Sustainability and budget-consciousness are becoming increasingly important; buying used or secondhand items is a smart and eco-friendly choice. You can save significant money, reduce waste, and find unique, high-quality items that might be difficult to come by brand new. Here are 20 items you should consider buying used or secondhand.
1. Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are perfect for buying second-hand. Once completed, many puzzles are rarely revisited, making them ideal for thrift stores or online marketplaces. Just make sure all the pieces are included!
2. Wood Furniture
Solid wood furniture often improves with age, gaining character and patina over time. Vintage pieces can be much sturdier than modern particleboard alternatives, and with a little DIY effort, they can be restored to their former glory.
3. Books
Books are timeless treasures that don’t lose their value over time. Secondhand bookstores and online shops offer a vast array of titles at a fraction of the cost of new books, allowing you to build an impressive library on a budget.
4. Cars
Cars depreciate rapidly in their first few years, making used vehicles a savvy purchase. Buying a gently used car can avoid the steep depreciation curve and get a reliable vehicle for much less than a new one.
5. Winter Coats
Winter coats are often lightly worn, as they are only needed for a few months each year. Thrift stores and consignment shops offer a variety of high-quality, gently-used winter coats that will keep you warm without breaking the bank.
6. Kids’ Clothes
Children grow out of clothes so quickly that buying new ones can feel wasteful. Secondhand stores, online marketplaces, and clothing swaps are excellent places to find gently used kids’ clothes that look almost brand new.
7. Houses
Buying a pre-owned home can be a more economical and sustainable choice. Older homes often come with established landscaping, unique architectural details, and the opportunity to remodel to your taste while being more budget-friendly.
8. Apple Products
Apple products retain their value well and are often still in excellent condition when sold used. Refurbished items from Apple or other reputable sources can offer significant savings on high-quality technology.
9. Designer Clothing and Accessories
Second Hand, designer clothing and accessories allow you to enjoy high fashion without the high prices. Consignment shops and online platforms offer gently used luxury items at a fraction of the original cost.
10. Textbooks
New textbooks are notoriously expensive. Buying used textbooks from previous students or online can save you substantial money each semester. Many used textbooks also come with helpful notes and highlights.
11. Belts
Belts are durable accessories that often show minor wear. Thrift stores and consignment shops usually have various styles, allowing you to find the perfect belt to complement your wardrobe at a great price.
12. Musical Equipment
Musical instruments and equipment can be costly when bought new. Used instruments, amps, and accessories are often well-maintained and available at a fraction of the price, making it easier to pursue your musical passions.
13. Kids’ Toys
Kids quickly outgrow their toys, making secondhand options a smart choice. Gently-used toys can be found at yard sales, thrift stores, and online, providing hours of entertainment without the high cost.
14. Bicycles
Bicycles, especially for children, are often outgrown before worn out. Secondhand bikes can be found in excellent condition, allowing you to enjoy cycling without the expense of a brand-new bike.
15. Framed Art
Thrift stores and estate sales are treasure troves for unique and affordable framed art. You can find everything from vintage paintings to modern prints, often at a fraction of the cost of new artwork.
16. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is incredibly durable and can last for generations. Used cast iron pans and skillets are often well-seasoned and ready for immediate use, providing excellent value and performance.
17. Formal Wear
Formal wear is typically worn only once or twice, making secondhand options an economical choice. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and rental services offer a variety of elegant dresses and suits for special occasions.
18. Washers and Dryers
Washers and dryers can be expensive to buy new, but many used appliances are still in excellent working condition. Purchasing second-hand can save you a lot of money, especially if you buy from a reputable seller.
19. Shovels and Other Yard Equipment
Yard equipment like shovels, rakes, and lawnmowers are built to last. Buying these items secondhand can provide reliable tools at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
20. Pyrex
Vintage Pyrex is highly sought after for its durability and charm. Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces often have a variety of Pyrex pieces perfect for cooking and serving.
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Robyn Goldfarb
Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.