Look What I Found!

Finally Done / IKEA Versus Tupperware

2026-08-10T22:17:47.434+02:00

Sometimes you say you'll do something and then you don't. Because the next day something more important or exciting came up or you just got lazy. I don't remember what happened but these two plastic storage boxes remained underneath the same chair to collect more dust for another year.

Until finally yesterday I dug them up again, emptied them out forever and gave them a real good clean up.

To discover the first one turns out to be from IKEA. Now that will go to thrift shop for sure this Wednesday.

With the now clean lid I fell in love with the Tupperware box. I need a sewing kit, to store what I want to keep from way to much that is now loose in a drawer. So anything that doesn't fit in here should go.

I managed to clear op on bead supplies the past few days and it wasn't that hard. I can do this!

Guess Vest and AI

2026-08-09T21:22:42.821+02:00

This was in front of my door I don't remember when, just thrown over the top of the underground dumpster. A really nice piece in mint condition, but then in my closet for years. And how it became to look like this:

Now this is what totally free AI can do to a photo of a creased garment. I just found out yesterday when they said on the news people on Vinted do this all the time.

I wish I had known at the time. But doubt if I would have really used it and then sold the vest. What do you think? I would have been scared to ship it without an honest picture.

The one thing that is wrong to begin with is that this colour is just not in fashion now.

But it was 2024 and I was slowly getting back into selling on Ebay, forced myself to do any listing, but didn't put time and effort in it. If I could redo it I'd take out my model, dress it in a thick sweater and pull the vest over it, so the viewer would have a realistic idea of how it looks on someone with size M.

Alas too late. I dumped it in the kilo bag after 32 weeks. It's fine. We count Guess stores, expensive enough for me, but not that special for the real fashionistas or people with a really big wallet.

Bottle Deposit

2026-08-07T22:51:20.263+02:00

Not so exciting but believe me especially in summer sometimes bottle and can deposit make me the most of extra money, up to at least €50 a month. Last year August was crazy as I went over 200! But I didn't have much work then so I had to and I had the time. Now things are more normal, but only at day 7 I already made over €17, where book sales are at €9,50 and Ebay zero. But things can change.

Anyway this is just the result of a five minute trip between supermarket and home.

First a single regular lager bottle thrown a demolition dumpster at a renovation site. Crossed the main road after and saw the multipack cardboard box in a flash by the glass recycling bin... but didn't stop yet. I wasn't sure what it was and I hate to put strain on my old legs getting off the loaded bike for nothing. Hit my brakes five meters further after all for the plastic bottle that was thrown on the curb. As I was off my bike already I returned. Good idea! Twelve special Belgian beer bottles, but in a regular shape that I know will be paid out. In all €1,45 in minutes and home was two minutes from there. I found more on a second trip later on and the next day I cashed in €2,30.

It goes like that every day. I bring in finds of the day before and on the way home I pick up for the the next day.

Lovely Green Armchair

2026-08-01T22:34:11.416+02:00

Across the street last Thursday late at night. An immediate yes I want it!

Got straight down to work to get my old stained Ikea cream white cloth covered one out. Found years ago same spot, happy then. But now... Washable yes, but I wasn't going to.

The neighbour who donated the chair to the curb even came out to help me to move it to my door! Then big disapointment: it didn't pass through, not even on the side because the backrest is too high. We left it were it is.

I didn't ask how he ever got it in or out of his flat. Probably through the front window, but in my case then it would land in my bedroom with another narrow door and no passing.

Sad, I will now post it on Facebook to hopefully make someone happy before trash pick up next Wednesday morning.

I felt a bit guilty about leaving my old chair out on non trash night. But I didn't want it back in. Happy for now with the empty space in my room and it was only the extra seat for a visitor that I have an alternative for if needed.

But the weirdest is that on Friday morning it was gone and for sure by trash pickers not the city collection service. Taken together with a kind of dull grey modern rectangular sofa that the neighbour had also left there. Puzzled why they didn't take the best piece. Or did they see just like that is has a size problem?

Clearing Up Shoe Stock

2026-07-29T23:19:15.598+02:00

These have all been on Ebay since November/December last year and will go out for the kilo price tomorrow. It's a shame but I don't mind. All from bags placed nearby clothing bins, just on the curb, or just loose on the curbside.

