I Got a $1000 Laptop for Free from a Dumpster. Here’s My Strategy.
The Art of the Educated Dive
I don’t just jump into random dumpsters. My strategy is targeted. I focus on dumpsters behind small office parks and university dorms, especially at the end of the month or semester. I spotted a sleek Dell XPS laptop sitting right on top of a pile of discarded office supplies. It had a note that said, “Doesn’t turn on.” I took it home, plugged in my own universal charger (the original was missing), and it booted up perfectly. The previous owner just lost the charger and assumed it was dead. One person’s inconvenience became my free $1,000 laptop.
The 5 Best Places to Find Free Electronics for Your Projects
My Treasure Map for Tinkerers
As a tinkerer, paying for components is a last resort. My number one spot is the local university’s surplus property department, where they practically give away old lab gear. Second, I monitor the “Free” section on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, especially on weekends. Third, I have an arrangement with a small local IT repair shop to take their “unrepairable” junk. Fourth is my own neighborhood on trash day—people leave perfectly good electronics on the curb. Finally, asking family and friends for their old, dusty gadgets in the basement always yields a surprising haul.
How I Built a High-End PC Using Only “For Parts” eBay Listings
The Frankenstein PC That Outperforms Pre-Builts
I wanted a powerful gaming PC but had a budget of only $400. So I went hunting on eBay, exclusively searching for listings marked “for parts or not working.” I found a motherboard with bent CPU pins for $30, which I carefully straightened. I bought a graphics card that “doesn’t display” for $100, which I fixed by baking it in the oven. The “dead” power supply I got for $20 just had a faulty fan. Piece by piece, I assembled a high-end rig for a fraction of the cost by buying other people’s problems.
The “Secret” Goldmine of University Surplus Auctions
Getting Enterprise-Grade Gear for Pennies on the Dollar
My local university decommissions hundreds of computers and pieces of lab equipment every semester. Most of it goes to their surplus auction website, a place most people don’t know exists. Last month, I bought a “lot” of four Dell Optiplex desktop PCs for a grand total of $50. I took the best parts from all four to build one powerful media server for my house. I also got a high-end laser printer that just needed a new toner cartridge. This is where corporate and academic e-waste gets a second chance.
Never Pay for Small Parts Again: The Art of Harvesting Components
My Library of Rescued Bits
My friend’s laptop died completely, and he was going to throw it out. I asked if I could have it. I spent an hour carefully disassembling it and harvesting everything useful. I salvaged the RAM and the SSD for a future upgrade. I kept the Wi-Fi card, the cooling fan, and all the various screws in a labeled organizer. I even saved the keyboard. A few months later, my own laptop’s “W” key stopped working. I didn’t have to buy a new keyboard; I just grabbed the one from my harvested parts library.
The Most Valuable Things to Look for in a Box of “Junk” Electronics
What My Treasure-Hunting Eyes See
When I see a box of assorted electronic “junk” at a garage sale, my eyes immediately scan for three things. First, power adapters. A good quality, high-amperage “wall wart” or laptop charger is always useful. Second, anything with a motor or gears, like an old printer or DVD drive—perfect for robotics projects. Third, I look for items with quality heatsinks, which I can repurpose for my own electronics. These core components—power, motion, and cooling—are the building blocks of future projects, and people throw them away every day.
How to Negotiate on Facebook Marketplace to Get “Broken” Tech for Pennies
The Politely Lowball Offer
I saw a listing for a two-year-old 4K TV for $50, with the description “has a line down the screen, sold as-is.” I knew the part to fix it was about $20. I didn’t just offer $20. I messaged the seller, “Hi there, I’m a hobbyist who enjoys fixing things. I see you’re asking $50. Since it’s broken and will require parts and time, would you be willing to part with it for $20? I can pick it up this afternoon.” By being polite, explaining my intent, and offering a quick, hassle-free pickup, I get a “yes” almost every time.
The “E-Waste Recycling Center” Loophole That Gets You Free Gear
Befriend the Gatekeeper
I volunteered for a Saturday morning shift at my local town’s e-waste recycling drive. As people dropped off their old electronics, I was in awe of what they were throwing away—vintage audio gear, powerful old computers, barely-used printers. I spoke to the guy who runs the center and explained I like to repair things. He told me that once an item is dropped off, it’s technically town property, but he let me set a few promising items aside. At the end of the day, he let me take home a “broken” soundbar that just needed a new power cord.
