Getting stuff for free: TV edition

So in the last post I talked about picking up free stuff, which usually happens at the end of the month when people are moving house and can't bring all their furniture. We're particularly lucky in that our garbage and recycling area is within the building in the underground car park, so there is lots of stuff kept in a clean and dry place for us to choose from.

We had a small list of things we needed - a bedside shelf unit, lamp and a bigger tv. I presumed we'd have to go the craigslist/2nd hand route for the TV but today I came home to the news that there was a huge TV downstairs. After much grunt-work, back strain and novel use of a wheely suitcase, we managed to heave it to the lift and into our apartment.

And here it is! It actually works (thank goth)

Getting stuff for free: not just for Australians or tv characters

We now know 3 other Irish couples.. (Bear with me here) one have recently moved over and rented an unfurnished apartment. Another couple (who have been here for a year) told them to check by the dumpsters/street at the end of the month for furniture left by people who are moving. They are now proud owners of a small table and two chairs, patio furniture, a tv cabinet and coffee tables. (They bought a bed themselves..$400, but a wise move).  And whadya know, our dumpster/recycling area is within the building and is a full of freebies. (Clean stuff, and it's not stealing, don't worry mam.) So far we've swagged

A DVD player (with Home Alone 2)

This shelfing unit and funky bedside light

We've been looking on craigslist for a narrow bedside unit, bedside light and a new tv. 2/3 for free ain't bad!

It's our first day off in a while tomorrow so we're going to catch up on shopping/housework and then go to the outdoor swimming pool. I'm pretty wrecked between work and trying to still have a social life. The new Irish couple we've met have an amazing view over the harbour so we watched the fireworks from their balcony the other night. It's a bit of a heatwave at the minute, even warmer than when we first got here. 33 degrees today I think.