Trade and barter in Mississauga

Mississauga is where a lot of GTA families land and then upsize, downsize or move again. Square One, Port Credit, Streetsville and Erin Mills all have a steady turnover of furniture, appliances and kids' gear that's too good to throw out and too much hassle to sell.

Because most people here drive, larger items trade more easily than they do downtown — dining sets, treadmills, patio furniture and bike racks all find takers quickly.

It's also a multigenerational, multicultural city, which makes services trades common: tutoring, cooking, alterations, small repairs and rides in exchange for goods. Meet in a mall parking lot in daylight or near a GO station and you're set.