Why Your Friend’s “Broken” Laptop is a Treasure Trove of Upgrades for Yours
The Cannibalization Method
My friend spilled coffee on his laptop, completely frying the motherboard. He was going to trash it, but I offered to take it. I have the exact same model. His “broken” laptop was a goldmine for me. His machine had 16 gigabytes of RAM, while mine only had eight. I swapped them. His had a larger 1-terabyte SSD; mine had a 256-gigabyte drive. I cloned my drive and swapped that too. I even took his pristine screen to replace my own scratched one. His dead laptop provided $300 worth of free upgrades for mine.
I Stripped a “Dead” TV and Salvaged $50 Worth of Parts
The Part-Out Payday
My neighbor left a “dead” 50-inch TV on the curb. I took it, confirmed the main board was fried, and decided to part it out. I carefully removed the power supply board and the T-CON board (the one that controls the screen). I listed both on eBay, clearly marked as “salvaged from a TV with a bad main board.” The power supply sold for $30, and the T-CON board sold for $20. The rest of the TV was responsibly recycled, but for an hour of my time, I made fifty dollars from someone else’s trash.
The “Anatomy of a Scavenge”: My Step-by-Step Process at a Flea Market
My Sunday Morning Ritual
My flea market strategy is methodical. First, I do a quick pass of the entire market, looking for piles of electronics without stopping. I’m just taking inventory. On my second, slower pass, I stop at promising stalls. I always bring a small power bank and a multi-headed USB cable to quickly test if a device powers on. I never take the first price. I bundle items together and make a reasonable offer. My best finds are always from the vendors who are packing up at the end of the day and just want to get rid of stuff.
How to Spot a “Diamond in the Rough” vs. a “Total Dud.”
Developing the Repairman’s Eye
At a thrift store, I saw two broken printers. One was a cheap, flimsy Inkjet. The other was a big, heavy Brother laser printer. The Inkjet is a dud—it’s built to be disposable. The laser printer, however, is a diamond in the rough. It’s built for an office environment, meaning its parts are more robust and designed to be serviced. I bought the laser printer for $10, found a simple gear replacement tutorial on YouTube, and now have a workhorse printer that will last me another decade. Look for build quality, not flashy features.
The Best Keywords to Use When Searching for Repairable Tech Online
Speaking the Language of “Broken”
When I hunt for projects on eBay or Marketplace, I don’t search for “laptop.” I use a specific set of keywords to find hidden gems. My favorites are “for parts,” “as is,” “doesn’t power on,” “screen crack,” and “no charger.” These terms filter out the expensive, working devices and show me the inventory that other people see as problems, but I see as opportunities. Adding a brand name, like “ThinkPad for parts,” refines the search even further, letting me find repairable, high-quality machines that others have given up on.
I Furnished My Entire Home Office with Corporate Throwaways
The End-of-Lease Gold Rush
A friend who works for a large company told me they were doing an office refresh. Their three-year lease on all their furniture and tech was up, and most of it was slated for the landfill. I asked her to connect me with the facilities manager. For the price of renting a U-Haul for an afternoon, I got a professional-grade office chair, a sturdy sit-stand desk, two 27-inch Dell monitors, and a high-volume laser printer. Companies see this stuff as disposable; I see it as a completely free office upgrade.
The “Library of Things”: Your Source for Free, Specialized Repair Tools
Borrow, Don’t Buy, That Obscure Tool
I needed a thermal camera to diagnose an overheating component on a circuit board, but a decent one costs over $400. There was no way I could justify that for a single repair. Then I checked the website for my local public library. In addition to books, they have a “Library of Things.” I was able to check out a professional thermal camera for free for a week, just like a library book. They also had soldering stations, multimeters, and full electronics toolkits. It’s an incredible community resource for any aspiring repair enthusiast.
How to Ethically and Safely “Dumpster Dive” for Electronics
The Scavenger’s Code of Conduct
I have a few hard rules for dumpster diving. First, I only go for dumpsters on public property or in commercial lots; never residential. Second, I go late at night to avoid making anyone uncomfortable. Third, I am incredibly neat. I never leave a mess. If I take something out to look at it, it either comes with me or goes right back in. Fourth, I always wear thick gloves and use a headlamp for safety. The goal is to be a discreet ghost who rescues treasures, not a raccoon who makes a mess.
