The Free Section on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has a dedicated Free category. Filter your search to $0 and sort by distance. Items posted there are usually gone within hours, so check it first thing in the morning and again after dinner when people clean house. Common finds: dressers, bookshelves, yard tools, small appliances, and kids' toys.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
Nextdoor has a 'For Free' category that works the same way. Join every local buy-nothing and curb-alert group you can find on Facebook - these are often where people post items before they drag them to the curb. Search '[Your City] Buy Nothing', '[Your City] Free Stuff', and '[Your City] Giveaway'.
When you respond to a free listing, be brief and direct. Say when you can pick up. People giving things away are not interviewing you - they want it gone. The fastest, most reliable-sounding response usually wins.
What to Skip and What to Take
Not every free item is worth your time. Pass on anything broken beyond cleaning, anything with obvious mold or pest damage, and mattresses (health liability, hard to move). Take solid wood furniture even if the finish is rough - it cleans and sands. Take working electronics even if cosmetically dinged. Take any brand-name item in reasonable shape.
Free item quick decision guide
| Item type | Take? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood dresser, scratched | Yes | Sands and sells for $80-200+ |
| Working box fan, dirty | Yes | Wipes clean, sells fast in summer |
| Mattress, any condition | No | Health risk, hard to move and sell |
| Small appliance, no power cord | Maybe | Cord often $5 on Amazon, test first |
| Particle board shelving, warped | No | Won't survive transport or photos |
Cleaning and Listing Free Finds
Free inventory demands the same listing quality as paid inventory. Clean it thoroughly - a dirty item is the number one reason a good piece sits unsold. Take photos in natural light on a plain background. Price it by looking at what sold listings show for comparable pieces, not what you paid. Your cost was zero but the buyer does not need to know that.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Facebook Marketplace Free section available everywhere?
It is available in most metro and suburban areas in the US. Rural areas have fewer listings but they do exist. If you are not seeing it, filter your search to price range $0 - $0 rather than looking for a dedicated tab.
Can I resell items I got for free?
Yes. You are not obligated to keep a gifted item. Once someone gives it away, it is yours to do with as you like. Some free groups ask members not to resell - read the group rules and leave those groups if reselling is banned.
What is the best time of year for free curb picks?
Late spring and early summer (May-June) when people do deep cleans before moving season. Also late December through early January post-holidays when people purge old items to make room for gifts.
How do I transport large free items without a truck?
Borrow a friend's truck, rent from Home Depot or U-Haul by the hour, or use GoShare/Dolly for on-demand help. Factor transport cost into your profit math - a $0 item still costs you if the delivery service eats your margin.
Last reviewed by Nicole on July 31, 2026
