If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you’ve seen some of my recent craigslist finds. I’ve had quite a few people comment things like “I don’t ever find anything like that.” “Where are you getting this stuff?” “What search words are you using?” So I thought I would take today to answer just that.
Truth be told, I’ve had reservations about sharing some of this. I was a little hesitant to share because I’m a little selfish. I want all of the great things! But, let’s face it – I don’t have the money or the room for all of the great things, and my husband will thank you for buying some of the great things so I don’t. My number one tip for craigslist searching is (sorry for those of you who use this too) the “set alert” button.
The set alert button is your new best friend if you are wanting to find something specific. I just stumbled across this feature a few months ago and it is pretty genius. After you’ve put in search word(s) and hit enter, those clickable words under the search bar show up. Click on them.
From here, you’ll need to sign in or create a log-in.
And then it will take you to a page with all of your alerts for maintenance purposes. Now, wait for the magic aka timesuck. Depending on the vagueness of your alert (rug vs. 8×10 oriental rug), you’ll start getting emails a few times a day to a few times a week. Most of it will be stuff you’re not interested in, but that only makes the pretty things pop off the page.
I’ve bought 4 rugs off of craigslist in the last month or so. Our new house is almost all hardwoods, and I knew I couldn’t afford new. Some of you wondered what I looked for. To be honest, I just had a “rug” alert and tried to keep an eye out for colors that I liked and/or a size I needed. Craigslist pictures are the most deceiving – I’ve had some things turn out to look much more beautiful in person and others left me wanting more.
But if you think it might be good and the price is right you must act fast. Get in touch with the seller and ask to see it in person. And, of course, think safely. Leave the kids at home, try to go with someone or meet in a public spot, and let a loved one know exactly when and where you’re meeting, calling them when you’re finished. Always negotiate. Don’t pay full price unless you know it’s a really insane deal. I usually start off with “is this the best price you can do?” and I only take the amount of cash with me that I’d be willing to pay.
So, what am I searching for now? A marble coffee table, to be specific. I did have “coffee table” in my alerts, but the overflow of particleboard, oak colored monstrosities was just too much for me.
What are you looking for on craigslist these days? Any other craigslist tips?
Kari says
Thank you for the tips! I've been searching for rugs, too. How do you clean the rugs when you get them home? Just basic vacuuming or do you you wash them?
Annie Sorensen says
So you're the one who has been snatching up all of the amazing rug finds on the KC Craigslist lately! Ha. 😉 I have been looking for a blueish greyish one, darn you for finding that beauty! 🙂 I'm a new, local reader and just wanted to say thank you for sharing everything you do. You've provided a ton of inspiration! Another blogger I follow once wrote about using high quality marble contact paper to transform a very basic glass-topped coffee table into a marlbe-esque beauty. Here's the post if you're interested: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/02/ooh-la-la-marble-top-coffee-table.html
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, it may be me, but there are so many good ones that I haven't taken! Thank you so much for reading, Annie and thanks for sharing Jen's DIY!
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
Gah…that pink one!
Chelsea says
Craig's List is my JAM. I mean really though, I can't remember the last time I bought a new piece of furniture. My addiction is concerning to my husband as well. 🙂
Erin Sharp says
I love the blue one!
Emily Morris says
Love the pink one! Glad you are being safe…I worry about you meeting all those strangers! I'm curious how you clean the rugs? Do you give them a good bath before bringing them in the house?
themakerista@gmail.com says
I gage a lot on the house it came from 🙂 but usually just a good vacuuming is sufficient. It's weird, the older I get, the less of a germaphobe I become…not quite sure why that is. A little baking soda sprinkled on and vacuumed up isn't bad either.
Kay says
I encourage you to read up on bedbugs and take the appropriate precautions. As a nurse I had been getting continuing education emails for years about the epidemic, but honestly didn’t pay much attention until we went on a college visit and I was bitten in three places. The experience cost me a lot of time and money in preventative steps to assure my home did not become infested by a hitch hiker from the hotel. The most important point is that bedbugs are found in the most expensive homes and hotels around the world and the more one travels, the greater likelihood of exposure, making them an equal problem for the wealthy. If a home is large and the owners are not allergic, it can take a long time to realize there is a problem. Apartments are always suspect. Eradicating bed bugs is a very long drawn out and EXPENSIVE process, so use caution and enjoy your great finds 🙂
Jennie says
Forgot to mention – I'm looking on CL for a peacock wicker headboard like the ones Land of Nod sells for $500.
Julie, Creative Little House says
Thanks for the tips, iowas craigslist is so depressing compared to KC. I'm looking for an little dresser piece for my bathroom. So I want to know if you have any cleaning tips for the rugs once you buy them off craigslist?
themakerista@gmail.com says
I gage a lot on the house it came from 🙂 but usually just a good vacuuming is sufficient. It's weird, the older I get, the less of a germaphobe I become…not quite sure why that is. A little baking soda sprinkled on and vacuumed up isn't bad either.
sarah m. dorsey says
I've been in love with the rugs that you've been posting!! SO good! Our house is also almost entirely hardwood, so I'll needs lots too – hopefully Craigslist will come through for me 🙂 Thanks for sharing! 🙂
donna bailey says
Thanks for these great tips. Love the blue one.
Belgravia upholstery cleaning
Kari Crum says
Thanks for the tips! I had no idea this feature was available but I will definitely use it. I'm one of those people who NEVER seem to find anything on craigslist.
mrskansasmommy says
Yes! Great post. And I'm fawning over the pink one!
Lisa Murie says
Great tips. If you ever decide to not use the pink one I would gladly take it off your hands! Love it!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'll let you know, Lisa. 😉
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
This is great! And I think I should start calling you the rug whisperer. 🙂
Sonal Pujji says
Thanks for sharing your craigslist tips! I had no idea such a feature existed. It will definitely require patience and as you said, I am sure there will be a lot of un-interesting things to weed through, but this is a sure fire way to ensure that you don't miss out on great deals. This is an awesome tip!!
-Sonal | greatninja.com
Sonal Pujji says
Thanks for sharing your craigslist tips! I had no idea such a feature existed. It will definitely require patience and as you said, I am sure there will be a lot of un-interesting things to weed through, but this is a sure fire way to ensure that you don't miss out on great deals. This is an awesome tip!!
-Sonal | greatninja.com
Julie Blanner says
How have I used Craigslist daily for years & been oblivious to the alert tool? Brilliant.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Right? I thought the same thing!
tess matthews says
Check out JcPenny clearance! They have 2 marble coffee tables on clearance right now. With an additional 20% off they're in the $250-$350 range. Anyways, good luck with your search!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for this, Tess!
Bethany DeVore says
Love the pink one!
nadiaclause says
Hello, my name is Andy. My website is a classified ads website wherein you can find fresh and regularly updated postings for various items and services that you can avail today. This is a completely free Craiglist search engine that you can use to get help in searching for classified ads in Craiglist. All you need to do is to enter the area where you come from and you will get what you want in the easiest way ever.
3697 Roosevelt Wilson Lane
Irvine, CA 92614
violett@yahoo.com
909-910-4221