The Most Underrated Source for Old Tech: Your Own Family
The Basement and Attic Goldmine
For my birthday, I didn’t ask for gifts. I asked my parents, aunts, and uncles for one thing: “Let me clean out your basement of any old electronics you don’t want.” It was the best haul I’ve ever had. I got my dad’s old, barely-used digital camera, my uncle’s amazing 1980s stereo receiver that just needed cleaning, and a box of assorted cables and power adapters that would have cost me a hundred dollars to buy new. Don’t overlook the treasure trove that might be hiding just one generation up in your own family tree.
I Turned a $5 Thrift Store PC into a $300 Gaming Machine
The Ultimate Sleeper PC Build
I found an old Dell Optiplex office PC at Goodwill for five dollars. On its own, it could barely run Windows. But I saw its potential. The processor was decent, and it had a solid power supply. I bought a used Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti graphics card—a model that draws all its power from the motherboard—for $80 on eBay. I added a cheap 256-gigabyte SSD for $20. For a total investment of $105, I had built a “sleeper” PC that could easily play modern games like Fortnite and Rocket League at 1080p.
The “Part Out” Math: How to Make Money from a Broken Gadget
The Sum of the Parts is Greater Than the Whole
I bought a “broken” MacBook Pro with water damage for $150. I knew the logic board was toast. But I also knew the screen was fine, the battery was healthy, and the SSD was working. I carefully disassembled it and listed the parts individually on eBay. The screen assembly sold for $200. The SSD sold for $50. The battery sold for $40. Even the keyboard and trackpad sold for $30. After subtracting my initial cost, I made over $170 in profit from a “broken” machine just by understanding its true component value.
How to Identify and Harvest High-Quality Screws and Connectors
Building a Library of Fasteners
After I fix a device, I never throw away the “donor” shell. I spend an extra 15 minutes harvesting all its screws, sorting them into a multi-drawer craft organizer. High-quality machines like old laptops and printers are full of finely-threaded machine screws that are much better than cheap hardware store replacements. I also snip off and save any unique connectors with a few inches of wire attached. This library of free, high-quality hardware has saved countless projects where I’ve lost a tiny, irreplaceable screw.
The “Curb Alert”: How to Score Big on Trash Day
My Neighborhood’s Best-Kept Secret
The evening before my town’s scheduled trash day is my weekly treasure hunt. People put out all sorts of amazing things they’re too lazy to sell or donate. My best find was a massive 60-inch TV with a note that said “sound works, no picture.” I recognized this as a classic backlight failure. I took it home, ordered a $40 set of replacement LED strips online, and performed the two-hour repair. I now have a gigantic, perfectly working TV in my living room that I rescued from the curb for free.
I Built a “Frankenstein” Laptop from 3 Different Broken Models
It Lives! My Mongrel Machine
I had three broken laptops of the same model, each with a different fatal flaw. Laptop A had a fried motherboard. Laptop B had a shattered screen. Laptop C had been dropped, and its plastic case was destroyed. I spent a Saturday taking the best parts from each. I used the working motherboard from B and C, the good screen from A and C, and the intact case from A and B. I combined them all into one fully functional “Frankenstein” machine. It’s a testament to the power of modularity and scavenging.
The One Part You Should ALWAYS Salvage From an Old Printer
The Hidden Robotic Guts
Whenever I see an old, unwanted printer, I always grab it. I don’t care about the printing functionality. I’m after the “guts.” Printers are a goldmine for hobbyist robotics. They contain hardened steel rods, which are perfect for building linear rails for 3D printers or CNC machines. They have stepper motors for precise movement, plus an assortment of gears, belts, and optical sensors. For the price of “free,” I can harvest a complete motion system that would cost over fifty dollars to buy new.
How to Create a “Component Library” from Your Scavenging Finds
My Personal RadioShack
My workshop has a wall of small, labeled drawers, like a card catalog. This is my component library, built entirely from scavenged electronics. One drawer is labeled “Capacitors,” sorted by value. Another is “Resistors.” I have drawers for switches, LEDs, connectors, motors, and heatsinks. When I’m working on a project and need a specific part, I don’t have to place an online order and wait a week. I just “shop” from my own library. It has accelerated my ability to prototype and repair things immensely.
