I’ll be the first to admit I used to be a Craigslist h8ter. Bitterness plagued my heart whenever I heard someone got something *so! amazing! and! affordable!* on Craigslist bc all the times I browsed could be summarized as well… an acute waste of time.

In the past, I would hop on the site like every four month, scroll through pages of listings for an hour, then walk away shaking my head wondering why people act like it’s the *greatest.* All I would come across was filthy ripped couches that belonged in a boy’s college dorm, pitch forks/farm equipment that I didn’t know how to use, large sets of expensive bedroom suites that weren’t my style… and yes my favorite listing of all: adult cats. Needless to say, there’s a reason they were listed under the free section.

PTL, somewhere along the way, YES, I struck some good luck on Craigslist. This antique school bench pictured below renewed my hope…

At this point in the house decorating process I should note that I’m like beyond sick of retail prices and am trying to add interest to my home. Basically I want to bring unique touches to my home for fraction prices. Dream on right?

Determined, I began to check Craigslist more regularly (a few times a week). And that’s when I found her…

For $75 (no I didn’t forget a zero), I scored this beautiful vintage velvet couch that I really am obsessed with. My wonderful mom went with me to pick it up and we tried not to act TOO shocked at the low price and make the seller have second thoughts.

From this point forward, I was checking Craigslist even more frequently. I set a system in place: check on every odd calendar day (The 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc…). This was a great system for knowing when I had last checked the listings. A great end of the day stress reliever, too.

And that’s when I saw it. One evening while doing my routine scroll, my eyes met this piece (for $150!!)…

I gasped a little when I saw it I think. Next thing I know I’m texting my BFF Preston “What are you doing tmrw?” “Nothing.” “COOL wanna drive two hours to pick up my Craigslist find with me?” and bribing him with Chipotle for his kind service. The price still blows my mind because something so beautiful should be sold for thousands in an antique store. But I’m so thankful it wasn’t! I love it so much and sometimes catch myself walking into my dining room just to stare at it. I digress.

Ever since that day I find myself opening the Craigslist tab like every fiveish minutes because who knows what I’ll find next?!? The search is half the fun. (Before you hate me too much I DID recently miss out on a brand new West Elm outdoor lounge set for $250, so yes I understand both sides of the joy/sorrow that giving your heart to Craigslist in this way can inflict.)

Kind people have been asking me for my Craigslist tips and though I’m still navigating my way around this magical website, I’m excited to share some things I’ve found to be helpful along the way!

• If you haven’t caught this Craigslist golden rule by now: CHECK OFTEN + ALWAYS. The best deals can come and go within hours (Example: the seller of the buffet had listed it just hours before).
• Use the search box. Right now I’m obviously looking for some outdoor furniture (along with the rest of the world), so I use keywords to narrow my specific search and will hopefully find something glorious eventually. Stay tuned.
• Once you see something you like, act fast. Don’t sleep on it. Contact the seller pronto. (I prefer to text vs. email them when given the option since it’s 2017 and I feel like sellers are more responsive that way.)
• First impressions are everything. This is the most important part!!! Greet them with their name. Introduce yourself. Be friendly (but brief). Compliment/restate your interest in the specific item they’re selling so they know it’s going to a good home (and you’re not a vulture planning to immediately resell). Ask if it’s still available. Say thank you!
• BONUS TIP: If you’re really obsessed and are desperate for them to pick you as the lucky winner, tell them when you could pick it up (tomorrow is the magic word).
• Bring a friend. Even if it’s not a heavy piece. Be safe please :)

If you have any great Craigslist stories or if you find this helpful let me know so I don’t feel like I just reached crazy Craigslist Lady status!

More #MakingMulberryHome Posts: Making Mulberry Home | Guest Bathroom Renovation | Thoughts on Art & Following the Rules