Big Reuse — Local services in New York

Updated As a donor (working for a furniture company, we once donated a ton of stuff to BIG). As a retail customer, I do have fun going there, if I had space and tools I would go more often. For now, just getting small ready to go stuff, some stationery, books and toys. As someone who used to work with salvaging furniture professionally, I can tell the prices on some pieces are way high. Go check curbside in Brooklyn Heights on a garbage night and you are in for a treat. For example a washer or a stove for 350... with no warranty or any proof it will work fine, I would not risk. It is what it is, a salvage store at hipster Park slope price. Hit or miss. But fun to browse. You have to be a true diyer with skills to use most of what they sell. Assortment includes old doors and window frames, architectural elements, paints, furniture, boards, cut offs of slabs, hardware, washers, stoves, other kitchen and home gadgets, sinks, toilets, some assembled fixtures, toys, equipment, tableware, books, cds, some clothes and shoes.... a lot of it is in sad condition but most with great potential. Furniture needs fixing, most drawers get stuck etc. you have to dig on shelves and in boxes, many areas are impossible to organize I would imagine. It is dusty in there... my allergies got bad after just 5 minutes inside so its a fair warning to those with similar problems. I had a pretty bad episode which only happens to me once in a few years. And it gets very hot, note to self: not to go when it's like 100 degrees and humid outside :). I will probably be back during fall and pumped on benadryl)) if my memory is correct, they used to be on the other side of Lowes parking lot. The entrance is now off 12th street. I parked at Lowes, not sure if its allowed but there was no designated parking as long as I could tell. So go with an open mind and ready to dig and get your...

Drove my mom here to look for a small cabinet. (There's decent parking: Look to the left of the Lowes parking entrance; you'll see a sign for Retro Fitness then further The Big Reuse. There's a tall chain-link gate, drive in and you immediately make another left—don't park next to the entrance—and you see it opens out into parking, with an exit at the back.) It was pretty well-organized inside. Also brought in a few donations (check their list of accepted items first). Found exactly what she wanted right away, solid wood in near-perfect condition and a great price ($75). "Daniel" helped us load it in the car, but all the staff were helpful and polite! (When my mom asked how much they thought she should tip they said anything was fine but that people usually didn't, even for loading assistance like that... I'm like, really?? Come on folks, i know tipping's sort of out-of-hand at other places but if someone's going to wheel out heavy furniture and bust their back maneuvering it into your vehicle, won't you tip them a bit? ) Anyway the cabinet's perfect in her space and she's...

This place is worth going to, there is so much to explore and I will continue to come back. There's a big clothing section in the front, dishware and all sorts of electronics, accessories in rows, and then a huge selection of furniture, loose woods pieces, a very sizable book section, and even home supplies such as paint, tiles, and more.

There are all sorts of odds and ends here within all the shelves, and it's a lot of fun to go hunting (unless this is overwhelming for you). It's one of those places that you may not know what you may find, and that's part of the fun of it.

I love that their kitchen/dish section is so large, if there is a need for something specific in size or function, there's a good chance you may be able to find it (if you don't mind vintage). Definitely returning and can't wait till...