So, you are about to move in, but then you realize...you don't have a bed. Maybe you just moved out of the dorms or you're in need of a new, nicer, not beer stained mattress. Well, you are in luck! Residents of Isla Vista are graduating or moving to new streets, abandoning their unwanted IKEA tables and by the look of the "Free and For Sale" page, there are hundreds of twin mattresses. Here is your personal guide for scavenging in IV and how to plan for a well furnished house -- that doesn't cost the same as your tuition.
1. Figure out your storage plan.
Many students, like those who are from out-of-state, do not have the luxury of storing all their belongings in their parents' house. Plan on what you are going to currently do with your personal belongings before you buy anything. If you do not have a house or garage to store things in, then consider renting a storage unit. If you find a friend to share one with, then the cost will be even less! By planning out what you can do with your current belongings, you will have a better understanding of what furniture you can actually buy.
2. Figure out what you absolutely need.
Once you have figured out a place for storage, make a list of items that you consider "necessary for everyday living." These can include a bed, lamp, dresser, microwave, desk, etc. Prioritize them, so you can focus your search more easily. You don't want to end up with a really cool surfboard and nowhere to put your clothes, right?
3. Look for online listings.
There are several online platforms where furniture is being sold near you, like Craigslist and Facebook. Join Facebook networking pages, like "Free and For Sale" and "Buy/Sell/Trade Isla Vista." There are many out there, and it is common to see new posts everyday. During the month of June, these sites are critical in helping your search.
Typing in what items you are looking for on Facebook pages will be very helpful. Posts are sorted by date of when it was posted or the earliest comment, if commented on. So you may go on the page to see many sellers you have previously looked at, but missed the new item you really want since it has been buried. By using search terms, you will be able to see the latest posts on the item you really want.
4. Message sellers.
Messaging sellers is generally a good way to communicate. Commenting on the post is good for types of listings that have a bid or "OBO" -- "or best offer" -- feature. But with these in place, messages to the seller other than the current bid, often too get buried. Make sure when private messaging them, especially on Facebook, to not friend them. If you are just buying their couch, then it is disrespectful to friend them or spam them with subjects other than the couch. Include a simple greeting and ask the seller your question -- no frills.
5. Planning out pick up times.
During the end of school rush, many students have leases ending. This is usually the deadline for their listings being "on the market." Make sure if a certain pick up date is stated, that you be respectful of the seller and only intend to buy that item if you can realistically pick up before that time. After this, go back and forth listing availability with the seller. They have lives, too! Jobs, summer plans and roommate schedules may conflict, which you should keep in mind when messaging.
6. Figure out how you will move the furniture you are buying.
Not joking -- I literally thought I could carry a beer die table all by myself. Be realistic. With any large furniture you buy, prepare to bring a friend or two along. It is not the seller's responsibility to help you carry or load what you buy. Some will be nice and help, but that is not always the case. How far is the distance between your form of storage and the seller's location? Walking a couch with a few friends up two blocks is reasonable. However, taking a dresser from FT to Sabado Tarde, is not. Is renting a moving van the best option or do you have a friend with a pickup truck or minivan?
7. Be respectful with payment.
If your friends did some major heavy lifting for your benefit, then consider helping them with their moving or buying furniture. Sometimes cash payments can be difficult with friends. If so, then there are plenty of other options like buying their lunch, taking them to see a movie or paying their bar tab. Be creative. With others, cash is generally the best option. Used someone else's car? Pay for the gas. Someone is picking up the furniture for you? Pay them. Many sellers will accept Venmo, but if that is what you want to do, ask the seller in advance or have cash with you in case they do not accept Venmo. Around this time, many sellers may even offer you other items in their house for free! I received my Isla Vista traditional California bear flag and a Jenga set completely free when buying other items. This is an added bonus of "Free and for Sale" type sites.
8. Scavenging.
Not all residents of Isla Vista are posting their unwanted items for sale. Many are simply placing it on their sidewalks, front lawn or by a dumpster. There are streets full of unwanted items that will soon be taken for trash collecting or picked up and sold by someone else! "Trashed" items are not always trash. Make sure that if you do see a good piece to check it out before taking it with you. You would not want to lug an unstable bookshelf to your new house just to find out it cannot hold any books! Beer stained couches can be an eyesore that your other housemates may veto. And don't even start me on the mattresses of IV...just be weary of what you are taking. Scavenging is also a great way to find items you do not need, but would like to keep. This is the best option for low cost furniture, since everything is literally free.
9. The Give Sale.
UCSB's Give Sale of Isla Vista presents hundreds of options for your new house needs. And these items may even be in better condition than some items you scavenged, since many students decided to donate directly to the Give Sale. This ensures that the student believed the item could be of future use and did not present wear and tear, which scavenging does not. This is more costly of an option because items are not being sold in desperation -- making a quick buck before move-out time. Expect to a pay a reasonable, yet still very low cost for these secondhand pieces. The Give Day sale this year is June 18th and 19th, this coming weekend, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., next to Embarcadero Hall.
10. Buying new furniture.
Didn't find the best futon in used condition? Was the bed situation just too much of a germ-filled hassle for you? There are other options. Many places do sell new furniture for a low cost. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars, but it is guaranteed to be in perfect condition. Costco, Kmart and Walmart are all great options for keeping costs low. Some stores may even deliver straight to your house, so look for that when possible.
Best of luck of turning your new home into a furnished "Home Sweet Home!"