Strellson smart men’s shoes. Great shape, pure leather, nice quality but not very high end brand.

Mango half open pumps. Cute, but nothing special apparently.

H&M plastic slippers. Tried really cheap, without result.

Gucci. This hurts a bit. But I think lookers may want proof of them not being counterfeit and I don't have it. Too bad before I photographed them I counted one of the shops in The Netherlnads and met the area manager for Europe, now I don't want to wait for November again. If I get scheduled for it at all. If I do I may just show him for fun and perhaps he can tell me from which year the are. Not vey recent for sure.

Converse low sneakers in condition to last for at least two more years. Fore sure any thrift shop will be more than happy.

The North Face Lightweight Outdoor Coat

2026-07-22T23:07:58.709+02:00

This was one of the clothing items I hauled home with the Desigual Shoes.

As said before selling clothing is not my focus but I know these jackets are popular with youngsters especially third or even later generation descendants of immigrants from North Africa or the former Dutch colonies.

Trying to find out which exact model I had the Dryvent print on the sleeve was my only clue. The online info is not quite clear. I came to the Antora first and listed it as that. But that has a cord in the hood, mine did not. Didn't matter, I sold it within two days. Looking again it turns out I had the Quest Dryvent.

Both models sell at original price €130. And both discounted down to about 90, but then not in black or not in the L size that I had. So I asked €30, in line with what other sellers ask and accepted bid 25.

Guy who came to pick it up was not a younster and more XL to XXL size, paid cash and ran off. I wondered, a trader not wanting to miss a too good deal or a father just in a hurry? It's fine with me.

XL Belly Bottle Vase

2026-07-20T23:05:27.650+02:00

Picked up on my home from groceries just four weeks ago. Two streets away so a bit of a hassle to load up and add to the weight but I managed to tie it up on the back of my bike with a bungy cord, that is always traveling with me. Doing so I think I met the giver as someone came out to bring more stuff to the spot.

But I had. enough and didn't want to look. Though not restricted to outdoors, this is something people love to have in their garden so sure to sell this time of the year.

Listed pick up only at first. Then saw the box in my room. Recently taken in from in front of the door with contents to sort out inside. Forgot what was in it. But it seemed just the perfect size. Checked, yes.

Adding shipping sure helps to sell faster. Ordered, payed and shipped this morning and that box is gone as well. My profit €10 is in line with what other people ask for comparable products.

Desigual Sofia Ankle Boots

2026-07-17T22:34:49.032+02:00

Found beside textiles collection bin. With three more bags of clothing. Container was full, but bags were open shoppers, not suitable to put inside anyway.

All of it brought to recycle centre, but the shoes in original box, looked interesting.

However soon as I took them out to photograph I saw the damage. Still perfectly wearable of course because only on the inside, if you're ready to brush the paint flakes off your socks every time.

I can understand how they were marked down from over €500 to 119. And then still got cast away. Thought about selling for cheap but it's a no go for me. They will go with the next lot of textiles and shoes at kilo price. Hopefully some thrift shop can make someone happy with them for little.

Currently I see Desigual doesn't sell any shoes much over €150. I'm not familiar with the brand and it's not a client of my company. Maybe they learned.

Brass Pipe Fittings

2026-07-14T21:20:06.101+02:00

Just over two weeks ago I saw a neighbour walking out with a small plastic bag placing it neatly beside the trash dump across the street. I thought if not in, it may be interesting.

Here are the contents. Listed the next day, sold this morning at €10. Perhaps too cheap, because depending the model such joints go between €6 and over 60 new, but it's fine. I don't know anything about the product and wanted to be sure to get at least some money out. I hoped to make some DIY enthusiast happy with the lot, but to my surprise a professional fitter, though probably self-employed, came for it.

Vintage Tripod Plant Stand

2026-07-03T22:23:00.209+02:00

Some years ago my once in a while bonus prize in a lottery was a plant of my choice. I would have preferred the value in money, but at least it was better than the usual list of gadgets that I don't want or need and then ended up ordering practical things like socks and tea towels that I will possibly never use up. Plus a pair of earrings that I have not worn yet. Unsubscribed from it by now anyway.

I filtered on safe for cats and shade-loving since my house does not get to much sun and chose Calathea, that I had never seen before. I like the shape of the leaves and always prefer the less common.

