Stooping is a popular activity for New Yorkers. People leave their unwanted things in the hope of clearing the clutter and make someone's day.
Truly, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" gets a more significant meaning for those in Big Apple. You can find everything and anything, so no wonder stooping got its own Instagram.
Stooping NYC account will surprise you in many ways. The couple behind this page explained:
"Stooping is so popular in NYC because it really is an activity that's built into the culture of being a New Yorker. Unlike other cities, New York is transient and that means that people are always moving. No one apartment is quite like another, and so this activity of putting items that no longer fit/serve a need is something that has long existed."
It's time to check out the best photos and see what the couple behind the account has to say about these hidden treasures.
Make sure to bring an extra suitcase if you're planning to visit New York. The New Yorkers really do like to give away some great pieces.
It looks like a designer piece, and it's brand new! Stooper's dream come to life!
As the couple behind the magical Instagram account says, the issue is its growing popularity. To beat the others, you have to know when to "shop for free:"
"Knowing the garbage days in boroughs helps a lot. Sundays in Brooklyn are always amazing because Monday is a garbage day. The Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Soho, and Ridgewood are also good places to head outside of Brooklyn. So turn your alerts on to get away from the Instagram algorithm showing you a post too late, plan to go to the best areas and wait in those areas."
This might be just what your apartment is missing, and it was spotted on 23rd Between Broadway And 6th
The couple started the account before the Covid-19. They shared their findings at first, and then the lockdown changed everything.
After the situation in New York City improved, they were back to posting. Between full-time jobs and a baby boy, they had no idea their Instagram would go viral.
When they came back in the summer, they saw that many people were leaving the City. The couple says:
"We saw full apartments on the stoop in summer and fall, what was clearly people leaving the city. We had a lot of that and now that's normalized a bit."
They added:
"Now we're kind of back to the gamification of it, and honestly, it makes me feel even more responsible on weekends because I know there are people who think it's a 'stooping day.' I think people are craving for things to do, and it's become a social activity and community when socializing hasn't really been a thing,"
Is your child the next Mozart? Find out with this Baby Piano On 3rd And 72nd!
How about a pop of color with this sofa in A+ condition?
Home office found at Park Ave S And 31st
The couple remains anonymous. They do like to talk about their Instagram, and they shared with Time Out how the pandemic changed their feed:
"People are craving for things to do, and it's become a social activity and community when socializing hasn't really been a thing."
Stooping NYC works when somebody spots something stooped (or has something they plan on stooping). They send the couple running the account a photo and a location.
People use #stoopingsuccess to show their findings, and it encourages people to interact, swap stories beyond stooping.
It also gives your endless walks meaning. Instead of going out and thinking about the virus, you put on your mask and start hunting.
Surreal! Imagine how many compliments your flat will get with this retro beauty!
Stooping is nothing new, but with social media and this couple's love for this very New York activity, it got even more interesting.
They say they are very fortunate to share incredible findings with others, and they are always acting according to the Stoop laws:
"Early on, we found a beautiful antique typewriter on the stoop that we brought home for a friend. But aside from that, we really stick to the 'Stoop Laws' we have created: we never go get something before it's been posted, we only post what's already out on the stoop and we never hold items for specific stoopers."
They added:
"On a daily basis, though, there are items we post that we absolutely would love to be lucky enough to get (if we ever had a place large enough to fit it all)."
Proud owners of their brand new beauties
Speaking about the most talked-about pieces on their page, the couple said:
"Anything high value, super colorful, unique, and weird. That means that we end up prioritizing everything from beautiful velvet couches, neon-colored swivel chairs, copper clawfoot tubs, beanie baby collections, a pastel pink SMEG fridge, and... as of this week...a collection of '90s erotica on VHS."
Talking to Bored Panda, they explained:
"We both really love the creative outlet this gives us. As a couple, we love the fact that we have this together (we end each day with a 'stoop review'), and more than anything, we love the community we have built. So we definitely feel an obligation to that community to keep up with everything coming in, knowing that we have the privilege of giving people so much joy through what we post,"
Life's not fair! The piano's waiting for some loving on Carlton Ave Between Myrtle And Willoughby!
Finally, the couple simply wants us to give discarded furniture new, loving homes. And it's working since they have more submissions than they imagined:
"On a typical weekday, we get hundreds if not one thousand submissions. On the weekend (especially at the end of the month), we get thousands of DM submissions."
Finders, keepers, and this is definitely not used!
To break a writer's block, take this lamp Across From 389 Lincoln Pl In Prospect Heights!
So chic! Tiny statement piece needs a new home where it will be appreciated
Maleficent will be so jealous! Found In Front Of 234 Skillman Ave
We call it "make my day sofa" in mint condition!
These stoopers know how to live their best lives!
Puppy's not included, but this classy closet was available In Front Of 567 Bainbridge St. In Brooklyn!
It will make the most unique and perfect summer dresses! Spotted at 101st St Just Off Columbus
Free art somewhere between the 20th And 6th In Chelsea
A perfect minimalist sofa at Sterling Place And Flatbush Ave
If you're thinking about opening a cafe, check out Sterling Place And Flatbush Ave for a clear chair alert!
You don't even have to have a bird to want this birdcage from the North Henry And Richardson
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Congratulations, we're jealous yet happy that this item has a new home
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Cute! If An Accordion had a baby with a Keyboard...
What a regal chair, we can't help but wonder where to find another one
The proud new owner displays the miracles of stooping
Holy water, holy cow, someone found this at Lafayette In Between Marcus Garvey And Lewis
This amazing fridge was found on Jackson St. Between Cherry And Madison, and it's fit for Barbie's kitchen!
Seriously, it makes your closet look cheap compared to this mint miracle found on the Corner Of 6th Ave And 12th St. In Park Slope.
Going green: You can get it each week on 600 10th Ave In Hell's Kitchen.
This "trash" looks better than my brand-new living room!
It seems like a therapist decided to retire and leave us with a lovely vintage creation on 254 Gates Avenue
You don't want to grow a plant this big to throw it away!
As spotted on 193 Moffat St. Bk.
It looks so elegant. We can't help but be a little jealous.
