had the name of the hospital on it. Even at auctions there maybe stuff that they didn't consider selling so I ask. good luck & have fun. but as others have said, it can be addicting.

Andrea Vesque · Answer

I live 7 mile up the creek from town so on the day before trash pick up day people with items that can be fixed up. Then there are the apt. complexes. Go the them near the end of the month. same thing if you live near a Resort. You wouldn't believe what some people just throw away. Good hunting

Linda T · Answer

If you are new at auctions, a couple of tips. Firstly, the auctioneer might start the bidding at $5.00, and if no-one moves, go down to $2.00, then even one! Be patient, no matter how much you want something badly. Even then, once some people want the item, it can go up really fast. You should make up your mind what you will go to, and try not to go over, because it gets too exciting, and your heart will race. It's like being on a roller coaster, except YOU are in control. The other thing is, looking to see if you can spot dealers. They often come with big panel trucks and will be chatting with the auctioneers (Usually more than one, because it's hard work, so a couple will be wondering about, greeting people) Dealers can be 'cut throat', and put the prices up, then, often backing out, leaving you with, say, a nice table, that you wanted for $12.00ish, but they kept bidding, so before you know it, you have to pay $20.00, and it might be worth it, but that's not the thrill of the 'game'. On the other hand if more than one dealer goes after the same article, you know it's worth something, and will sell in an antique centre or flea market. Also, go to the place at least 1/2 an hour before it starts, so you can 'rifle' through boxes, for little treasures. I have bought many 'dollar', or 1/2 dollar, boxes, where I found treasures like almost unused cookbooks, new yarn and knitting needles, small gold chains or whatever, that the 'sorters' didn't spot when putting the stuff on tables before the sale. I saw one box a while back, with a Wusthoff pairing knife, another kitchen knife, and a wooden salad fork with a sterling silver Steiff, rose pattern handle. The dealers bid against me, but I got it for $13.00 !!! That was a coup! Once, my partner went without me, and brought back a big Rubbermaid tub, full of beautiful, unfinished X-stich pictures, patterns, DMC and canvas, probably $200.00 worth, for $18.00!!!! There's more, but I am a knitter, and can't type and knit, HA!

Francine Mosuk-Regnier · Answer

I also joined bargain pages on facebook, there are 3 free sites where I live and many barter and for sale sites here. .There are also many bargain pages here just search on face book for them !

Linda · Answer

OK! Thanks for the information @Francine Mosuk-Regnier I'll check them out!

Linda · Answer

Ha Ha @Linda T  I know what you mean about typing and knitting, I can't eat and type!! Whoahahaha!! I bring a lot of stuff home from work, too, and I have a hard time concentrating on it at the same time I'm on Hometalk or Pinterest!!!!! And I'm good at multi-tasking, but not That good!!! And as to the bidding--while I've never done an auction in person, I have done at lot of ebay auctions. I know what you mean about paying too much because you want something so badly. And those heart-pounding moments before it's a done deal. Thanks so much for all this information. Sounds like you've scored some great finds. Since I so impulsively typed my rant about not finding stuff, I have received about 10 or 12 new ideas (to me) of where to find things.
I am indebted to so many girls (mostly) who are willing to share their info. Just shows that when you're passionate about something, and hit a hard spot, there are so many others willing to help you out! Isn't that wonderful to learn!!! See ya 'round'... PS: I used to be way into cross-stitch. Did a LOT of things, and have some unfinished projects in my stash! Some just need frames.Will finish them in a couple years. Hopefully will be able to retire by then. [We own a family business that takes up way too much of my time.] Just moved into the first 'home' where I feel like this is a good place to display them. Hence, all the interest in Home Decor and re-purposing things. Our home is a 5-person, 3 generation family. I'm the Nana with hubby Pa Pa, Daughter,and 2 teens,..13 Lauren and 15 Chase. About midway thru re-doing Lauren's room with all white furniture all antiques (or more correctly,,,vintage, attic, chic.) Some stuff 4 generations old. One room ongoing, 9 more to go!! Plus landscaping to redo. Love gardening too. Love doing too many things. But 67 and still working.

