Meet EarthOne – Your New Green Playground
Ever feel like our planet is an extra‑budget‑friendly love affair? AsiaOne just rolled out EarthOne – a fresh spot on the site where every article is a pep‑talk for the earth and a dare for science. If you’re into news that’s all about making the world a better place, you’ve found your new favourite hang‑out.
Home Makeovers: More Worthy of a Fortune Show?
Renovating isn’t the only thing that can break the bank. Even picking out the right couch, beds, and cushions can open a hotline to the ATM. And now that flights are back on the menu, you can have a mini‑adventure in Johor Bahru. But if you’re too busy manning the office or just don’t have the stamina to cross the border, there’s a smart and eco‑friendly trick: shop pre‑loved stuff right here in Singapore.
Why Yup, It’s the Right Thing to Do
- Budget‑friendly – Because who wants to pay extra just to sit comfortably?
- Planet‑friendly – Giving a second life to old furniture means less waste and less demand for new stuff. That’s a win for everyone.
- Secondhand often looks like new – Many sellers are shedding spare desks or suddenly gained spaciousness. Life happens, and your favorite chair might just be on the shelf of chance.
Whether it’s a box of sofas that were a “once‑in‑a‑glance” purchase or a chair abandoned because of a fresh move, you can snag pieces that often are in stellar condition or at least shrug off with enough vintage charm to make your house feel like a well‑curated gallery.
So Next Time You’re Hunting for a Couch, Think About a Treasure Hunt Instead of a Treasure Spend.
Carousell
Hunting the Best Deals on Carousell: Quick Tips
Ever find yourself scrolling through a sea of listings and feeling like a digital pirate lost at sea? Don’t worry, we’ve got your compass.
1⃣ Shake the Search Lasso—Filter by Recency
- Why it matters: Carousell floods the feed with new posts every minute. The freshest finds are the ones people’re eager to snatch.
- Pro tip: Hit that New filter first. Sort out the late-night sales, and you’ll be the first in line when the baddies appear.
- Speed is king: Better screenshots than deals; bubble up fast else the object is gone.
2⃣ Brand‑ish Intelligence—Search by Maker
- Why it matters: Think of it as a “Brand Police”—no more guessing who made that fancy bean machine.
- Case in point: I spotted a $850+ TV console in the Castlery showroom—felt like a superstar. Then, on the same day, I stumbled on a lightly used $300 version on Carousell. Same brand, same vibes, and a jaw‑dropping price cut.
- Action: Type the brand into the search bar, hit the brand filter, and it’ll slash out the irrelevant nonsense.
Bonus: Stay a Step Ahead
On top of filters, keep your notifications on. Carousell’s “watch” feature is like a personal guard that alerts you when a new item lands. Couple that with the brand search, and you’re practically in the front row of the thrifters’ club.
Dive in, use filters, watch the brand pirates, and you’ll be flaunting your bargain hunting skills in no time. Happy hunting, and may the spoils stay cheap and plentiful!
Expat Groups
Turning Singapore Expat Gold Into Cheap Treasures
Ever felt like a treasure hunter in your own living room? Singapore’s expat community is throwing a massive garage‑sale fiesta, and the loot is just waiting to be snatched. From dust‑free beds to merry‑mastic entertainment sets, the shelves are crammed with ready‑to‑zoom‑away gear—many listed for less than $300 each.
Why the Sale‑Sensation?
- Moving on: Those packing up their Singapore dreams often trawls the household for “things that can’t be shipped” and zeroes out the items that have, well, made it to the great beyond.
- Split the space: Expats with inside‑out plans are keen to liquidate everything they aren’t lugging to new horizons.
- Happy cash flow: It’s an instant boost—give them the cash, and they’re ready to move on.
How to Get in on the Action
Facebook’s an entire ecosystem of expat marketplaces. Here’s your cheat‑sheet:
- Join Singapore Expat Garage Sales or Expats Leaving Singapore Selling Goods—both are private, so hit that apply button and show you’re a legit member.
