A MUM has shared the genius way she managed to kit out her kids’ room without spending a penny.
Jo was looking for bits for her girls’ room, but didn’t have a big budget to shell out on new items.
Jo managed to kit out her kids’ room without spending a penny using the Olio appCredit: tiktok/@the_bargain_buyer
As well as a gorgeous heart-shaped mirror, she got a pink lampshadeCredit: tiktok/@the_bargain_buyer
As well as this gorgeous black metal side table that could be spray painted a different colour tooCredit: tiktok/@the_bargain_buyer
So instead, she used Olio .
The allows people to search their local area for items being given away for free – from to clothes, toys and
And Jo – aka The Bargain Buyer – hit the jackpot with her finds on the app, and took to TikTok to share them with her followers.
She started by showing a stunning heart-shaped mirror, which featured rose detailing all around it.
She also managed to get an immaculate pink metal lampshade, and a black metal side table.
“All for free, off Olio!” Jo said as she showed off her haul.
“Thanks to the Olio app and a kind user on there having a clear out I managed to get these for my girls room completely FREE!” she captioned her video.
Other Olio users took to the comments section to weigh in on the app, with one writing: “Yes I’ve had good luck with Olio free items.
“Even a free sofa! It was 1 of 2 sofas and brand new.”
“I’m amazed at some of the amazing things people give away,” Jo replied.
Olio was initially set up in 2015, by Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One, and originally intended to reduce food waste in the north London area.
“I had a lightbulb moment when moving house,” Tess explained of her inspiration for the app.
“We’d tried to get through everything in the fridge, but we still had 6 sweet potatoes, a whole white cabbage and a few pots of yoghurt.
“I set off knocking on doors around the neighbourhood, newborn and toddler in tow, thinking this is crazy.
“There must be an easier way to share surplus food.
“And so the concept for Olio was born!”
How to use the Olio app
TO get hold of your freebie you'll need to download the Olio app is free from the Apple Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store if you're on Android.
You will need to register an account using your email address or Facebook account and switch on your location settings.
You can then browse the app to find out what’s up for grabs in your local area.
When you find something that you like, click on the item and then click the red “Request This Listing” button.
You will then be able to message the volunteer to arrange to collect it.
To list food on the app, you’ll need to click on the red + button and add a description.
It quickly became popular among residents in north London, and is now used by people all over the world.
Students and parents are among those who have found the app most helpful – particularly in the current cost of living crisis.
“I’m a single mum of two so having Olio has helped with expenses of my weekly grocery shop,” Amy, from Somerset, said.
“It’s made such a difference when I’ve needed something and haven’t had the money to go shopping.”
While student Rebekah, from Birmingham, said: “I started using Olio at university.
“Every week I’d get free Pret food that would otherwise go to waste, and now I’m collecting from Tesco Express.
“As a uni student, I really appreciate the opportunity to help prevent food waste and save money at the same time!”
To take advantage of freebies in your local area, download the Olio app here.
Olio began as an app to try and reduce food wastage, but can also be used for anything from clothes and toys to home decorCredit: Olio
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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