This opinion piece is a part of a collection on Narcity Media. The views expressed are the creator’s personal and don’t essentially replicate these of Narcity Media.
Anybody who is aware of me is aware of that I’m a budget-conscious lady. So after I moved to Vancouver from Toronto, I scoured Fb Market and Craigslist for affordable used furnishings.
Earlier than I arrived at YVR, 90% of my furnishings was bought on-line. All that is left to do is choose it up.
I rented a automobile for a complete of three days. Throughout these three days, I plan to get my complete transfer finished. As you possibly can think about, it was a really peaceable, serene expertise. (The final sentence is a giant, humorous joke.)
I made a number of errors alongside the best way, however, utilizing the digital market, I managed to furnish my residence — together with my bed room and dwelling/workplace/eating room — for simply over $1,000. I do.
Equipped by Sierra Riley
bed room
I purchased a brand new mattress, however the IKEA mattress body was the very first thing I purchased via Market.
I googled the particular IKEA product identify (MALM) in Vancouver’s Fb Market, and the hallelujah refrain started to sing. The mattress consists of 4 storage compartments and has a listing value of $175. I instructed the man $150 and he even supplied free transport.
It is at all times good to politely ask for a less expensive value, if they are saying no, it doesn’t matter what. If they are saying sure, Yahoo!
Then I noticed a $290 wicker set that included two nightstands and a chest of drawers. This appeared like an excellent deal to me, however now that I am extra aware of the Vancouver FB Market setting, I do know I might have gotten a greater deal. She put within the transport although, and I am a contented clam.
Talking of which, I purchased some shell cabinets and a lamp from a second-hand Instagram account for $40, bringing my bed room complete to $480. good.
Two shell-shaped cabinets.Equipped by Sierra Riley
front room
My greatest idiot was selecting a Structube couch. It is low-cost and it really works, however I am seeing so many unimaginable lounge fits on FB Market proper now and really feel purchaser’s regret.
The rationale I shipped the sofa from Structube was as a result of I used to be involved my rental automobile would not match one thing this massive. To take a number of the stress out of transferring, I went the simple route and acquired a Structube TV stand.
Why do not I guide UHAUL instantly? As a result of I dread driving such an unrefined machine on the tight streets of Vancouver. I drive minivans arduous sufficient.
On Fb Market, I picked up an historical LG TV for $25. The TV was ridiculously dysfunctional and has since been changed. It mainly takes 10 minutes besides, and when my mother came over me on the town, she insisted on getting one which labored. thanks Mother!
The residence is furnished with a settee, espresso desk, desk, chair, shelf and TV cupboard.Equipped by Sierra Riley
I resold this TV on Fb Market for a similar value – you guessed it.
I additionally noticed on FB that the man throughout the road was promoting a espresso desk for $10. Once I received dwelling, I simply scrubbed it down a bit. (This desk by no means appears to be clear, however I will do my finest.)
I additionally purchased a cool rocking chair for $30 and a footstool for $10, which brings the room’s complete value on Fb Market to $75.
eating space and workplace
It is a one bed room residence in Vancouver, in order you possibly can think about the areas type of mix collectively – my desk could be very near the “eating space” (broad time period for my little desk within the nook).
I discovered a cute set of rattan desk and chairs on Craigslist. The overall is $250. I do not know what rattan means, nevertheless it permits individuals to do loopy issues with cash – clearly together with me.
Positively not one of the best bang for the buck, nevertheless it has a cute little storage slot and I am nothing if not a sucker for the key storage compartment.
My desk was $50 however the itemizing image does not point out its true situation. Once I went to choose up the automobile, it was filled with holes and scratches, however I needed to return it after solely utilizing it for a couple of hours, and I did not have time to assume critically.
I took the desk. I nonetheless do not prefer it. However I purchased a fancier deal with for the drawer and it made me really feel higher.
Desk and swivel chair.Equipped by Sierra Riley
The leather-based swivel chair is a bit dear ($200), however I needed one thing that was each aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic. Clearly, that is troublesome to do.
Additionally, for the entryway, I purchased a $40 wicker hanging basket/mirror that I might have purchased for much less, bringing the overall for the world to $540.
My Greatest Mistake: A Mild
I might inform you a very lengthy story about how I received scammed by a man who bought a $50 lamp, however I will skip to the ethical of the story: you are not imagined to electronically switch somebody earlier than seeing one thing. It does not matter if the particular person is begging you or telling you they’re gifting away a free housewarming present. It is okay if the particular person tells you they’re behind as a result of they’re transporting lights on scooters.
This particular person is more likely to mislead you.
A brass flooring lamp.Equipped by Sierra Riley
I received scammed by Greg who left me with a damaged lamp that solely labored often (plug it in before you purchase electronics!) and did not have the promised free housewarming present. Once I complained through DM, he stated “boohoo grown up” and blocked me.
That is most likely the largest flaw within the FB Market system: you possibly can’t report somebody after they’ve blocked you.
what hurt
I spent a complete of $1,109.
General, shopping for used merchandise is an effective way to scale back prices and your carbon footprint. However in order for you purchaser’s safety, this isn’t the place to purchase such luxuries.
As a result of I used to be in such a rush to furnish my residence as shortly as attainable, I ended up paying an excessive amount of in a couple of instances. If you happen to’re affected person, you possibly can slowly plan an residence for lots much less cash than I did. Many occasions, Fb customers will even record furnishings at no cost as a result of they only wish to eliminate it.
My closing parting recommendation is to have a look at objects earlier than shopping for, plug them in, and solely purchase from individuals you assume you possibly can grasp on to.
