When the cost of living crisis is hitting many of us hard, finding ways to save money has never been more important. Replacing household items can strain an already tight budget but fortunately, the rise of online platforms selling or giving away used or nearly-new items offers an alternative solution, and one that comes with environmental benefits on top of the obvious financial ones.
There’s only one catch – how do you transport the bulkier items home? Enter short term car insurance and temporary van insurance, a game-changer if you’re without wheels. More on short term car insurance later. For now, let’s start by reviewing the various websites you might like to search for your next bargain.
Top 4 websites for free or cheap household items
- Freecycle: Freecycle is a grassroots, non-profit movement of people giving away items for free in their local communities. It’s a fantastic place to find a variety of household items ranging from furniture to electronics, all available at no cost. It’s perfect for those looking to save money and reduce waste by reusing items.
- Gumtree: Gumtree is a popular classifieds site where you can find almost anything, including household items. Many sellers offer used or nearly-new items at significantly reduced prices. It’s a great platform for bargain hunters looking for deals close to home.
- Preloved: Preloved is another website dedicated to second-hand items. It offers a vast array of categories, including home and furniture. Here, you can find quality used items at a fraction of the cost of buying new, making it an excellent resource for those on a budget.
- Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is a rapidly growing platform for buying and selling locally. It’s incredibly user-friendly and offers a wide range of items, from furniture to appliances, often at great prices. It’s also a convenient way to find items nearby, saving you time and potentially delivery costs.
The challenge of transporting large items
Finding the perfect item on these websites is only half the battle. The next challenge is getting it to your home. Hiring a delivery service or renting a vehicle can be expensive, adding to the financial burden, so let’s not do either of those.
Short term car insurance: your budget-friendly buddy
Short term car insurance, including temporary van insurance, solves this problem. Why rent a vehicle or pay for expensive delivery services when you can simply borrow a friend’s van or car? With Zixty.com and similar companies, you can be insured to drive another vehicle quickly and affordably. Borrow a car (or van) and you can be insured in as little as 5 minutes. You can also tailor the duration of that insurance to the time you need and no more – start with just 1 hour and go all the way up to 28 days.
How Zixty makes it easier and cheaper
- Flexibility: Choose your coverage duration, whether it’s for an hour or a couple of days.
- Convenience: Quick and easy insurance setup through the Zixty.com website or via the Zixty app.
- Cost-Effective: Pay only for the time you use, avoiding hefty rental or delivery fees. (See some of our other car insurance savings tips.)
- Peace of Mind: Comprehensive insurance coverage means you’re protected during your transport mission.
A typical example
Imagine finding a fantastic deal on a nearly new washing machine on Facebook Marketplace. The seller can’t deliver, but your neighbour has an mahusive old estate car. A quick chat across the fence, a few taps on Zixty.com or the Zixty app (Apple AppStore and Google Play), and you’re insured to use their vehicle for the day. Even after you’ve bought that bottle of Co-op prosecco for your neighbour, you’ve just saved a bundle on delivery costs, and you’ve got the appliance you need, all without breaking the bank.
Eco-friendly and community-oriented
By choosing to buy used and nearly-new items, you’re not just saving money; you’re also making an eco-friendly choice. Reusing and recycling reduces waste and lessens the demand for new products, contributing to a more sustainable world. Plus, you’re often supporting your local community by buying from nearby sellers. By borrowing a vehicle rather than having your own, you are further reducing your carbon footprint, and here’s a little extra bonus for you; we plant a tree for every policy you take out with Zixty. If you sign-up to our Zixty Miles programme in the App we plant enough trees to carbon offset up to 100 miles of your journey each day you’re insured with us. Find out more about our partnership with Eden Reforestation by reading this article all about Eden. Or visit Eden’s own website.
Conclusion
When every penny counts, Zixty’s short term car insurance offers a practical, budget-friendly solution to one of the most common problems in online second-hand shopping – transportation. It’s all about being resourceful and making smart choices that help you navigate the cost of living crisis without compromising on your needs. With short term car insurance, you’re not just saving money, you’re also adopting a smarter, more sustainable way of living.
If you want to get an idea of insurance costs for different vehicles, why not read our article about the top 10 cheapest vehicles to insure, based on 24 hours of cover.
To get cover, visit our quote page, or download our app (Apple AppStore and Google Play) to get started.
