7 Days to Furnish Apartment - Secondhand Only (Part One)

[@MelbaMakes]

What was your favorite find? 🛒

[@garlicgirl3149]

I can't decide. I love it when you can find a complete dinette set. It just makes you feel complete in the kitchen.

[@lisapieper3598]

Dinnerware, Vitamix, chair! Actually most everything you have gotten are great scores! Great job!

[@pamsheppard7998]

Bergner is beautiful!

[@martagrelli9868]

All of the items for 50.00. Great job! Can’t wait to see the finished project.

[@angierecovering_clutterer2434]

These are all incredible deals! In my area, people want to get full retail price out of items they have used and abused for twenty years. Many thrift stores aren't much better.

[@thehungrygoldfish]

Then move lol. It doesn’t matter if it’s where you grew up and you been there your entire life and all your friends and family are there.Who wants to live in a shitty area with assholes? Move!

[@angierecovering_clutterer2434]

@@thehungrygoldfish LOL I think maybe moving just to find better garage sales might be a weird flex.🤣

[@lizharley5723]

Agree. Value Village and Goodwill prices are often close to big box stores.

[@JarMomErika]

I know! I’m so surprised how expensive things they got free are!

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Same here.

[@CFinch360]

I furnished our 3BR/3 Bath/3 level home with family room 95% with second hand items! I saved TON of $$ and got really great quality items while helping local thrift store & nonprofits. It took me longer than you- about 60 days. Totally worth it

[@MelbaMakes]

Woohoo! 👏🏽🙌🏽 I would enjoy hearing what your favorite find (or couple) have been! This project was tough to do in 7 days, my home is still in progress years later lol I hope you are enjoying all your finds! 🤗

[@nevefamily3524]

The table and chairs look like they were pictured in an Ethan Allen furniture catalog a couple of years back. You did an amazing job on the apartment. You made it really nice looking.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you 💕😊🙏🏽

[@SimplifiedChef]

The kitchenware and the vitamix were awesome finds. This is the channel I wish existed when I got my first apartment 😊.

[@MelbaMakes]

I couldn’t believe it when it was there! Thank you for watching and the kind words ❤️

[@AnneWilkynson]

Literally everything I own is either passed down or thrifted... it's necessary and a blast!!

[@michellepereira2328]

You really know how to shop! I love the idea of thrifting everything for the apartment and look forward to seeing it completed. Your presentation skills are very good.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Michelle! 💖🙏

[@marystrenke3050]

Rural Wisconsin here and it is so easy to thrift and salvage here! The suburbs of the twin cities often give quality furnishings away or at a low price! I have a story behind every piece in my apartment 😊

[@MelbaMakes]

Amazing! 👏🏽 Are there any local artists or locally made items to keep an eye out for in your he Wisconsin secondhand market? Happy thrifting to you! 🤗

[@ServraghGiorsal]

My apartment in senior housing is all second-hand 🌹 quality. Except for some kitchen stuff, like a garlic press, some sieves, wine opener and veggie peeler, wand blender, small stuff.like that. And a new mattress and bos springs 😮😅😅

[@IMOO1896]

The area you live/shop in makes a world of difference. My area is lower middle class and there’s never any treasures at the resell stores, and estate sales are not much different.

[@garlicgirl3149]

This was AWESOME!!! I have always wanted an interior design channel to decorate and furnish a home with all thrifted items. One reason is I used to work with families that buying brand new was not an option but there were nice second hand stores that would either give furniture for free if qualified and/or people would just purchase 2nd hand and have really nice places.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@MelbaMakes]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! 🙏🏽

[@presidentanp]

A free vitamix!! Girl you killed this !

[@meganseeley]

My whole house is decorated and furnished with marketplace finds 🙌🏽

[@MelbaMakes]

👏🏽👏🏽 hope you have found some great pieces for your home!!🤗

[@ParamountDisney_AP]

You're simply amazing. I was just like you in my younger days but I didn't have FB or any on line services. I was all about garage sales, thrift stores and curb side items. I would get so excited finding things for our home. My husband was so proud and always bragged about how beautiful our home was.

