There are many great benefits to buying home furnishings used. You can find excellent deals, score unique items no longer sold anywhere else, and more importantly, shop locally. Plus, you’re recycling through reuse, and in some cases, the money you pay benefits charity.

These are some of the best places you’ll find the decor you’re looking for in a secondary marketplace.

Secondary Marketplaces to Find Unique Furniture.

We made a list of five potential marketplaces for you to potentially find great pieces of furniture for even better deals. Keep in mind to practice safe delivery and pick-up when shopping on services like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

• Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is quite a bit younger than other services, but since it’s part of Facebook there’s no shortage of users. It provides a friendly interface for finding what you need and utilizes Facebook Messenger as a built-in chat feature. Feel free to ask sellers questions about listings or even negotiate a fair price.

Filtering by location is simple since your Facebook account may already have the city you’re in as a default. If not, you can search by city or zip code and adjust the radius you’re willing to travel when you collect an item. Facebook eliminates anonymity since each listing is tied to a profile, which helps both buyers and sellers feel more comfortable.

• Nextdoor

In case you’re unfamiliar with Nextdoor, it’s a hyper-localized social media platform for learning about things going on in your immediate vicinity. Each member must be address verified to ensure everyone indeed lives within the locale they claim.

Among many other things, Nextdoor includes a “For Sale & Free” section. Here you’ll find categories such as Automotive, Home decor, Neighbor services, and Tickets to name just a few. Listings include images and there’s a built-in chat feature for buyers and sellers.

• Caboodle

Although it’s not your traditional marketplace, Caboodle is exclusive to Pittsburgh residents. It works like a “give an item, get an item” deal. Download the app on Google Play or the App Store and begin shopping for new treasures.

When you sign up for Caboodle, you’ll have 90 seconds to swipe through a variety of items. The first 90-second swipe session is free. Find something you like and it’ll be delivered to your address. But, it’s worth noting when you swipe past something, you can’t go back to it.

If you run out of time, you win whichever item you’re currently viewing. If you want to earn another swipe session, you must give an item of yours you no longer want or need. It’s a trade made simple and fun.

The Trading post is a central hub where you’ll take items to give away, and it’s conveniently located right in Shadyside. After you’ve parted with your item, the Caboodle team will select items of roughly equal value from their user pool, which is what you’ll swipe through in your next session.

It’s a novel idea right here in the neighborhood, so try it out! Plus, the more you use it the more it learns your interests and presents items more in line with your tastes.

• Goodwill

A staple amongst thrifty shoppers, there’s always something new (but used) here. The Goodwill location on Centre Ave on the edge of Shadyside will have a myriad of things for your home.

This location is currently open, but you will need a mask while you browse and purchase. Goodwill varies in its furniture selection, so keep an eye out, and don’t hesitate when you find something you love!

• Pittsburgh Furniture Company

This thrift store located in Shadyside will wow you with its inventory. It may not be as budget-friendly as some other secondary market outlets mentioned, but you’ll surely find furnishings you adore.

The folks here have a keen eye for style and they keep up with trends. Most of the inventory is used, but it’s all in top shape, so you may not even realize you’re not the first owner. They currently keep temporary hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. But, check their website for up to date info.

Steps to Deep Clean Used Furniture.

Now that you found a piece of furniture you love, it’s time to get it all shined up and new again! Secondary marketplace shopping can offer bargains and stylish pieces. As the saying goes one man’s trash is another’s treasure.

After you buy, it’s important to deep clean and disinfect the item before bringing it into your living space. Otherwise, you may end up bringing in unwanted odors, pet dander, bacteria, or pests.

First things first, the best time to pick up used furniture is on a clear, sunny day, that way you’ll have the opportunity to clean your new item outside. But the UV rays from the sun will also help kill any bacteria.

Of course, you can grab your vacuum cleaner and/or disinfectant wipes. But, if you want to get rid of any odors one great trick is using baking soda. For couches, upholstered chairs, or mattresses, The Spruce recommends sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda all over the furniture then let it sit for a few hours.

If you are out of disinfectant wipes, you can make your own disinfecting spray with common household ingredients. The Spruce offers a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water to do the trick. If you need to remove a stain, simply add mild dish soap to the vinegar and water solution. Be careful not to oversaturate the furniture though!

Now you’re all set. Give these secondary marketplaces a look and find something fit for your own style. Remember, it’s okay to exercise caution and sanitize the items you buy before bringing them into your place.

Your weather app may promise sweltering sunshine, but there are plenty of ways you can stay cool right here in Shadyside. 