The Dangers of Scavenging: What to Avoid (Bed Bugs, Hazardous Materials)
How to Scavenge Safely
I have a strict safety protocol for scavenging. I never take anything upholstered, like an office chair, from a dumpster, as the risk of bed bugs is too high. When handling old TVs or monitors, especially CRT models, I’m extremely cautious, as they can contain hazardous materials like lead and hold a high voltage charge even when unplugged. I always wear thick gloves and visually inspect everything for signs of pests or chemical leakage before it ever goes into my car. A free gadget isn’t worth a health hazard.
I Got a Working Server Rack for Free. Here’s How.
The IT Department Upgrade Cycle
I was talking to a friend who works in the IT department of a medium-sized company. He mentioned they were upgrading their server room and were just going to scrap their old, 42U server rack. These things are incredibly heavy and a pain to dispose of, so companies are often happy to have someone just take them away. I rented a truck with a lift gate for $80, and he and his team helped me load it up. I now have a professional-grade server rack in my basement that would have cost over $1,000 new.
How to Ask Your Local IT Department for Their Old Equipment
The Polite and Purposeful Ask
I wanted to get my hands on some decommissioned corporate laptops. I didn’t just walk into a local office and ask for free stuff. I found the email for the IT manager and sent a polite, professional message. I introduced myself as a local electronics hobbyist and student. I explained that I refurbish old computers and donate some to families in need. I asked if they had any old, broken, or out-of-lease equipment slated for recycling that I could possibly take off their hands. By showing my purpose, I built a relationship and became their first call.
The “Lost and Found” Auction: A Hidden Gem for Cheap Tech
The TSA’s Treasure Trove
I discovered that my state government has a website where they auction off unclaimed property from the airport’s TSA security line. People forget laptops, headphones, tablets, and cameras every single day. After a certain period, it all goes up for auction. I recently won a “lot” of five pairs of assorted headphones, which included a perfectly working pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones, for a grand total of $35. It’s a fascinating and often overlooked source for high-quality, lightly used tech.
Why Old Power Cords and Adapters are Like Gold
Never Throw Away a Power Brick
Whenever I’m at a thrift store, I always check the bin of random cables. My prize is always a good quality power adapter, like one from an old laptop or router. I look for ones with a high amperage rating (over 2 amps) and a common barrel jack size. These are incredibly versatile. A single good 12-volt, 5-amp power supply can be used to run LED strips, test car accessories, or power hobbyist projects. People see them as junk when a device dies, but I see them as a universal power source.
The Art of Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Scavenged Finds
From Grimy to Shiny
My first rule after bringing a scavenged item home is “decontamination.” It doesn’t enter my main workspace until it’s clean. I start with a can of compressed air to blow out all the dust and debris. Then, I use a cloth dampened with a high-percentage isopropyl alcohol to wipe down every single surface. The alcohol is a fantastic disinfectant and evaporates without leaving a residue. For grimy plastic cases, a little bit of dish soap on a microfiber cloth works wonders. This process ensures my finds are safe and pleasant to work on.
I Found a Rare, Vintage Computer at a Garage Sale for $10.
The Unassuming Beige Box
I was browsing a neighborhood garage sale and saw an old, yellowed beige computer tower sitting under a table, marked “$10.” The owner said it hadn’t been turned on in 20 years. I recognized it as a Commodore Amiga 2000 from the late 1980s, a legendary machine. I bought it immediately. When I got it home, I discovered the problem was just a dead clock battery that had leaked and corroded a tiny part of the motherboard. After a careful cleaning and repair, the machine booted up. It’s now the centerpiece of my vintage computer collection.
How to Test Electronics On-the-Spot Before You “Buy” (or Take for Free)
My Pocket-Sized Diagnostic Kit
When I go scavenging, I have a small “go-bag” for quick tests. It contains a small USB power bank, a multi-headed cable with Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors, and a cheap multimeter. If I find a phone, I can see if the charging port works. If I find a speaker, I can see if it powers on. For bigger things like TVs, I’ll politely ask the garage sale owner if I can plug it into an outlet for a moment. This simple, 30-second test can be the difference between scoring a treasure and taking home junk.
The “Box of Cables” at a Thrift Store is a Goldmine. Here’s What to Look For.
Digging for Digital Gold
I never pass up the big, tangled box of cables at Goodwill. Most people see a mess; I see potential. I ignore the common stuff and look for specific treasures. My first target is HDMI and DisplayPort cables—they’re always useful and expensive new. Second, I look for any official chargers from Apple or Nintendo, as they’re high quality and valuable. Finally, I hunt for audio cables with thick insulation and high-quality metal connectors, like those from Monster or Mogami. I can usually get a bag full of $50 worth of cables for about five dollars.
