There are some things that shouldn’t be bought used, no matter how great the saving. But if you’re like me, you’ll know that there is a goldmine of hidden treasures to be found at yard sales – and some things don’t need to be bought new. Don’t bother forking out your hard-earned money for these items – if you look hard enough, you’ll find these items easily.
Books
This one is a no-brainer. If you or the kids love to read, there is always a fantastic assortment of secondhand books to be found at yard sales, flea markets or even online. When you’re finished reading them, you could always sell them again to earn back the money you spent.
Furniture
A good rule of thumb when buying secondhand furniture is to avoid mattresses or anything upholstered, as these are harder to clean and could carry nasties like bed bugs. Stick with furniture made from timber, as this is simple to clean, sand and paint to your liking. Plus, old wooden furniture is often of better quality than what you’ll find in a store nowadays.
Tools
Instead of going to the hardware store to buy an overpriced hammer or tool kit, try looking at yard sales first. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that you can find tools in good condition for a fraction of the price that you’d pay for a new one. Don’t go buying cheap power tools though – their motor might be worn out.
Sporting equipment
Finding things like secondhand tennis rackets or skiing equipment at yard sales is always a great way to purchase sports gear without paying for the sports store price. The same goes for basic gym equipment like weights. But just remember to be wary of used electronic gym equipment, like treadmills or elliptical machines – these could easily break or be faulty. A good way to tell is to ask the seller why they are getting rid of the equipment. If it seems dodgy, it probably is!
What are your favourite things to buy secondhand? I’m always looking for a bargain, so let me know in the comments!
