Have You Considered a Used Appliance?

In the late '90s I moved into a small house in North Bend with an empty space for a stacked washer/dryer.  The house also contained a tiny, raggedy-looking refrigerator. I decided it was time to move beyond landlord-style refrigerators and laundromat clothes cleaning, but I didn't have enough money to purchase any large appliances. But I was in luck -- I happened to run across a recycled appliance store in Bothell, and I was impressed with their offerings.  They would even deliver, which was essential as I lived several miles away. For $200 I was able to purchase both a large, more-contemporary refrigerator and a washer/dryer combo.  When I moved to Bellingham I had to sell the washer/dryer as there was no space for it in my apartment, but the refrigerator is still going gangbusters. Both were excellent investments.

What is your own situation? Perhaps your refrigerator no longer maintains a safe temperature or your washer can’t get your clothes clean.  When you have a limited income, replacing one of these appliances can represent an impossible expenditure.  We are fortunate in Whatcom County to have a store that not only salvages and restores used appliances – it provides on-the-job training and volunteer opportunities. 

Appliance Depot is a project of ReUse Works with a number of job training partners in the community.  Since their inventory is continually changing, you might stop off at their store to get an idea of what your appliance might cost and what is available at the moment. 

You can learn more at their website: http://www.reuseworks.org/index.php

Save Money on Gas

The price of gas continues to rise and it becomes increasingly difficult to find the money to keep our cars on the road.  I recently discovered a few websites that indicate the lowest gas prices in Whatcom County.  Here are three:

http://www.internetautoguide.com/21-3-1772-48/gas-prices-whatcom-county-washington.html

http://www.motortrend.com/gas_prices/32/washington/whatcom/

http://www.internetautoguide.com/21-4-9999-1772-48/gas-prices-bellingham-washington.html

I would suggest that you compare the gas prices on all three sites. Write down the lowest prices indicated on each site before you drive to the gas station to fill up, and then note how the gas prices compare with the website prices.  You will soon be able to decide upon a favorite site.

About This Blog

Where to Save Money on Basic Necessities in Whatcom County

This was the first resource list I created and distributed to the members of the WorkSource Whatcom Job Club.  I welcome additions and updates to this list.


Appliances

Appliance Depot:  used washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, microwaves.  802 Marine Dr, 527-2646

Bartering

Trade your goods and/or services with another someone who has goods and/or services you need.  This costs neither of you any money at all.

Babies & Children

Half Pints Children's Consignment:  used infant’s & children’s clothing, books, toys, strollers, car seats & baby gear.  2701 Meridian St, 734-0880

Little Bugs:  used children’s clothing, toys & furniture.  2400 Yew St, 756-0507

The Little Red Wagon:  used baby’s & children’s clothing, toys, books & baby gear.  1889 Front St, Lynden, 354-7955

Tots to Teens:  used clothing for babies, children & teens; toys, baby gear.  1740 LaBounty Dr #2, Ferndale, 383-0919

Wee Ones Reruns:  used children’s clothing, toys & furniture.  1938 James St, 733-6794

Books

Eclipse Bookstore:  used books.  1104 11th St, 647-8165

Henderson Books:  used books.  116 Grand Ave, 734-6855

Library sales:  used books.  Check with your local library for dates and locations.

Michael's Books:  used books.  109 Grand Ave, 733-6272

Village Books:  used books.  1200 11th St, 671-2626
Whatcom County Public Library System: Instead of purchasing books, why not check them out for free? We don't need to own books to enjoy them.

Building Materials

RE Store:  used building and home improvement materials, fixtures.  2309 Meridian St, 647-5921

Clothing

Better Than New:  new & used clothing for women, men & children.  405 E. Holly St, 933-4647

Buffalo Exchange:  used clothing for women & men.  1209 N. State St, 676-1375

Clothes Rack:  used women’s clothing.  1905 James St, 738-7759

Keiko.Keiko:  used women’s clothing.  2518 Meridian St, 303-2249

Labels Women’s Consignment Store:  used women’s clothing & accessories.  1512 Ellis St, 738-0333

Labels Women’s Consignment Store #2:  used women’s clothing & accessories.  436 W Bakerview, 676-1210

Project Hope:  free interview clothes for women & men; requires appointment.  205 South BC Ave, Lynden, 354-4673

Re-Threads:  used women’s clothing.  1311 Railroad Ave, 733-2610

Salvation Army, Family Services Department :  free used interview clothes for women & men. 2912 Northwest Ave, 733-1410

The Sharing Shop, Opportunity Council:  free interview clothes; requires appointment.  1111 Cornwall Ave Ste C, 734-5121

YWCA Back-To-Work-Boutique:  free used interview clothes for women; requires appointment.  1026 North Forest, 733-9143

Clothing and Miscellaneous

Assistance League of Bellingham Thrift & Gift:  used clothing for women & men; household items, furniture, electrical items, books, toys.  1322 Cornwall Ave, 738-2803

Bellapalooza:  used clothing; bicycles, sporting goods, household items, 2404 Meridian St, 255-2010

Goodwill:  used clothing for women, men & children; household items, furniture, electrical items. electronics, books, toys.  1115 E Sunset Dr, 752-2080

Salvation Army:  used clothing for women, men & children; household items; furniture; electrical items; electronics, books, toys.  1515 Birchwood Ave, 733-1350

Value Village:  used clothing for women, men & children; household items; furniture; electrical items; electronics, books, toys.  3990 Meridian St, 733-2333

We Care of Whatcom County:  used clothing for women & men ($3/bag, $5/2 bags); used furniture.  3550 Meridian St Ste 2, 647-5415

Wise Buys Shop:  used clothing for women, men & children; furniture, housewares.  1224 N. State St, 734-0202

Electronics

ReLectronics:  used  computers, printers, scanners, faxes, other types of electronic devices. 

 2422 E. Bakerview, 734-1235

Safe and Easy Recycling:  used computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, electronics; a participant in the State Recycling Program. 4131 Hannigan, 715-3279

Food and Household Items

Deals Only:  beyond-expiration-date food staples, cleaning supplies, household items.  2331 James St, 671-5152

Furniture

Hardware Sales Office:  used office furniture, file cabinets, desks.  2012 King St, 734-4888

Miscellaneous

Pace's Salvage:  Insurance salvage:  furniture, electronics, food, clothing, tools, gift items.  4092 Pacific Highway & 4233 Guide Meridian, 738-0510

Personal items

Above and Beyond Shop, Hope House, Catholic Community Services:  provides hygiene, personal care, diapers, school supplies, light bulbs, soaps and supplies which cannot be purchased with food stamps.  Call to set up an appointment. 676-2178 x 4005

Compiled by Aurela Sequoia

Last updated July 2010