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One person's trash is another person's treasure. And this Instagram account helps with the transaction.

Stooping is a longtime New York tradition: someone casts away their no longer needed furniture (and other things) on the sidewalk in front of their home and anyone who needs them can salvage the items for whatever use they desire.

But in summer 2019, stooping made it to social media as well — an Instagram account called Stooping NYC started sharing the best offers from the city's public display. From heart-shaped ottomans to vintage dressers, it has both the funny and the stunning, allowing the account to accumulate over 80K followers.

So continue scrolling to take a look at this collective exchange market because -- believe me -- you don't have to be a stooper to appreciate it.

More info: Instagram

#1

Beanie Babies Used To Have Real Value! They Still Might... But As The Sign Says The Real Value Is As A Friend. On Cooper Street Between Knickerbocker And Irving.

Beanie Babies Used To Have Real Value! They Still Might... But As The Sign Says The Real Value Is As A Friend. On Cooper Street Between Knickerbocker And Irving.

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According to VOGUE, the account is run by an anonymous couple based in Brooklyn. The idea started thanks to their son, “a wonderful little guy with special needs who loves to take walks.” Exploring their neighborhood on foot, the family would “consistently see all these amazing treasures that people were just putting out on the curb waiting for somebody to collect, or for sanitation to take away.”

#2

What A Phenomenal Addition!

What A Phenomenal Addition!

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paigeamacpherson avatar
Dragonfruit'nrollerskates
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandfather would take furniture off the street and repair it, so to honor that my mom and I always see what we can find on the side of the road. Our latest find was an antique tea cart that we sanded and stained.

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When they launched the account, they planned to curate their own discoveries, but it only took a week of posting for them to realize much of the scouting would be happily done by fellow New Yorkers. “The community grew quickly, and people were excited to not just be privy to the finds, but also to participate in the hunt,” they explained. “We receive upwards of 100 DMs some days, from people all around the five boroughs now. What started out as a hobby has become a real service to the community.”

#3

We Love This So Much. Share Please! On The Side It Says Take What You Need And Give What You Can. 3rd Street Between Hoyt And Bond.

We Love This So Much. Share Please! On The Side It Says Take What You Need And Give What You Can. 3rd Street Between Hoyt And Bond.

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The couple recognize the phenomenon as part of New York's culture. “There are so many people living on top of each other, and because New Yorkers move often, most stooping likely happens because of circumstance. While we never intended for the page to be focused on the eco-conscious first and foremost, this concept has really highlighted what seems like a real desire for upcycling in a way that is interactive, while making people feel like they're part of a broader community.”

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#4

6 Bed / 4 Bath...cathedral Ceilings...victorian Style...close To The Park. 8 Inch Ceilings So Potential Buyers Must Be Under 1 Ft Tall.281 Prospect Ave

6 Bed / 4 Bath...cathedral Ceilings...victorian Style...close To The Park. 8 Inch Ceilings So Potential Buyers Must Be Under 1 Ft Tall.281 Prospect Ave

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With an ever-increasing following, the Stooping NYC team have developed a firm idea of what works on the account best. "The themes we have come to notice are that there are three categories of high performers," they said.

First, there are the functional: shelves, bookcases, kitchen islands. Second, the quirky and unique: stiletto chair, demon throne, stoop bear, and finally, the downright 'can't-believe-someone-would-put-that-out' beautiful. The third category consists of copper tubs, pink velvet chairs, and designer glass coffee tables. As Stooping NYC get more and more submissions, they are becoming pickier about what they post in an effort to be responsible about what's advertised: nothing “bug-ridden,” no food, and “nothing that could be compromised from a safety perspective.”

Simultaneously, they've created a separate series, the “before and afters,” with the hashtag #stoopingsuccess. “We had an unreal one this week where a couple claimed a double sink they found from our post and installed it into their Catskills Airbnb.”

