One thing that I’ve always done is find ways to save money on the things that my family needs. This goes for anything that I might have to buy. Whether it’s hitting the sales/clearance racks or finding the stuff that we need used. I’m always on the hunt for the best deal for my money.
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One thing that I learned over the years is to buy as much used furniture and other essentials as I can. From kid’s clothes and toys to books and cars. I buy as much as I can second-hand or used.
Most of these I get at thrift or consignment shops. And others were hand-me-downs from family and friends. So they have had a lot of use and are still being used today. Which means I saved a lot of money furnishing my house by not buying new stuff all the time.
One of the other advantages of buying used products instead of new ones is that it helps keep old items out of landfills which reduces the amount of trash that is taken to them. So for those who are environmentally conscious, this is a great way to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
I’m sure there are other reasons why it’s better to buy used things instead of new but these are just a few of the reasons I do it.
So here are some of the things that I tend to buy used at thrift or other types of secondhand shops.
Things to Buy Used
- Clothes
- Hit up thrift or consignment shops for clothes instead of buying brand-new clothes each time you need them. This is a great way to keep your wardrobe stocked all year long.
- Wood Furniture
- Buying used wood furniture is a way to keep costs down when furnishing your home. And if you’re a crafty type you can always refinish the pieces to make them look new.
- Dinner and Cookware
- Instead of buying new pots, pans, and other kitchen items. I head to the thrift stores to see what they have. It can be hard to find a matching set but if you’re like me it doesn’t really matter that much.
- Cars
- New cars lose up to 20% of their value within the first year you own it. And they continue to lose value the longer you own them But you can buy a good used car for a lot less and it will still last you a long time
- Toys
- Buying used toys is a good way to keep your little ones happy and not break the bank on super expensive toys that they may not even play with. I stick with anything not stuffed but that’s just a personal preference (mom tip- anytime you buy something new, donate or sell some of your kiddos’ old toys as long as they are still in good condition. That way you don’t have tons of un-played with toys taking up space)
- Books
- If you love to read buying used books can save you a ton of money. Most places have used bookstores or you can get them online. You can do this with any type of book you want or need. This works best for collage books that can be super pricey to buy each semester
- Refurbished Electronics
- If you need to replace your electronics try to find ones that are used or refurbished. You may not get the latest model, but you can get fairly new ones for a lot less.
- Jewelry
- You can find some really nice pieces at thrift stores and yard sales. And you will be able to find things that not everyone is looking for
- Your House
- Sure new construction is great but you can save a lot by buying one with some age. You may have to make it more modern. But older houses are usually a bit better built than new ones because they were built to last just like many older things
- Tools
- Used tools are another thing that you can buy second-hand. They are usually still in good condition and work just as well as brand new.
Where to Buy Used Things to Save Money
Your best bet will always be to shop locally. I like to go to locally-owned thrift or consignment shops to support local businesses. Local charities like Habitat for Humanity or women’s shelters often have shops you can go to to help support them.
But there are some online thrift shops you can try too. Places like ThredUp and Thrifted are good ones to try.
You can buy used books online or at a local used bookshop. It can be fun to browse the shelves to see what hidden gems they have. Another good thing to do is to go to the local library and borrow books. That way you can keep clutter down but still enjoy reading all the books you want.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. These are just some of the things that I like to look for used before I buy new.
It’s a great way to save money, to shop locally, and to help the environment all at the same time.
What are some things you’ve bought second-hand hand you absolutely love? Let me know in the comments!