Find Hidden Treasures Here- A Minnesota Bargain Hunters Dream

Today I stumbled onto something I’d never heard of before—and if you love a good deal, you’ll want to hear this too. The University of Minnesota has a ReUse Program that’s a goldmine for anyone who doesn’t mind digging a little.

Think furniture, office supplies, books, cabinets of every shape and size, even bikes and building materials—all available for a fraction of the cost. In some cases, you might even score something for free.

HIDDEN TREASURE TROVE

According to their website, the ReUse Program collects materials no longer needed across the U of M system and gives them a second life—either by reselling them to the public, recycling them, or redistributing them to other university departments. It's an effort that not only saves money but also keeps tons of reusable goods out of landfills.

Every Thursday and Saturday, the ReUse warehouse opens its doors to the public, offering up an ever-changing inventory of surprises. One day, you might find a fridge or microwave. Another day? Golf clubs. You just never know.

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YEARLY BIKE SALE

They also host a big bike sale each spring with dozens of unclaimed bicycles up for grabs—this year’s sale just wrapped up on May 31st.

And it’s not just small items. They also recycle things like wood, metal, cardboard, and construction materials, helping to dramatically reduce campus waste. The program even helps funnel roughly $200,000 worth of redistributed goods back into departments in need.

LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION

If you're up for a little rummaging, the U of M’s ReUse Center might be worth the trip. It's located at 883 29th Ave SE in Minneapolis, and the hours are:

• Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
• Fridays: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
• Saturdays & Sundays: 10 AM – 4 PM

Treasure hunters, take note—you never know what you’ll find. Learn more by watching this great video below.

SaveItForParts/YouTube