My only little criticism of the gift was that it came in the dullest ever 'decrative' outer plastic pot. Having nothing better that fitted I put up with it for several months.

Then this showed up in front of my door.

By far the cutest plant stand I've ever seen, in handcrafted bamboo. Not hiding but so cheering up the white pot.

And so vintage. Hard to say if it's 1950s or 60s, but it can't be newer than that judging by the faded picture on the base. Puzzles me why it's there as you place the pot on it. But it could also be a home made product that someone used a piece of a plastic kitchen tablecoth for. But that is questionable since the theme is gardening.

I'm just a bit worried about the durability of the pressed wood base but so far it's lasting and I think the construction is such that it can lose a few flakes. And then the bamboo plus all the nailings are in perfect shape.

Too bad it's a bit tilted - I wanted to reject it at first - but the geometric decoration of the legs shows best on this last shot. That just does it for me. Such a simple thing it's one of my best curb finds for myself ever.

Makes me think about the durability of bamboo. An easy and strong fast gowing product of nature that can replace loads of polluting stuff, but that's another discission, just want to mention it.

Hot Summer

2026-06-25T22:05:24.168+02:00

While parts of Europe and The Netherlands are plagued by a heat wave I'm fairly fine. My groundfloor apartment is pretty cool, 25 degrees Celsius this afternoon, and outdoors I bike and feel the fresh breeze.

Upstairs it's a bit warmer but the old parasol, found I don't remember when but before 2010 for sure, and in the meantime fixed with duct tape, still does a good job of keeping the heat out when the sun is beating the back window and balcony.

Clever design with deep blue inner and silver outer cloth.

Last night however up there I did have to get rid of leg covering for the first time in I don't know in how many years, and I don't even know what other options I have in my drawers. But I went down to grab the first thing. T-dress from the load of a while ago that I kept apart in case of. Just the perfect thing because it's completely me: Jeans/T-shirt girl but then without the jeans.

Said I'm not a fan of loud logos I can live with this. Grey on black and my first pair of basketball shoes (at five years old or so) were Converses and I loved them. So long ago they still had the rubber cushions on the inner ankles. Later on never could afford them and once found on the curb they were too narrow for my wide feet.

Only by taking the photos found out the detail of slightly longer back. Kind of adds style so I was even confident to go out cycling with this on.

Brand-name Clothing With Large Logos

2026-06-10T21:30:14.867+02:00

I found this interesting discussion on Reddit.

I see those products in almost every clothing shop I do stocktakes for. But despite of what some people say, I see it also in extremely expensive shops. Like this example from Fendi. Pay over a thousand for a simple shirt, you'll still advertise their brand, though more or less subtly, while wearing.

One thing I found out:

This stuff does not go second hand on line. At least not through Dutch Ebay and I don't want to try others because clothing is totally not my focus. So these sweaters will go to recycling soon now, after the rest that went right away. Found last summer and I had to carry trash bags full on the back of my bike in two goes. But I had a great pair of jeans for myself from that load. Still happy.

Now I can live with this:

Passed by textiles collection bins filled to the brim a few days ago. Bags placed beside, rummaged in already. Too much to take. I picked mainly shoes in easy to hang on my handlebars bags but there was place on top to add some randomly picked clothes. Then could add one looking the most neat with only clothes that I could strap on a bungy cord on the back.

Shoes are more weight and made me €0,58. The clothes a day later €0,40.

I kept the Levi's cotton sweater for me. Just my size and I don't mind the modest little logo. After all in my young days Levi's were my favourite jeans. And even then it was normal that your denims were somehow showing which ones they were. It's just that these days this logo or brand showing has got out of hand.

H&M Boots

2026-05-31T22:23:23.873+02:00

On Sunday two weeks ago I went on an errand outside my neighbourhood, to the closest shop only open there. Just before one of the bridges to pass I saw a pair of muddy boots neatly placed beside a garbage dump, passed by thinking bad condition but then stopped and went back for inspection after all. Turned out they were intact enough for recycling shop and my €10 cents a kilo.

But after washing they looked more then good and moreover my size and taste! Zippers and elastic parts are looking great. On top they are fairly wide in the front, giving my old sensitive toes space and I don't feel my metatarsal bones cracking.

