Free Trade: Swap Your Stuff and Save

When we're trying to save money, we usually look to sales, thrift stores, and good old craigslist, but we rarely think of trading.

It's one of the cheapest ways to save, and it can also be a great excuse to throw a party. Not sure what to barter? Click below for ideas...

Home swaps save you the cost of a hotel during your vacation. To find other people in the world who'd be willing to trade apartments for a little while, try a home exchange site.

Trade recipes and food by participating in a soup swap or a potluck dinner. You can take it one step further by trading Tupperware.
Clothing swaps are a great way to clean out your closet and possibly find some new threads in the process.

Don't buy new books; trade titles with your friends. Make it even more fun by hosting a book exchange party.

Trade your time to save some serious cash. If you're a great DIYer and your friend is a web designer, trade your re-upholstery services for a new site.

Share your ideas in the comments below.

Photo: Aidan Jones licensed via Creative Commons

Comments (3)

I think trading/swapping/bartering is a wonderful way to save money, not create waste and build relationships with other like minded folks.

I think the last bullet is a great idea! Since so many people here are design savvy (knowing where to source, DIY projects, thinking outside the box, etc.), why not trade your know-how for something you need and/or want?

http://donkeehouse.com/?p=173#more-173

posted by bitdot on August 11th 2009 at 10:54am
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I am actually hosting a clothing swap tonight! I made it a pot luck cocktail party and asked friends to invite other friends. Hopefully it will be a success and can grow into an annual event!

posted by HeartsAndCrafts on August 11th 2009 at 11:28am
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On Thursday a local designer is coming over to assess my studio space in trade for me reupholstering a chair for her. It really does work!

posted by ModHomeEcTeacher on August 11th 2009 at 11:08pm
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