- Pop over to Marketplace and filter by “Used Furniture” or “Everything Under $300.” You’ll find the same treasure trove without the VIP audition.
- Check out local community groups like Renovation & Furniture Lobangs SG—they’re quick‑fire posts from folks who just finished a house‑cleaning blitz.
Tip for a Smooth Scavenger Hunt
Read the “why” behind each sale. Know what’s to disassemble, whether items come with the original delivery dates, or if the seller is a veteran packer with a lightning‑fast relocate budget. Fresh purchases still carry that “[click to buy]” private message vibe—so add a little friendly emoji, and make the transaction feel as easy as buying instant noodles.
Remember: It’s All About the Final Destination
Every sofa, teak daybed, or dining table is striking a bargain for its final destiny—your living space or their new country. Dive in, snag the best, and maybe you’re the next star of their next post. Happy hunting!
Singapore Freebies by Sharetings
Singapore Freebies: From a Freshman’s Brainchild to a Treasure Trove
Jonathan How started the “Singapore Freebies by Sharetings” Telegram group back in 2018 while still a first‑year student. Fast forward four years, and the community has exploded to 10,000 members who’ve helped circulate over 120,000 freebies—all right on the group and the Sharetings app.
What’s on the Menu?
- Chairs that are practically FREE OF COST
- Tables—any style, any shape, all for zero!
- Ikea goodies that didn’t quite make it to a buyer’s cart.
- And a smorgasbord of other household items you can get for nothing.
A quick hop into the Telegram chat and you’ll see hundreds of listings headed for your doorstep—no fees, no fuss.
The Spark Behind Sharetings
Jonathan’s inspiration came from a common sight in Singapore: lots of perfectly useful stuff simply tossed into HDB void decks. Instead of letting these gems go to waste, he envisioned a place where people could swap them out and give them new life.
Want to hear more about his journey and the mission behind Sharetings? Check out our interview with him here!
Secondhand furniture stories
Polish Your Pad with Pre‑Loved Perfection
Who says you have to go all out with a brand‑new couch to make your house feel cozy?
Second‑hand furniture stores are the treasure troves that let you bring a touch of personality—and a dash of character—to your living space without breaking the bank.
Meet the Crew of Cool Curators
- Hock Siong – once a bustling karung guni trader, this familia turned into a secondhand haven where quirky finds sit by the floorboards. Think vintage chairs that whisper “adventure” and quirky ottomans that could double as podcast props.
- Noden – handpicked gems from the groovy 1940s‑70s Scandinavia. If you love clean lines and minimalist vibes, Noden is your go‑to spot for that nostalgic Scandinavian swagger.
- Junkie’s Corner – located on Turf Club Road, this place has been rolling out antique and vintage goodies for over three decades. Whether you need a saga-stained armchair or a mid‑century sofa that screams “throwback,” Junkie’s is the place to check.
Why the Hunt is Worth the Worry
Sure, hunting for pre‑loved gems might feel like a scavenger hunt at first—scanning aisles, weighing your options, and then, Aha! You’ve found that perfect mismatched dresser that makes your son’s bedroom look like a film set. But the payoff is a home that’s genuinely yours, not just a hotel room that’s been cleaned by a robot.
Tips to Turn the Quest into a Win
- Scout Early – open shops when they’re fresh and before the crowd rolls in.
- Inspect Thoroughly – check for scratches, splinters or hidden damages. A little maintenance can coax even the most distressed piece into perfection.
- Ask About Upgrades – sometimes the furniture is a mere skeleton. With some elbow grease (and maybe a paintbrush), it can transform into a showstopper.
- Keep Your Budget in Check – remember that many second‑hand pieces are cheaper than new, but you still want to budget for any necessary refinishing.
Embark on your treasure hunt, enjoy the thrill of the chase, and watch as your home evolves into a tapestry of stories—each piece a chapter of its own.
