What Is Curb Shopping?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Jul 2007 12:59 PM

Curb shopping is a practice that is followed by many people who want to be frugal. But what is it? Read below to find out everything that you always wanted to know about curb shopping.

You probably have heard of dumpster diving, the practice of going into, or reaching into dumpsters and recovering the trash that is placed in there. People dumpster dive for everything from candles and household goods to grocery coupons and food. Curb shopping, however, is slightly different.

With curb shopping, people cruise a neighborhood and look for things that others have discarded out in the open, or on the curb. This often occurs during bulk trash pickups, but not always. Generally, a curb shopper won't actually reach into a garbage can or open garbage, but rather take the larger things that might not fit into a can.

Some example of items that might be found during curb shopping include furniture, such as chairs, tables and couches; large toys, such as kitchen sets, ride on toys, and sports equipment; computer equipment and tools. Doors and windows that can be made into crafts are also popular items for the curb. Other items that might be found during a curb shop, although not as popular, might be boxes of books, children's clothing and small toys.

Some people curb shop to get things for themselves, while others sell the items they find. There are many successful ebay sellers that find their items for free while curb shopping.

Curb shopping can be done on foot or by car, with advantages and disadvantages to both. With a car, you will be able to cover a large distance (more curbs) and have a way to haul larger items home. If you are curb shopping by foot, you may be able to spot things that could be missed while driving, and you won't be limited by one-way streets or traffic that makes it difficult to stop.

Look for a future article packed full of curb shopping tips.

Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Computing Blog here at Families.com where she shares everything from the latest news on technology to cool downloads and fun websites.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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