In both good and challenging economic times, finding ways to save money without sacrificing quality is always a winning strategy. Organizing clothing exchanges and buying used furniture, for example, can be great ways to stretch your budget. However, some items are better bought new. Knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — can help you make smarter purchasing decisions.
Refresh Your Wardrobe for Free
One of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime is through s with friends or family. Organizing a swap is simple: Gather a group, bring gently used clothing and trade pieces that would make a nice addition to your closet. Not only does this save money, but it also helps you clear out unwanted items while finding something new to enjoy. Plus, clothing swaps are a fun, free way to try out different styles and encourage mindful consumption.
For those who prefer to shop secondhand, thrift stores and online resale platforms offer a wide variety of quality clothing at a fraction of retail prices. Look for well-made items from reputable brands and always check for signs of wear and tear before purchasing.
Finding High-quality Furniture for Less
Decorating a home can be expensive, but secondhand stores, estate sales and online marketplaces often carry high-quality furniture and accessories at a much lower price. Used solid wood pieces, for example, can often last longer than new, veneered particleboard items — and can typically be refinished or painted to match your interior style.
When buying used furniture, inspect it carefully for structural integrity or excessive damage. Any furniture that a child can climb up and potentially tip over should be securely attached to a wall. Also, avoid upholstered pieces, pillows or linens that you can’t sanitize and that may have hidden odors or allergens. With a little patience and a keen eye, you can find stylish and durable pieces that fit your budget.
Explore Economical Electronics
Looking for electronics on a budget — but don’t want to risk bringing home a dud from a garage sale? Certified refurbished or open-box TVs, computers or smartphones from major retailers can offer big savings while sometimes still providing warranties and support in case of issues.
When to Buy New for Safety Reasons
While secondhand shopping offers plenty of benefits, certain items should always be purchased new due to safety concerns. Some examples include:
- Car seats. Safety standards evolve over time, and older car seats may not meet current regulations. Additionally, used car seats may have unseen damage from previous accidents, compromising their effectiveness.
- Just like upholstered furniture, used mattresses can harbor dust mites, allergens and even bedbugs. For hygiene and health reasons, it’s best to buy these items new.
- Bike helmets. Helmets are designed to protect against one major impact. A secondhand helmet may have hidden damage that reduces its ability to provide proper protection.
- Toiletries, cosmetics and medications. It can be difficult to tell whether these items are safe and sanitary, so it’s wise to take a pass on them when shopping secondhand.
- Toys that may be recalled or unsafe. You really need to do your homework when it comes to anything for kids. It can be difficult to ascertain whether a given high chair, toy or crib or even a clothing item was recalled due to safety concerns.
There’s always a higher level of risk when purchasing secondhand, so do your research and err on the side of caution.
Smart Savings Without Sacrificing Quality
Embracing hand-me-downs and secondhand deals is a practical way to cut costs while reducing waste. By knowing where to shop, how to inspect items and when it’s better to buy new, you can make smart choices that benefit your wallet and help reduce waste. With a little effort and some savvy shopping, you can enjoy quality goods at a fraction of the price while staying safe.
Sources
https://www.rd.com/list/buy-used/
https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/spending/articles/things-you-should-never-buy-used