Where to score second-hand gems for your rental cabin!
Jul 3, 2025
Looking to snag some second-hand deals to deck your rental cabin out and level-up your interior décor? We’re putting together a list of the top ways to make your money go further and find some great scores to make your cabin feel more homely!
Support your town op shops
Op shops are a fantastic place to start your treasure hunt! Run by charities like the Salvation Army, St Vincent’s, Red Cross, and Hospice, op shops offer a rotating stock of donated goods. You’ll find clothing, books, toys, kitchenware, and sometimes even furniture and electronics at a fraction of the retail price. You’ll save money and also help support worthy causes, which is even better!
Top tip: Bargains tend to go quickly, so it pays to visit often and go early in the day.
Peruse local garage sales
We love a good Saturday morning garage sale. These sales often happen in your local neighbourhoods and you can find real treasures, from vintage homewares to used appliances, at great negotiable prices. Check your local community groups and supermarket notice boards to find upcoming garage sales in your area.
Top tip: Bring cash, arrive early, and don’t be afraid to haggle politely.
Snap up deals on Trade Me
Trade Me is New Zealand’s largest online marketplace, and it’s packed with secondhand listings across every category imaginable. You can filter by location, price range, and condition to find exactly what you’re after. Whether it’s a pre-loved couch, vintage lamp or some nifty wall art for your cabin, Trade Me is a great resource, especially for larger items that might be costly to buy new.
Top tip: Set up saved searches and alerts to be notified when new listings go up in your area.
Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has become a go-to for second hand shoppers. We love location-based listings which makes it ideal for picking up deals close to home. You’ll often find people clearing out their homes quickly, meaning great bargains on furniture, clothing, kids’ items, and more. Join local buy/sell/swap Facebook groups to access even more listings and connect with sellers in your area.
Top tip: Stay smart – plenty of people scam on Facebook. Meet in public or bring a friend where possible, and pay cash on the spot after thoroughly inspecting the item.
Discount Furniture and Clearance Stores
While technically not second hand, clearance outlets and returned-goods stores often sell ex-display, slightly damaged, or overstocked items at heavily discounted prices. Places like Big Save Furniture Clearance Outlets or independent liquidation stores are worth checking out, especially if you’re furnishing a space on a budget.
Top tip: Ask about any further discounts that may be available – you never know till you ask!
Recycle and Reuse Centres
Many towns and cities have community recycle centres, where people drop off unwanted items instead of sending them to landfill. These centres resell goods at low prices, and they’re great for DIYers or upcyclers looking for a project. Think leftover paint, second hand timber, old tools, or pre-loved furniture that just needs a little TLC.
Top tip: Visit often to see what’s new!
Finding secondhand deals can take a bit of time and effort, but the rewards can be big. You’ll save money, find unique items, and reduce your environmental footprint in the process. Whether it’s scouring op shops, bidding on Trade Me, or scrolling Facebook Marketplace, secondhand shopping to set up your rental cabin is a smart and satisfying way to get what you need for less.
Take a closer look at our rental cabins and ideas on how to decorate them here!