Downside I found out when taking pictures... The hole in the sole is in the same place on both sides, so not caused by stepping into something sharp or so. It's wear from not even that much walking if you look at the good state of the upper material which is not even real leather. Now I don't know yet if they will leak in the rain and if that's why they were thrown away but I'll find out the hard way.

We'll see later this year since for now it's barefoot sandal time on a pair I found last year. To be shown.

So for now they are a keep, but please H&M, can you make shoes that have solid soles for the same price?

Cloud Space

2026-05-25T22:38:31.712+02:00

Microsoft is currently constantly reminding me of not having enough free cloud space to keep uploading files or even use Gmail, so I'm cleaning up. I have enough crap and double shots of the same things I don't have to keep. I'm definitely not going to pay for the upgrade. But then you don't want to delete too carelessly. So for now going through a bit at the time, later on I can still save things on usb sticks.

Came across this. I rarely sell books on Ebay, as I use the organized sites where you list on EAN codes. No photo's requiered. Thus I don't blog about and moreover I take them from free libraries these days.

This wasn't listable and still curb found. It was a cold winter and my camera was useless indoors. So I scanned books. Not much luck, but this went among a few others.

Apart from a list of still existing monasteries in The Netherlands it's a guide to ones where you can book to spend time to experience the life there or to find peace. A still going on trend.

I remember selling the book but not how fast. Photographed 2017-01-18, sold two days later. From the same day I had three books by famous writers that never sold, pics deleted, so the fun is that this kind of curiousity went so fast.

Jabra EVOLVE2 55 Headphones with Microphone

2026-05-24T22:32:29.076+02:00

Said earlier this month, I found a brand new laptop bag that I just took for kilo price at the recycle center, but turned out to have interesting contents. Wireless mouse for myself, the next day I did my research on the headset.

Turned out the product 'Jabra headphones Evolve2 55' is current and sells new between about 115-160 €. Listed at €60 buy now, bidding from €50.

Of course, as often someone sent a message this morning asking what my lowest price would be. It always irritates me a bit but I kept cool and just replied €50. Well, young man came to pick it up early this evening, sent money straight to my bank account. Very friendly and walked away with a huge smile on his either Surinamese or Antillean face. Two happy people!

Last thing from the bag is a tablet or laptop stand but I fear it's cheap. Most likely another thriftshop donation.

Puhlmann Foldable Step Stool

2026-05-17T21:16:16.885+02:00

I mentioned it December last year, found to replace a vintage kitchen aid that I decided to sell.

Now this is even coming to work with me tomorrow! I'm facing a job for a chain department store where the last time there was a shortage of climbing/sitting material, without any alternatives like canteen chairs or bottle crates, due to how they are organized and the type of products they sell it's just not there. The few steps were reserved for people counting higher parts, I was forced to do the lower middle gondola isles without. But I'm that short! I was working standing tiptoe for the tops but also kneeling and sitting on the floor for too long, where a low stool gives you a least a break from that. When I went home I could barely walk so that is not happening again.

Gave the thing a thorough brush up this afternoon but years old stains didn't come off. Too bad, it did fresh up a bit though. And yes the carrying handle is broken off, but I won't need it.

It still folds as well and fits perfectly in a supermarket plastic tote bag. For the occasion I'll use a light weight backpack for my meal and other stuff. Not preferred because I hate the taking off and putting back on of backpacks for sitting in the car or public transport, but in this case I'm happy I can just open my storage and pick up an old curb find to not have two arms full each holding a bag.

I'm not a brand stuck person, but there's something I like about Puhlmann for making smart handy products. And I remember this camping table. Look for it soemewhere in the middle of the post.

Hanging Or Suspension File Folders

2026-05-15T22:44:27.393+02:00

I had to do some internet translation research for this post and found out America says 'hanging' where Brittain prefers 'suspension'. So both are in the title, for the whole world to understand.

Well, it's been twelve years since I left my last office job and I wondered if anyone still uses these. But I see them still for sale in abundance.

Over the years I found fairly big piles simply in front of my door. Puzzled about why private homes had them. This bit is for the moment my last supply though.

Because I regularly use them to ship slightly thicker books that with bubble protection would not pass through the mailbox, saving costs for buyers.