I Scavenged an Old Projector and Built a Home Theater
The Conference Room Hand-Me-Down
My office was throwing out an old Epson projector because its bulb was dim, and a replacement was a few hundred dollars. I asked if I could have it. I took it home and found a compatible, third-party replacement bulb online for only $40. I spent an hour installing the new bulb and cleaning the dust out of the filters and lens. Now, I have a bright, 1080p projector that gives me a massive 120-inch screen for movie nights. It’s a home theater experience that I built from corporate e-waste.
The Surprising Value of Old Remote Controls
The Lost and Found Market
Whenever I’m at a thrift store, I browse the bin of old, orphaned remote controls. Most are worthless, but I look for specific ones for high-end brands like Bose, Denon, or Logitech Harmony. People lose or break their remotes all the time, and a replacement from the manufacturer can cost over $50. I bought an old Bose soundbar remote for one dollar, cleaned it up, and sold it on eBay for $35 to someone who was thrilled to find it. It’s a niche, but profitable, corner of the scavenging market.
How to Build a Network of “Scouts” to Find Tech for You
My Eyes and Ears on the Ground
My friends and family know I love to tinker with old electronics. I’ve made it clear to them: “Before you throw any old gadget away, text me a picture of it first.” This simple request has turned my social network into a massive web of scouts. Last week, my cousin sent me a picture of his old, “broken” Xbox he was about to toss. I told him I’d take it. The problem was just a failed power supply, a $20 fix. Building a network is the key to having a steady stream of projects.
The Best Day of the Week to Go Hunting for E-Waste
Timing is Everything
For curbside finds, the best time is the evening before your local trash pickup day. For thrift stores like Goodwill, I’ve found that Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are often the best. The stores are usually flooded with donations from the weekend, and the staff has had time to put the new items out on the floor, but the weekend crowds haven’t picked everything over yet. I found my best vintage stereo receiver on a quiet Tuesday morning when it had just been wheeled out from the back.
I’m Using a Scavenged Car Battery to Power My Workbench
Free, High-Capacity Power
My local auto shop has a pile of “dead” car batteries that they send off for recycling. I asked if I could take one. They happily gave it to me for free. A car battery is rarely truly “dead”; it often just can’t provide the massive amperage needed to start a car anymore. But it can still hold a significant charge. I brought it home, hooked it up to a cheap trickle charger and a power inverter, and now I have a massive, free battery bank that can power my soldering iron, lights, and other tools for hours.
The “Storage Unit” Auction: High Risk, High Reward Tech Hunting
The Ultimate Gamble
I decided to try my hand at a storage unit auction, inspired by the TV shows. I bid $150 on a unit after seeing a corner of an old computer tower. When the door rolled up, it was mostly junk, but there were three large boxes in the back. Inside was a complete, vintage 1990s recording studio setup, including a mixer, microphones, and a rack of effects processors. It was a massive risk, and most units are worthless, but that one gamble paid off immensely, both in terms of value and the thrill of discovery.
How to Find Obsolete, “Unobtainable” Parts for Vintage Repairs
The Global Search Party
I was restoring a rare 1980s computer, but a specific, custom sound chip had failed. This part hadn’t been made in 30 years. My search began. I set up alerts on eBay for the chip’s part number. I joined online forums dedicated to that specific computer model and asked if anyone had a spare. I even searched international auction sites. After two months, a user on a German forum responded. He had a donor board and sold me the chip for $20. For truly rare parts, your community is the only catalog that matters.
My Best Scavenging Find Ever: The Story
The Holy Grail in a Barn
I was at a rural estate sale, digging through a dusty old barn. In a corner, under a tarp, was a heavy wooden crate. I opened it, and my jaw dropped. It was a Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer, a beautiful piece of vintage electronic test equipment from the 1970s. It was covered in dust but otherwise pristine. I asked the owner what he wanted for the “old TV thing.” He said, “Ten bucks?” I paid him and loaded it into my car. After a thorough cleaning, it powered on perfectly. It’s a legendary tool worth over $2,000.