[@Cynthia2v]

We use our shallow bowls for soups, pasta, watermelon, popcorn, very versatile, so I would include them for the apt. The other bowls are cute, but scream soup. What a great find on the Vitamix! I hope your family member appreciates your efforts! Such a wonderful gift you have given them. There is no way they could have found all of these items without spending a small fortune. Great job!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Cynthia and thank you for sharing the different ways you use the shallows bowls!! 🤗

[@lose999]

Wow!! That Vitamix find is amazing!! Great job with the $50 haul too.

[@MelbaMakes]

I couldn’t believe it! And thank you! 🙏🏽

[@marywilson7669]

That $50 buy on kitchen stuff was great!

[@MelbaMakes]

A highlight for me too! Thank you and thanks for watching Mary 🤗

[@wildgooseberrytea]

Just discovered your channel and I love it!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for the kind words, I’m glad you are enjoying the channel! 🤗

[@janetstevens1186]

Excellent finds and Suki is a top notch assistant too!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Janet, I agree! Suki works very hard 🐶

[@pengle]

KZbin recommended your channel with this video. Since watching it I have binge watched all of your others. Great stuff, can't wait for more!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you! So happy to hear you are enjoying the channel and thank you for being a part of the community! 🤗🙏🏽

[@ethompson1965]

Looking forward to see how you find and style your apartment

[@prissilou]

I'm entertained by your quest. It is true that what you can find in thrift shops and online is amazing. I'm glad to see the items that are discarded can be reused and recycled. My husband used to help this elderly man who ran a thrift shop and would give him items he had no interest in. We had a number of yard sales, but have resigned ourselves to renting a dumpster and getting rid of a lot of stuff. Hope you can fulfill your quest!

[@toyalashon1334]

I love these types of vidoes! Thanks for uploading!

[@DB-ut8uf]

Husband broke one of my WS Everyday Dinnerware Soup/Pasta (shallow) bowls years ago! I've never seen those at a thrift store! $14 at Replacements Ltd - which I've never heard of, so thank you for the rec.

[@citychicdoc1596]

New subbie here. I thoroughly enjoyed your video. The best find was the white dinnerware. I have all white dinnerware. It is so flexible and goes with anything. It is absolutely seasonless! Awesome!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you and I agree on the flexibility they offer, you can play them up in so many ways!

[@beckysnyder4591]

Way back in 1965/1966 there was an auction in our small town in Northwest Ohio. I got a whole apartment of furniture for $ 25.00. The 3 piece old time couch & 2 chair I paid $1.00 for. People knew my Pops ( step-Dad ) they were afraid to bid to much against him because they knew he would run it up high. Not only furniture there was bedding & rugs other other useful items.

[@MelbaMakes]

Incredible!! 👏🏽👏🏽what a bargain you got on ALL of those items!! 🙌🏽

[@lindaroyal8161]

Hi there! I just discovered your channel yesterday and watching to catch up. I am so impressed at your skills of finding great deals for your home and selling for profit of the ones that don't work. Also for attention of design to know what works and what doesn't. I look forward to future videos.

[@trickstur5994]

Great deals! Also you have like the cutest doggo ever.

[@yvonneschermerhorn866]

Can't wait to see how you purpose these great finds!

[@glendawidmer5167]

Looks like a totally different space So happy you and Sammy are trying again ❤

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Glenda! 😊❤️

[@JoyChun0508]

Wow! you must live in the area where people sell nice quality stuff! I live in the middle of nowhere so it's been challenging to shop for what I am looking for. Goodwill Auction is where I shop a lot since they ship it to me.

[@MelbaMakes]

It definitely helps living near a major city. Sometimes people even throw stuff away that just needs a some work to be totally usable (hope to touch on that a bit more in future videos) In case it helps, I do also check out eBay and even Poshmark. I know eBay might be more obvious and you might already use it but I surprisingly have gotten some unexpected deals there too (less luck on Chairish). Thank you so much for watching and sharing about Goodwill Auction - hopefully others can jump in here too with any other tips on places to thrift online!