#5

Almost Too Beautiful To Be Used To Hold Socks, Am I Right? Vintage Dresser @ 479 Clinton Ave In Clinton Hill Bk

Almost Too Beautiful To Be Used To Hold Socks, Am I Right? Vintage Dresser @ 479 Clinton Ave In Clinton Hill Bk

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#6

Now This Is An Important Stoop!!!! Register And Please Get Your Vote On! 433 Jefferson Ave In Bed Stuy.

Now This Is An Important Stoop!!!! Register And Please Get Your Vote On! 433 Jefferson Ave In Bed Stuy.

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#7

Can We All Agree That This Human Is A Legend?

Can We All Agree That This Human Is A Legend?

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tiffinyseemann avatar
Tiffiny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would try taking it home too, I want to see an after that shows all the plants he put on it. Because that thing was fated to be a plant stand.

babzzz1 avatar
WildBerry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Water and moisture from plants and rattan don't bode well. Would definitely need saucers under pots and even plastic down to be careful.

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anj avatar
Anja Schmidt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's sure to be admired by some or a special lady as he brings home Hippie stuff XD

cyberchook avatar
Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Better than my old cane bookshelf the cat discovered was the ideal claw sharpener

cruzarts avatar
Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where there's a will, there's a young person who hasn't yet wrecked their back and WANTS.

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#8

You Guysssss...it’s Velvet And Yellow!!! Bushwick On Cooper Between Wilson And Central

You Guysssss...it’s Velvet And Yellow!!! Bushwick On Cooper Between Wilson And Central

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#9

Majestic Purple Couch. Currently On The Sidewalk On Gates Ave Between Grandview And Fairview! Obsessed!

Majestic Purple Couch. Currently On The Sidewalk On Gates Ave Between Grandview And Fairview! Obsessed!

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#10

Stooping Selfies Continue! Gorgeous Tiered Coffee Table At W 114 St, Between Manhattan Ave And Frederick Douglass #stoopingnyc #stoopingselfies ...also Unrelated To The Table But Related To Being A Good Human... Destroy Racism!

Stooping Selfies Continue! Gorgeous Tiered Coffee Table At W 114 St, Between Manhattan Ave And Frederick Douglass #stoopingnyc #stoopingselfies ...also Unrelated To The Table But Related To Being A Good Human... Destroy Racism!

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#11

Excuse Me While I Die Over How Amazing This Looks In @mkatbow‘S Place. Tgif Stoopers...get Out There!

Excuse Me While I Die Over How Amazing This Looks In @mkatbow‘S Place. Tgif Stoopers...get Out There!

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Dana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was just thinking, what a perfect cat chair! And upon closer inspection, there is, indeed a cat in the chair.

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#12

Once You Scoop This, You Really Should Only Answer To “Your Highness”...it Feels Warranted. Corner Of Hancock And Evergreen In Bushwick!

Once You Scoop This, You Really Should Only Answer To “Your Highness”...it Feels Warranted. Corner Of Hancock And Evergreen In Bushwick!

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Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this could either be hideous, or divine..... depending on the rest of the apartment. (personally, i think it could be divine!!)

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#13

I Know It Looks Like It Needs A Little Uptake But So Worth It. Hasley Street Between Nostrand And Bedford.

I Know It Looks Like It Needs A Little Uptake But So Worth It. Hasley Street Between Nostrand And Bedford.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chinoiserie? The enamel needs a little touch up, and it’s possible the cabinet door doesn’t close. The repairs are small, the end result is wonderful.

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#14

We Love This And We’re Going To Lift Weights All Day To Be Able To Bring It Home. Not Really. Go Get It.

We Love This And We’re Going To Lift Weights All Day To Be Able To Bring It Home. Not Really. Go Get It.

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#15

We Don’t Her Name But This Wonderful Woman Has Officially Rescued The Turtle For The Most Important Stooping Success We’ve Ever Posted.

We Don’t Her Name But This Wonderful Woman Has Officially Rescued The Turtle For The Most Important Stooping Success We’ve Ever Posted.

