Easy freesy

FROM etch-a-sketches to espresso makers, designer sofas to CARS, hundreds of top-quality goodies are available daily across the country . . . for FREE.

Thanks to the popularity of giveaway websites, freecycling has rocketed - so I want to show you how to furnish your house or just gadget grab for nowt.

What's the catch? There isn't one. Instead of binning goods or trying to eBay them, people harness the web's power to offer them to their local community. In return, they often hope they can grab back something they need in the future.

So as well as kitting up for nothing, there's the environmental benefit of saving unwanted possessions being flung into landfill sites. While occasionally there can be grotty, moth-bitten junk, there's also top-quality unused stuff people don't want any more.

Office clear-outs or emigrating families are rich sources, while others are just from generous givers passing on hand-me-downs. After all, one man's junk is another's treasure

There can be some incredible finds - recent reports in my website's forum include bagging a pristine designer settee and even a taxed MOT'd car.

It's all about web communities, and the big name is Freecycle.org , which spread to the UK from the US several years ago. Yet in September, ILoveFreegle.org was set up after a transatlantic difference of views, and its web traffic exploded.

These technically aren't standalone websites. Instead, go to them and you're sent to free-to-join, volunteer-run local email groups.

NOW all you have to do is follow my step-by-step guide on how to get more for nowt . . .

STEP 1: GET A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

Joining a group can mean being swamped by emails - 1,500 a week isn't unheard of. So don't use your normal email address, instead set up a new free one from the likes of Gmail or Hotmail.

STEP 2: SIGN UP

Find your town, nearby village or city borough on the websites listen in the section below, then sign up to those. To ramp up your chance, also join bordering areas - especially if they're swanky. Then choose whether you want a daily email highlighting freebie offers (browsing the rest online) or for a better chance, but more effort, to receive every offer to your Inbox.

STEP 3: YOU MUST GIVE TO RECEIVE

Never forget this is all about a resource sharing community, so to get in the spirit, the unwritten etiquette is before requesting goods, newbies should first email the group an offer. It's a good way to get shot of stuff no longer taken by many charity shops like electrical items or jumbo-sized goods.

Don't worry if you've got nothing special, you'll be amazed at what's willingly taken including old magazine collections, spare carpets or EMPTY paint pots. Just ensure it's free, legal, suitable for all ages and accurately described.

Avoid freecycling old computers though, as even if you think you've deleted personal data, it can still be buried inside.

Try non-profit groups like computeraid.org , they give them to the developed world - if that appeals, charity re-cycle.org does something similar for bicycles and of course many local charities want goods.

STEP 4: FREEBIE BAGGING

The stonking amount of freebies offered can be headspinning. If you like something, factor in collection time and possible petrol costs - if it's worth it quickly email the giver and offer to take it.

Be polite as impersonal responses like "I'll take it" are loathed by many givers. Explain why you want the item, though avoid weepy Oscar-acceptance type histrionics.

Then propose a collection time, give your phone number but suggest you call them to save their costs.

STEP 5: SAFETY FIRST!

Incidents are rare, but be careful. Don't be pressurised into letting someone into your home and conversely if collecting smaller goods etiquette suggests wait on the doorstep. Full safety guide at moneysavingexpert.com/freecycle .

CHECK THESE FREEBIES & WEBSITES

GIVEAWAY sites aren't the only place to grab quality freebies. There's new stuff on offer too...

FREE X-FACTOR VOTES: Dial a special UNOFFICIAL number to vote free, after listening to a short ad. Full info at moneysavingexpert.com/xfactor .

TRY ME FREE: Look for special labels in supermarkets. Buy the goods, return the label & receipt, and get your money back.

FREEBIES COMPENDIUM: Whether it's song downloads, free tea or Harry Potter bookmarks, if you know where to look, it's all available on the web. I've catalogued 100s at moneysavingexpert.com/freebies .

FREE TEXTS: The website cbfsms.com offers unlimited mobile texts.

FREE DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES: Call 0800 118 3733 for free automated directory enquiry calls from home phones though you'll need listen to an ad.

SPRUCE UP FOR FREE: Ask for beauty samples in department stores. Many big beauty salons also supervise trainees doing free haircuts.

GET FREEBIES EMAILED EVERY WEEK: Lots of the best freebies are short-lived promos. I put the best in my free weekly MoneySaving email. Get it at moneysavingexpert.com/tips .

I kitted out new home for free!

AFTER a painful move from his family home into a new flat, broke Gary Jenkinson-Graham had no idea how he was going to furnish it. Then he found the freecycling website and kitted it out for FREE.

It took just 12 weeks and several hours driving a van to and from the homes of generous people to pick up an incredible range of goods for the kitchen, bedroom, lounge and dining room.

The 54-year-old, who you can see on video below, was at rock-bottom with barely £100 to his name.

Gary said: "About a year and a half ago my life collapsed and I was virtually homeless. I had an empty flat and almost no money to buy anything to go in it.

"But using Freecycle, and the kindness of others, I almost completely furnished my home."

He started off with the essentials like a fridge-freezer, cooker and bed before asking for crockery, pans and even an iron plus ironing board.

He added: "Freecycling got me back on my feet - it was incredible, and now I give things away myself - I've put chairs and futons on Freecycle."

Click here to visit an archive of Martin's News of the World columns

TV Money Guru Martin Lewis is the creator of the Consumer Revenge website MoneySavingExpert.comwhich is packed with info on how to get more money in your pocket.

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