The Freecycle Network (or just "Freecycle") is a great way to get free stuff. It's an email network of people who give stuff to each other for free. The basic idea is that you probably have lots of stuff you don't have any use for, and you might throw it away, but you know that someone else might want it. Selling it might make sense if it's an expensive item, but if it isn't expensive, you selling it isn't worth the time and effort. Giving it away, on the other hand, feels good because you know someone else will be able to use something that you don't have any need for. You can get all sorts of random stuff, and it's a good way to meet people, too.

Freecycle is organized by city, and in the case of Sacramento, actually has several separate groups: North Sacramento, South Sacramento, Sacramento (as a whole) and Sacramento Sharecyclers. It's fine to sign up for all three, if you don't mind driving a bit to pick up some items.

You need to apply for membership, but the application process is easy - describe why you want to be part of the group, and that's it. It's not very likely you'll be denied membership.

The email traffic on these networks can be pretty heavy. If you're worried about emails flooding your inbox, you can:

• Sign up for an email digest, so you only get one email per day. You may miss some of the best items, though, since other people who get every offer as it comes in will respond before you do.
• Set up an email filter/rule to move all Freecycle emails into a separate email folder/label.

In a sense, freecycle competes with other places to donate goods, such as thrift stores and other such charities. On the one hand, this is a shame, since the folks who benefit from those charities probably need the goods more than the average freecycler. On the other hand, many of the clients of charities may also participate in freecycle. And freecycling is a great way to meet people around the community, too.