Depends a bit of the size of the book how I fold. In this case best fit was to transverse over the existing bottom fold. Sometimes I can use that to have at least one ready sharp fold. Here I had to make my own. Takes a bit of practice on the rigid material, but it provides a sturdy and safe cover that doesn't need any other protection within.

Logitech Wireless Mouse

2026-05-13T23:28:11.637+02:00

So about a week ago I picked up a new looking laptop bag from in front of my door late at night, together with other bags, one in leather and bed textiles smelling freshly washed. Took all in to inspect in the morning.

The laptop bag was brand new and had some contents. Alas, no laptop, that would have been the day. But I found a cable combination lock, new in plastic. Though I've never seen anyone ever using one of those even in my time in office, I'll bring it to the thrift shop. Then a set of headphones with microphone, new in box. I still have to look up if that's a saleable product. Most interesting for the moment was the mouse. Being dependant on old leftover things I still used one with a wire. No problem! But this luxury was welcome to try out. It installed within seconds on my old laptop that has not even been upgraded to Windows 11 yet. It's mostly handy when I take the computer upstairs including electric wire. Because battery does not last that long anymore. Now I have no more tangling up of wires pulling it out of the cotton tote bag I use for transport, and also next morning reinstalling downstairs.

The model Logitech Silent M240 sells between €12,95 and €25,99 and even came with a working battery. It cannot be old. Looks like someone had a laptop from work, but was never going to use the extras. And I know from the time when I had to hand back my work laptop in they never asked for them. I sold the bag at the time for peanuts and it took time. Kept wired mouse and used (up).

The bed textiles were not the size we use. Leather bag pretty but missing shoulder strap. Other bag complete, practical and never used but with a company logo. Selling laptop bag too much hassle. I brought everything to recycle center in two goes and made about €1. Not much but the effort was equal and the headphones are still there.

Siemens Digital Kitchen Scale

2026-05-04T22:14:28.957+02:00

Picked up in front of my door just over three weeks ago. It looks kind of professional, to be used in a smaller restaurant kitchen but I only found one other second hand not very expensive. With on top the protective flap for the battery (still working well though!) missing I listed it €5, got that today.

For myself I mostly use an analogue 1970's Soehnle taken from work at the time, over 25 years ago when mailroom changed to digital, on top I have one of those flat glass digital things from giveaway shelves.

Adidas Gazelle Bold Sneakers

2026-04-26T22:47:37.109+02:00

From the grey area between trash and donation:

Left at the free library. Which is officially not allowed, so I had better take them before a caretaker would take them away and trash them for real to avoid losing the city's tolerance for the place. Real suede sneakers in great condition. Most shoes I find there land in he kilo bag that I bring to the recycle centre next door. Just like some more dresses that I took today. Very nice, clean and wearable but too much hassle to list with little chance to sell.

But a pair of Adidas trainers in this condition were worth trying. Gazelle Bold stands for the extra thick platform sole, still to be found in retail, but the model was unavailable with the green stripes. They were gone in five days only. Asked €25, sold €20. Happy!

Learns how a pair of roller skates worth new around €180 go with difficulty at €15, where I found these new, but only in grey and black at €120 at the official Adidas website, at discount somewhere else €90, but in other colours even from just €60. That's how the market works.

Clifton Guitar Stand

2026-04-15T22:50:00.000+02:00

A fairly simple product, found across the street just two weeks ago. Used but intact.

New available from €7,50. Pick up at my door I got €3. Happy!

Edwards Suitcase

2026-04-12T23:01:00.001+02:00

It took me half of the evening to find back this old post from 2008. Because pics not even on this computer and so also not in the cloud, but I was sure to have it. And somehow search words don't even go back that long. Never mind I found it.

First things first. The blue Samsonite on the left was a perfect and lasting thing, that I last used in 2018 for a train trip abroad, but that was scratched up to threads on the top by cat nails after 2020. Though still functional, I retrashed it. Needing place and not planning on any future trips anymore.

As I don't transport stuff to craft fairs since a long time the black trolley on the right was retrashed ages ago. I forgot why, but sure it wasn't good enough to sell.

I had some more curb founds in between that I mainly used to store things. That finally I got rid of, contents included. Functional but cheap brands with a thing here or there you just don't want to pull money from someones pocket for.