The Ethics of Reselling Scavenged Goods
The Fixer’s Creed
My ethical code for reselling is simple. First, I am always honest about the item’s origin and condition. If I fixed it, I say “repaired” or “refurbished.” Second, I price things fairly, based on the market value of a working used item, not a new one. Third, and most importantly, I see myself as providing a service. I am diverting things from the landfill, putting in the time and skill to repair them, and making them available to people who need an affordable, working device. I’m a value-adder, not just a flipper.
I Salvaged High-Powered Magnets from Old Hard Drives
The Strongest Magnets You Can Get for Free
I have a stack of old, dead 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives. They’re useless for data, but inside each one is a treasure: two incredibly powerful neodymium magnets. These curved magnets are part of the drive head’s actuator arm, and they are shockingly strong. Getting them out requires a Torx screwdriver and a bit of prying, but it’s worth it. I use them on my workbench to hold screws, as magnetic tool holders, and for various projects. It’s a fantastic way to harvest a valuable resource from obsolete technology.
How to Use Google Maps to Find Prime Scavenging Locations
Digital Reconnaissance for Physical Goods
Before I go out scavenging, I do my homework on Google Maps. I use satellite view to scout out small industrial parks, business complexes, and apartment buildings, looking for clusters of dumpsters that are easily accessible from the road. I also look for the back alleys behind retail strips, especially for smaller electronics stores or repair shops. This digital recon saves me hours of driving around aimlessly. I can create a route that hits a dozen promising locations in a single, efficient trip.
The “Post-Holiday” E-Waste Boom and How to Take Advantage of It
The January Gold Rush
The first few weeks of January are the best time of year for scavenging. Why? Because everyone just got new TVs, laptops, and phones for the holidays. They discard their old, perfectly functional electronics to make room for the new shiny toys. I make a point to check the curb and the local recycling center much more frequently after Christmas. The quality and quantity of the e-waste is at its peak. It’s a predictable, annual boom for any dedicated scavenger.
I Found a Working Drone in an Apartment Complex Dumpster
Someone’s Expensive Mistake
I was doing my usual check of the dumpsters behind a large, upscale apartment complex. Tucked beside a bag of trash was a case containing a DJI Mavic drone. I was sure it was completely destroyed. I took it home, and the drone itself looked physically perfect, but one of the batteries was swollen, and it wouldn’t power on. I realized the owner probably thought the drone itself was dead. I used another battery from the case, and it whirred to life and connected to the controller. A $100 battery replacement saved an $800 drone from the landfill.
The “What’s Inside?” Series: Tearing Down a Scavenged Gadget
The Joy of Destructive Discovery
Sometimes I scavenge a device that is truly, hopelessly broken. This is when I get to do my favorite thing: a “What’s Inside?” teardown. With no pressure to fix it, I can be purely destructive in the name of education. I explore how it was built, what components the manufacturer used, and what a common failure point might be. It’s a fantastic way to learn about product design and manufacturing. I document the process with photos, which can be useful to others who might be trying to repair a similar device.
How to Pack a “Scavenging Go-Bag” with Essential Tools
Always Be Prepared
When I go out on a scavenging run, I always have my “go-bag” in the car. It’s a small backpack with the essentials. It contains a pair of thick work gloves, a headlamp for looking into dark dumpsters, a basic toolkit with Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, and a pair of pliers. I also include a small power bank and a multi-headed USB cable for on-the-spot testing. Finally, I have a few sturdy reusable shopping bags to carry my finds. This simple kit means I’m prepared for almost any opportunity.
The “Free” Section on Craigslist is Better Than You Think
You Have to Be Fast and You Have to Be First
Most people dismiss the “Free” section on Craigslist as being full of junk. And it is, mostly. But real gems appear, and the key is speed. I use a browser extension that automatically refreshes the page and gives me a notification sound when a new post appears. When I saw a post for a “free old TV,” the blurry photo looked like a CRT, perfect for retro gaming. I was the first person to message, and I was on my way to pick it up within ten minutes. The good stuff is gone in under an hour.
My System for Organizing a Mountain of Scavenged Parts
Bringing Order to a Pile of Chaos
My scavenging hobby quickly produced a mountain of parts. My system for organizing it saved my sanity. Big items like monitors and PC cases go on heavy-duty shelving. For medium-sized components like motherboards and power supplies, I use clear plastic storage bins, labeled by type. The real key is the small stuff. I use a wall-mounted set of multi-drawer craft cabinets. I have dedicated drawers for RAM, laptop keyboards, fans, heatsinks, and different types of screws. Everything has a home, so I can find what I need in seconds.