Linda · Answer

Wahoo...@Andrea Vesque great ideas! thanks for sharing.... Sounds like you have some very interesting ways of finding 'stuff'... And, yes, it is amazing what people just throw away. Sorry to say, I am way too much the other way.... My family is always up in arms for me to get rid of all 'that junk'. I really have a lot of stuff, but never had the time to 're-cycle' them for my use...or the right home. But now, our newest home, though a bit too small for everything, does provide some space for things that I have been holding on to for all these years....mostly old furniture that my ancestors treasured, and since I inherited it, I love it too... Nothing of great money value, but so much history and charm in them. Just never see any of those old doors, shutters, etc. for the more recent upgrades that people are doing to them. Want to get my hands on some of those items. See ya round!

Linda T · Answer

My best friend moved to SC many years ago, and though we are still very much in touch, and she comes up here to visit her daughter now and again, and we get together, I miss her a lot. A Russian woman who lived at the top of my road, 'picked me up' a few years ago. I was gardening, and she was doing a health walk and stopped to introduce herself. She's a wonderful artist, painting pictures, silk scarves, and making wirework jewelry, so we had a lot in common, and became firm friends. However her husband is a nasty sarcastic overbearing pig, so last year she left him (I suspect she only married to get citizenship here) divorced him and promised to keep in touch with me. Not only have I not heard on peep, but her now ex says she changed her e-address! I know lots of people in town, but they are not friends, as I had my daughter at 35, and as they were mostly farm girls with nothing much to do except work, join scouts etc. and date and get married, so at the elementary school I was way older than them, and peculiar, in that I have a British accent, have lived all over the mid East, speak French and more and was a hippy (still am!) So since I have little in common with any of them, I have been lonely for a rather long time, so I consider hometalk, Care2, and fb my friends. Besides my family is all over the UK, one nephew in Amsterdam, friends in southern Holland and Belgium and with computer I can stay in touch, but it's not the same as chatting with people about things that you enjoy doing. My daughter was run over on a crossing a few years ago, and while stuck in her 3rd floor apt. for days, her landlady and friend taught her to knit. Then she learned crochet from an eBook, then Polymer clay form a French site and she doesn't even speak the language!!!!! So she and I can chat more now than when she was a lazy, uninspired young tear-away, but she has her own business buying used books from libraries, Goodwill, Salvation Army etc and putting them on Amazon, so she's always busy.
I would be working too, as my partner (ex divorced me, and died a few years later) is a stagehand and got me into the business in 2000. I loved it, but we worked many hours, drove all over, and walked many miles, doing conferences in the Baltimore Convention Centre, the DCC, hotel ballrooms and more, so when I had cancer and had to stop HRT, my spine collapsed fast and one day at work, my legs just gave out under me. Luckily my partner was by my side, so he caught me, and luckily, the client that day, gave me jobs in the equipment room, like putting away the Sharpies, winding and putting away cables and plugs, and when I was done let me knit for the rest of the afternoon (I take my knitting everywhere) without telling our agent to cut my pay. Obviously he couldn't give me anymore work as there is an awful lot of heavy lifting and loading and unloading huge trucks, so since I had worked at a dry cleaner and had done some pretty good mending jobs, my next door neighbour who had a yarn shop sent me repairs and knitting jobs and even though she sold the shop, the new owners send me work all the time. I have 3 Xmas stockings on order at the moment, and potentially 4 more from anther woman, just lengthened a little boy's vest and have another pair of regular sock to do. It's not as much money as stagehand, but I don't have to leave the house and I can watch Ellen while I work. What's not to love?
BTW, I have a large collection of old frames and love refinishing them when I have one the right size for something.
Linda T

Jill Klein · Answer

It's true what you can find at the side of the road the night before trash pick-up. I'd been looking through Craigslist for a good futon, and after giving up, found a FREE frame, gorgeous wood, just down the street! (There IS a God!) It didn't come with a mattress, but I saved at least $150, I'm guessing. The people had assembled it wrong, but they said they didn't need it. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I found it!

Linda T · Answer

When I was able to work, I walked to and from, nearly a mile each way. one day, on my way home, I saw 4 heavy oak chairs on the sidewalk. Luckily I was using a back pack, so had both friends free. I picked two up, and struggled home with them, but when my boss offered to get the other two with her car, they had gone! I painted and recovered the two and am sitting on one right now. Love free stuff!

Kendra · Answer

Funny story .... I put a chair out on the curb with a free sign on it. A short time later. my neighbor across the street put a chair free chair out on the curb. Long story short ... we ended up swapping! It was great!

Where do you find these old things...???

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