[@garlicgirl3149]

Estate?

[@leem200]

Slamming good deals! I love this type of channel.

[@islandgirl1818]

Oh I love this! I'm new to your channel and I'm enjoying it. I recently bought a house and I'm furnishing it with all thrifted items or clearance except for my new mattress and some of my plants. Would be interesting if you included a budget and with each items you buy we can see the amount decrease.

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

It really helps to state where you are located as some of us really don't have thrift stores that are stocked with good items.

[@thehungrygoldfish]

I don’t understand why you need to know her location. Like you said, it depends on where you live. Just go around where you live and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in your immediate area, then you need to travel further out. If you know you can’t find any good deals within a 16000 mile radius, then I don’t know what you want us to do about it, lol.

[@terryl.cooper]

Are you going to drive across the country to buy a $50 couch? She has to protect herself from online predators.

[@kathymachen8342]

Sukey is such an awesome shopping partner!!!

[@jimmy_b_wp]

Wow you scored HUGE, especially the Vitamix and Instant Pot alone! 😮

[@debrastevens5541]

Oh my goodness ❤️ I love your German Shepard

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you! 🐾🐕❤️

[@lisab9541]

I just had these videos you did 8 mo ago pop up in my feed. Love this first one so excited to watch part 2. You did great on the kitchen ware and small appliances. I definitely prefer metal measuring cups and spoons. I replaced mine a couple years ago to all metal that I love. I've used or owned all types over the past 50plus years.

[@MelbaMakes]

Im glad you enjoyed part 1 and I hope you enjoy part 2! Thank for you input on the measuring cups, I hope you are enjoying your metal set! Thank you for watching! ❤️😊

[@Noah-kg4yj]

My goodness that Craigslist bundle was ABSURD!! What a find!

[@MelbaMakes]

Months later I still can’t believe it too! Thanks for coming along for the ride!

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Hi Melba, this is the first time I'm watching your channel. I like everything you got. Good job. Hopefully everything fits in the cabinets and there is room for more. You kept me in suspense now that you got almost everything for the kitchen. Now comes the fun part. Decorating!!!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Gina! They luckily had a pantry closet by the door for some extra storage! 🤗❤️

[@sandrah4358]

Melba! This is a remarkable video - great content, expertly edited. Your energy level and communication style remind me of Alexandra Gater’s early videos on her channel - super informative and engaging! I think this type of content is valuable to everyone who is interested in being stylish, economical and eco-friendly! One thing you might improve is the lighting when you are filming in your own apartment. You are often backlit and that is an easy fix with a bit more lighting! For under $50 you can vastly improve your lighting and increase the production quality!!! Everything else is 10 out of 10! Congratulations on a terrific channel concept and good work! 🎉

[@MelbaMakes]

Sandrah, thank you for this very encouraging and constructive comment! ❤️🙏🏽 Alexandra is incredible! Thank you for the recommendation on additional lighting to not be backlit, I agree that could be better and actively working on improving that! Thank you again for the encouraging words and hope to see you in future videos 🤗💕

[@sandrah4358]

@@MelbaMakes love your content and can’t wait to watch your new video!

[@nukya]

Oh my gosh! I thought you hit the jackpot with the Instant Pot but then you pulled out that Vitamix!

[@MelbaMakes]

I also couldn’t believe it! Thank you for watching Nukya! 🤗

[@barbiebrannam233]

I love the final version of the chester drawers!!

[@chattykathie7129]

I work with a non profit housing for homeless. Funds are generated from our 2 thrift stores. I furnish and decorate 2 bedroom apts using items from our thrift stores, linens, kitchen items, and home decor. Making them beautiful, functional and a homey place to improve their quality of life.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for the work that you do! ❤️

[@SarahMele]

Ummmm the kitchen hauls were UNREAL .. like hall of fame level good!