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#16

This Definitely Came From The House Of Beetlejuice. Available In Bushwick On Jefferson Street! Between Central And Evergreen

This Definitely Came From The House Of Beetlejuice. Available In Bushwick On Jefferson Street! Between Central And Evergreen

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#17

Announcement: Please Sit Down And A) Acknowledge How Amazing This Stooping Success Is, B) Appreciate The Stoop Journey That Got It Home And C) Realize Everyone Needs To Find Themselves Friends As Passionate As This About The Stoop Life.

Announcement: Please Sit Down And A) Acknowledge How Amazing This Stooping Success Is, B) Appreciate The Stoop Journey That Got It Home And C) Realize Everyone Needs To Find Themselves Friends As Passionate As This About The Stoop Life.

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#18

Umm Holy S**t. Someone Confirm This Is For The Taking Before Taking! 91st Between Columbus And Amsterdam.

Umm Holy S**t. Someone Confirm This Is For The Taking Before Taking! 91st Between Columbus And Amsterdam.

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#19

We Are Beyond Jealous Of This Stooping Success From @soundslikepetra

We Are Beyond Jealous Of This Stooping Success From @soundslikepetra

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#20

Bring That @uhaul For This New Haul (Take That, Kanye)!! 170 S 4th St Williamsburg

Bring That @uhaul For This New Haul (Take That, Kanye)!! 170 S 4th St Williamsburg

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#21

Get Ready To Put Your TV All Over This. 10th And Broadway!

Get Ready To Put Your TV All Over This. 10th And Broadway!

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#22

I Think We All Need To Worship Nic Valley For The Next 24 Hrs. This Is So Legit. Omg.

I Think We All Need To Worship Nic Valley For The Next 24 Hrs. This Is So Legit. Omg.

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#23

So Much Morning Beautiful Blue! At Norman And Russel In Greenpoint. #stooping #stoopingbrooklyn

So Much Morning Beautiful Blue! At Norman And Russel In Greenpoint. #stooping #stoopingbrooklyn

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#24

Cute!!!! Astoria! 27th Ave Btween 21st St And 18th! Someone Save From The Rain!

Cute!!!! Astoria! 27th Ave Btween 21st St And 18th! Someone Save From The Rain!

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claraknaub_1 avatar
Clara Knaub
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This might look cute by the door so you can sit to put on shoes!

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#25

Where Do You Put This In Your Apartment? #stoopingbrooklyn

Where Do You Put This In Your Apartment? #stoopingbrooklyn

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bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would be perfect next to my front door. Somewhere to hang coats / umbrella / and to park shoes. And to put the wallet etc . ( envious Aussie speaking )

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#26

Again, Some Stoopers Come From Serious Royalty. Maple St & Bedford Ave In Prospect Lefferts Gardens!

Again, Some Stoopers Come From Serious Royalty. Maple St & Bedford Ave In Prospect Lefferts Gardens!

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#27

Annnnd The Holy Sh*t Balls Moment Of Your Tuesday. 76th Between 4th And 5th Ave. #stooping #stoopingbrooklyn

Annnnd The Holy Sh*t Balls Moment Of Your Tuesday. 76th Between 4th And 5th Ave. #stooping #stoopingbrooklyn

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#28

The Trend Of The Tables With Legs Continues...the Question Is...where Is The Top Half Of The Ostrich?! Just Put Out On Melrose Between Knickerbocker And Wilson In Bushwick!

The Trend Of The Tables With Legs Continues...the Question Is...where Is The Top Half Of The Ostrich?! Just Put Out On Melrose Between Knickerbocker And Wilson In Bushwick!

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#29

Nerd Alert! This Stoop Excites Us! Soho Giving Us Two Great Finds This Morning! Both The Chair And Couch Are Gorgeous. Prince And Thompson!

Nerd Alert! This Stoop Excites Us! Soho Giving Us Two Great Finds This Morning! Both The Chair And Couch Are Gorgeous. Prince And Thompson!

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#30

Thursday Is The New Friday, Am I Right? Start The Weekend Now With This Art Deco Bar Cart! On Conselyea And Lorimer In Williamsburg

Thursday Is The New Friday, Am I Right? Start The Weekend Now With This Art Deco Bar Cart! On Conselyea And Lorimer In Williamsburg

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Note: this post originally had 152 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.