How I Furnished My Entire House Using Facebook Marketplace
After 21 moves in the last ten years, I knew I wanted to do something different. I was educated on the impacts of consumerism, production and sustainability. I get asked the same questions all the time like, How do you find the good stuff? or What should I be Searching? or Why are You the weirdest person I’ve ever met? but I took it as a challenge to furnish our 1930’s beach bungalow rental and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. If you’re tired of spending money on furniture that your kids destroy within minutes, here are a few tippy tips for shopping on Facebook Marketplace.
Search brands that you love: For example search Pottery Barn couch, Restoration Hardware entry table, Ikea shelves
Be specific: If you have a color or style in mind: For example search Tan couch, Raw wood coffee table, Full length mirror
Low ball every offer: I’m kidding. Be fair, most people they will meet you half way
Be responsive and prompt: If you know you want to get something, let the seller know and be specific (ie: I would like to buy this, I can Venmo you 50% to hold and I can pick up tomorrow after 5pm) This lets the seller know you’re a serious buyer and more times than not they won’t have you pay before you see the item
Be open: I haven’t had a bad Facebook Marketplace experience (yet) and I’ve lived to tell about it. Most people are friendly and not trying to murder you, they are just trying to get rid of shit
Be patient: Second hand shopping takes time but at the end of the day when you see the vision all come together, it’s a wonderful experience
after 21 moves, i was tired of wasting my money
We are in a season of life where family, our kids, animals and the like take priority over costly furniture and fancy decor.
We have also had items gifted to us, found at thrift store, my moms garage, traded with friends, garage sales and of course, Facebook Marketplace. If you are going to shop, these are some of my favorite ethical brands:
Etsy: Most of our bedroom art is designed by an artist on Etsy then printed at home
shared girls room
For the kids bedroom, I had an idea of what I wanted to do so I searched for IKEA loft beds. It took about 2 weeks but we found them both and were able to install and add decor and bedding the same night to surprise our girls.
Curtains for loft were just cut in half curtains we already had.
Get out there and shop, just do it differently.