[@MelbaMakes]

😂🙏🏽🙏🏽🫡 thank you

[@jamiepan7650]

The concept was great! You did an amazing job! By the way, I liked the black pillow on the couch.

[@carolladd9847]

Love your channel!! 74 year old Grandma who loves thrifting!! ❤️ C

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for being a part of the community!! Happy thrifting! 🤗

[@sandylmcallister]

wow, you are finding lots of great finds!

[@mariabolt3881]

Kitchen stuff $50! Excellent Deal! Ace!

[@mszuzubookitty4646]

Online auctions can also be a good way to save money. While building a house we used them to gather all kinds of things. $130 flatwear for 45 bucks. Toaster oven, patio furniture. All kinds of cool stuff and depending on the auction place some of its new. Got a new Hsn Tiffany style lamp for 40 bucks, normally 160. Had a broken fenal which was easily replaced. 12 rolls of deer fencing for $100. And diapers. We were getting diapers for super cheap . Items are either overstock or box- bag broken, or used in some cases. Not a bad way to save some money while getting nice items.

[@MelbaMakes]

Great tip here on the online auctions! Thank you for sharing and enjoy your finds!!

[@sapmolina]

Great eye. Fantastic video

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to share that enjoyed the video! 😊

[@cathyholcombe4674]

The shallow bowls are great for salads as well as pasta and soup. I find that at least two sets of dry and liquid measuring cups and measuring spoons is a must. I actually have more than two sets because they were passed down from my mom.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for sharing that these are items helpful to have in multiples Cathy! 🙏🏽

[@curtismyrick9715]

Thank you for the list. Son is moving out. Had no Idea where to start. Once again thanks for the help. Will give you a like and follow.

[@CL-mn1yq]

Two sets of measuring cups = realistic!!

[@donnabradshaw5200]

I love your co-pilot.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you! 🐶🐾

[@kimbeeau]

What a great video, I loved it!😊

[@gigigg9763]

I would love to do a challenge like this

[@MsSassyMT]

This was a great video. You grabbed some really good finds too.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@MaeStevens-d1l]

These are all incredible

[@MelbaMakes]

I’m glad you enjoyed the finds! 🤗

[@Becoming_Brittany]

this is such a cool idea . definitely just got some inspiration

[@MelbaMakes]

I’m glad to hear that Brittany! 😊

[@PatGrier-zm3if]

Hi, can you share your checklist. I'm furnishing a new home. It would be helpful. Love the channel!

[@LiamPeterson-x1l]

this video was so helpful, thank you

[@ezeyoutubered3266]

Yes I would of picked those William Sonoma. I do white I like to see what's on my plate.

[@jackiec859]

I'm 65 years old. Only until very recently, all of my furniture was either thrifted or gifted from friends...or found on the curb. Now, I have no more than 5 pieces of furniture that were bought as new, & they were all on sale because full price just ain't my thing.

[@jackiec859]

If you live near a college town, students put lots of furnishings on the curb when they leave for summer break.

[@marylhere]

Kindred spirits. I have two chairs on my front porch I bought new. Everything else is inherited, thrifted or curbies. Have a 50s Ethan Allen early American settee that I got for $29…was meant to be “for now” but it’s just so comfy…22 years later. I think I’ve spent a total of $1000 furnishing my entire house over the years. Was picking up free stuff at garage sales before I bought this house all chrome 50s stuff….goes with my 1955 steel GE kitchen.

[@jackiec859]

@@marylhere I am coveting your kitchen.

[@MelbaMakes]

Great tip Jackie! 🙌🏽

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you both for sharing! ❤️

[@eileenwang3113]

Oooh such good finds!! when you brought out the vitamix from the box I was like ooOooOH hahaha. So excited to see the space come together next week!

[@MelbaMakes]

I’m glad you felt that too! Ty for watching and letting me know your fav - excited for Sunday!