Enjoying the air conditioning indoors is one way to go about it, but a sweet treat is always welcome. Ice cream is a summertime staple, and there are a few places you can get your fix. If you prefer different types of confections, then look no further because we have those too.

Millie’s

This ice cream shop has quickly become a go-to in Pittsburgh. If you haven’t been yet, then it’s time you gave it a try. You’ll find some classic flavors as well as some unique seasonals you’ll love. There are even dairy-free flavors for your enjoyment. Load up a scoop or two with your favorite toppings, or grab a pint to go.

Photo credit: Millie’s via Instagram

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

It doesn’t get much cooler than nitrogen ice cream on a hot day. You’ll get a treat and a show here. Sub Zero has tons of flavors you can mix up with a variety of cream bases and toppings. Vegan, lactose-free, dairy-free, and reduced sugar are all options you’ll enjoy here. Did you know liquid nitrogen cools ice cream at -321 degrees Fahrenheit? Although liquid nitrogen will keep your cone cool, these are hot days so don’t let it melt!

Photo credit: Sub Zero via Instagram

Salúd Juicery

Already got your ice cream fix? Salúd has juice and smoothies for a refreshing summer beverage. Get all your veggies in with a healthy drink and add your favorite fruits for your sweet tooth. It doesn’t stop there – nuts, spices, supplements, and so much more is available and ready to order.

Photo credit: Salud via Instagram

Kahuna Poke & Juice Bar

Kahuna serves up some tasty dishes in Shadyside. While Poke does hit the spot on a summer day, we’re highlighting their juices. Cold-pressed juices here encompass everything from green concoctions made with cucumber, celery, and kale to carrot, orange, and ginger. Still, want something sweeter? Their smoothies will do the trick!

Photo credit: Kahuna via Instagram

Prantl’s Bakery

This one may not cool you down in the same way, but it won’t satisfy your sweet tooth any less. Prantl’s Burnt Almond Torte has been called the greatest cake in America by the Huffington Post. If you enjoy almonds, then do yourself a favor and try the original Burnt Almond Torte at its home in Shadyside. But, we can’t forget to mention, there’s a “walking torte,” and Prantl’s just announced a new pina colada-flavored torte. 

Photo credit: Prantl’s Bakery via Instagram

Let’s continue to show our support to local eateries any way we can. Go ahead friends, we deserve to treat ourselves!

There are plenty of ways you can make an apartment your own. Your design and decor is an extension of your own personality and interests. Spending some time on the aesthetic of your place will allow a level of comfort suitable for your lifestyle. 

After working on creating your ideal space, why not let that space work for you? Many pieces of smart home tech exist for your benefit, comfort, and ease. Here are some favorites you should check out.

Smart Home Speakers

• Amazon Echo speakers feature one of the best virtual assistants available all within a small, space-saving device. If you don’t like fiddling with your phone when you play a song, then leave it to Alexa. It’s also great at compiling shopping lists for the grocery store.

• Google Home speakers achieve many of the same results as Amazon Echo. The biggest perk here is the Google ecosystem. It’s no secret; Google has answers to almost any question you may have. All you have to do is ask with your voice rather than with your fingers. These speakers come in a few sizes including the Home Mini, which gives you all the same benefits in roughly the footprint of a hockey puck.

• Sonos smart home speakers shine brightest where it matters most for speakers – audio quality. If you’re all about the music, then these devices will deliver. Gone are the days of wiring all your speakers via walls and ceilings. Simply plug in the speaker, follow the setup instructions on the dedicated app, and enjoy. A real bonus here is the availability of both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Exercising your preference is one of the many perks of a Sonos speaker.

Smart Lighting

Philips Hue lights are remarkable for creating your desired ambiance. These bulbs come in different shapes and sizes including LED light strips. 

Control them all with a dedicated app or play “scenes” with 3rd party apps. A scene simulates different effects with lights. This may mean the flickering colors of candlelight, the vivid explosions of fireworks, or the sudden flashes of lightning. 

You can even turn these lights on and off using the virtual assistant in your smartphone or your smart speaker.

Smart TV

Not all TVs are made equal, but an Amazon Firestick can change this. The same goes for a Roku or an Apple TV. Supercharge your TV with one of these if you haven’t already. 

You’ll get the best programming the world has ever known with a selection of streaming apps for your viewing pleasure. Sure, you know about Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, but how about Hoopla? A free membership from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hoopla offers free access to its movie titles, music, audiobooks, and eBooks. 

Don’t just decorate your home. Make your space work for you using the latest in-home technology.