One I never kept but sold straight away was this from 2017.

Last one left was an Edwards case with issues, but mainly concerning zipper pullers and a flat pocket not to be opened anymore. A quality product with a strong fabric casing that I believed could still make someone happy.

Just didn't sell quickly because people want the four wheel trolleys now that you can push without still holding half the weight. Personally I think I will need that too if ever.

I solved the zipper issue provisionnaly and included a mini chain lock to replace most likely unusable cipher code lock.

Lady close to my age came this afternoon and was chuffed. Not the jackpot but €10 in my pocket was 'free' groceries for today.

Miele Vacuum Cleaner Bags

2026-04-11T22:01:00.004+02:00

When I was a kid vacuum cleaners were all equipped with the same simple square paper bags to collect the dust, and they came very cheaply.

I had them up until the early Nineties, one from my grandmother and one from her sister in law, till they both gave up. Model above from 1976. Mine were even older.

Newer models with better dust filtering and other improvements came up, all fine with me but what just bugs me is why do they all have to have their own special bags, with kind of a cardboard or now even plastic keys to fit the thing in, and otherwise your machine just won't work! Every brand even has varieties. And on top they are expensive. I wonder why nobody has ever thought about negotiating a standard for this to prevent waste of unused bags from broken machines. Like they do currently about cables for phones and other e-gadgets. And has kind of existed forever for AV equipment already.

Bagless models are being developed and maybe improved of course, but as far as I know affordable ones are not ideal yet. Like the one I sold for trash.

For myself I'm currently good with my AEG that I got around 2006 from a neighbour who went to a home. It still has the cardboard 'keys', and I can cut them of and stick over to non-fitting bags. Plus I have a set from the thrift shop, recently found to last me long enough.

But going through old photo's I found these from 2011! Curb found for sure and most likely in front of my door. That is pure luck. I had forgotten because never shared, but now I'm quite sure I reused the card board pieces for as long as they lasted.

So long story short, when I found this set of in total 18 bags in March I had no need to keep them and listed, asked €7,50, got €8,50. Buyer paid €12 including shipping, would have cost him over €20,00 (best deal I found) buying new on line.

Just for fun I packed them in a crazy luxury bag...

For real, this simply had the size, shape and firmness I needed. After stapling it all up it didn't look so stylish anymore. And for me antoher one gone from the lot I also use for books.

RSI Original Starter Roller Skates

2026-04-07T21:46:00.004+02:00

I found this pair of roller skates November last year neatly placed on the curb on my way to somewhere, obviously meant to be picked up.

With really everything in not totally new but really good condition I thought I could get at least get a third of new price (around €180) and listed them even below at €50. But I already saw lower priced comparables then. But it was for a first try.

As you never know, but no chance. A few days ago after non response the ad had expired and I gave it a second try at €20. This morning someone offered €15 and I gladly accepted.

Pricing quality products like this is trial and error. At the thrift shop we have a big shelf full of skeelers, roller skates, and ice skates that in general go for not much more than €5. The demand for second hand seems to be low, people who can afford it buy new. And for short use? I think I'm lucky with what I got and happily boxed them tonight. And another big box out of my house!

Last Dress Dummy Sold

2026-04-06T22:03:00.001+02:00

This morning I finally managed to sell my probably 100 year old dummy, that was in a corner of my room for so many years displaying a fake fur coat that I sold at kilo price last year. But things weren't sure.

Here she is in full 'glory'.

Unfortnunately, late last night, stupid me broke off the already fragile part of the tripod, knocking the doll over coming home holding laptop and more, while I had placed her in my tiny hallway thinking that would be handy. Not...

These three pictures highlight the damage, but also the special shape and age of the body. They don't make them like this anymore and a European 44 can hardly be this slim. Obviously the model is 'corsetted'.

Luckily buyer still wanted to have the body. She was sure to find an alternative stand or base. With discount of course, but she didn't play difficult and still payed more than I would have accepted.

My impression somehow was that the woman, with a Dutch name, but veiled moslem style, needed it for a one time occasion showing a special dress. I would have loved to give the antique piece a longer future, but if after this it will land in the trash so be it.

Two others. one trashed, one sold, I'm down with one, the best of all, and all I need for the occasional sale of clothing.