[@cindyshelton1053]

I just saw your KZbin today for the first time. I like your energy and talents. Side note I have the same china cabinet that you have in the background of your home.😊

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for the kind words Cindy ❤️ I hope you are enjoying your china cabinet! 🤗

[@opinionated2]

Here's a tip on how to get the top of your Vitamix sparkling clean: fill it to the top with water, add a bleach alternative (I like the granules and besides, the bleach smell is toxic), then let it sit for a while. Drain the water, wash it with soap and water and Voila', shiny as new!

[@jonniefesto3715]

You were Soo lucky maaan all those for free n a whole kitchen items for only 50$? I envy u

[@marymcghee3023]

Your dog is beautiful!

[@lauvie6528]

Girl, this was amazing!

[@MelbaMakes]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 😊🙏🏽

[@marylhere]

FYI Craig’s list lists Dinning Room separate from Dining Room…always check misspellings.

[@MelbaMakes]

This is a pro tip💡thank you for sharing!

[@adamswiggan]

Get both bowls for different occasions.

[@claudiagutierrez7218]

Awesome finds!

[@cherie623]

I thrifted everything for my apartment. I hid it all and escaped dv...I love your boots!!.

[@marinemom70]

Tip for you…when you buy cookware, look for ply-stainless & aluminum…not encapsulated bottoms. The Cuisinart pan you bought is fine if only used minimally…the plied/sandwiched cookware will usually outlast you. All of mine has been thrifted, bought from OfferUp, Mercari, Poshmark, Craigslist, Salvation Army & Goodwill, etc. Utensils look for OXO, Calphalon, Kitchenaid, Oneida…good brands. The plates were nice & easy to match with other pieces. I love second hand cause I have a good eye but smaller budget…saves me so much money & keeps things from the landfill. Don’t forget to check free listings in your area and different apps as well…you’d be amazed at what you can find that others just don’t want. Best of luck to you!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for all these tips!! I’ll have to check out OfferUp, that’s one I haven’t used yet! 🙏🏽😊

[@kitchenworker446]

the white shade looked best...IMO

[@sunnycadwallader2873]

Just found your channel. Like it!!

[@MelbaMakes]

❤️

[@calawa8500]

It's definitely worth getting both types of Williams Sonoma bowls.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thanks! I ended up getting both! 😊

[@marthafazzini9835]

I bought that toaster ! From Crate and Barrel! NEW. $89.00. YIKES 😮

[@almacarter7968]

wow you got some great finds

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for joining us! 💕😊

[@speranza8494]

Wow you did amazing

[@MelbaMakes]

🙏🏽😊

[@laimutekazuliene7306]

Nice find

[@questionmark9819]

I wish we had such huge thrift shops here in the UK, we have thrift shops but they are not large except in more out of town areas where you can buy furniture but also everything is quite expensive, ridiculously expensive for a charity shop.

[@sherrycohen1824]

Yes, it's worth having both types of soup bowls. Actually, I am a big believer in having several sets of china (albeit incomplete ones). We hardly ever eat at restaurants, and it can get tiring looking at the same dishes every single day. We eat Mexican food on unmatched Fiestaware dishes. I have plates in different patterns to serve four, six, and eight people, and formal china for 12 people. I wish my house had a butler's pantry so I could buy more dishes! I also have multiple sets of flatware so we never get bored with what we have.

[@MelbaMakes]

This is so fun! What are some of the other patterns you really like in your collection in addition to the Fiestaware?

[@sherrycohen1824]

@@MelbaMakes Villeroy & Boch's "Basket" and "Manoir" (which is my favorite). Grace's Table (?) from Home Goods (my favorite source for dishes). Four Coca-Cola plates, which my husband bought when he was single. Four green glass salad dshes originally from Juliska, but bought at Home Goods. They go with all the dishes we have except for the formal china. Finally, I have dinner plates from Gordon Ramsey's line "Maze," which I my get rid of because at the time, it was the only everyday set I had for 12. I'd like to get something with Chinese vibes for when we eat Chinese food. I also have a few Juliska odds and ends from their warehouse that I use to decorate a corner cabinet and use for sauces at Thanksgiving. I would love Thanksgiving dishes, but I can't justify buying dishes for just one day. That said, we have a full set of Bernardaud's Athena, which we use just a few times a year. I really prefer casual china.

[@MelbaMakes]

What a collection and variety you have Sherry! The “Manoir” plates look very elegant! Thank you for sharing with us 😊

[@sharetac9296]

Awesome job

[@sharonburton9663]

Where is the sofa from? The white one.i love it.

[@MelbaMakes]

Sharon, it’s made by Article! It’s the “Sven” sofa

[@tammmy1000]

What cleaners did you use to clean the vitamix, you made it look brand new!!!!! Please share the cleaners

[@cindywoelky7267]

First time watcher! You scored for sure on the $50 lot. You have a good eye, with a plan and when we have a plan we get What we need and want. Are there any stores like Cause4Paws Resale Boutique, you have a dog I see and you would be able to assist with supporting medical care for cats and dogs. Our doners bring in the most wonderful items, Lenox Crystal stemware, lamps dishes, fabulous decor and then there is women's clothing and accessories. I voleenteer at one its such fun, in Mesa AZ, they are in a number of areas. Did I sale LOW cost!!!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for the recommendation Cindy and sounds like Cause4Paws does some really important work! I don’t see any locations here in California (from just taking a quick look) but should I be nearby in Arizona I will definitely be making a visit! 🤗 happy thrifting to you!

[@estellepeterson7015]

I would like to see you actually in the thrift stores shopping.

[@jannibal9273]

I use the shallow bowls for salads and soups. If you want the soup to be an entire meal, you use those big ones with the handles that you bought! Salad plates make no sense to me. If you use dressing, it is nearly impossible to mix the dressing thoroughly over the salad greens, cucumber slices and tomatoes - they are too small and have no sides to hold the salad on the plate when you're trying to mix. Buying all white was very smart.

[@MelbaMakes]

I use the shallow bowls for salad at home too! Thank you for sharing how you use your dinnerware with us! 🙏🏽

[@annedwyer797]

Umm, I bought eight plain white pasta bowls several yrs ago for $8 at Dollar Tree, and I love them. I don't care who the manufacturer is (unlike the video poster who seems to only be interested in luxury names). I did test them for lead, and they're lead free. It saved me so much time/hassle vs. going to the huge Goodwill that's 30 min. from me, not to mention there was no guarantee that I'd even find 8 matching bowls!

[@lizharley5723]

My challenge is transportation of items purchased, especially the furniture. I would have to hire a truck driver to pick them up which would cost a lot of money. 2 people are needed to carry and place the furniture in place.

[@thehungrygoldfish]

But you would have that problem no matter where you buy because delivery is never free so you would have to pay for it anyway.

[@melissasturgis]

I seen several things that I like and with I can get.

[@gayle2276]

I've been furnishing my home with thrift=marketplace items for year. I'd strongly suggest wait until you find something you really love before buying otherwise you'll be replacing it in just a couple of years.

[@mountaingirl1797]

Is for your home?… don’t understand… where are you in the video 🤷🏼‍♀️thank you 😁👍🏻

[@joevan5606]

Wow $50 usd that’s really awesome 😊

[@PAMELAENEAS]

❤❤❤YOU FIND THE BEST STUFF AND THINGS AT THRIFT STORES..WE GET 5 DOLLAR A BAG DAYS!!!

[@adrenalineliberation]

Do you worry about bed bugs in the furniture with fabric on it? Is ther anything you do to ensure that it is debuged before you take into your home?

[@vaderladyl]

Everyone that thrifts knows everything has to be sanitized and cleaned properly and knows or should know how to do it.

[@osinobis]

How do you find estate sales?

[@debidehm9129]

I furnished my home on thrifted items when it wasn’t “cool” to do so. Not really a challenge to do for a lot of people that can only decorate with second hand items.