We all have things in our houses we had no business buying and wish we could get rid of them. The best way to counter-act one's over-consumption is to do a bit of recycling where you can. Thrifting has become popular because of the financial room it gives people to buy good products at affordable prices. While this is great, not everything is thriftable. Here are some guidelines for what to buy second-hand and what to purchase straight from the wrapper.
Buy: Silverware
Good quality silverware is rare, but when you get your hands on it, you better snatch it up immediately. This precious metal is usually of good quality if the previous owners cared for it. Make sure to triple-check for any rusting and tarnishings first. The next item is a good buy for all the spring cleaning lovers!
Never buy: Vacuum cleaners
These dirt collectors are best bought fresh and clean from the store. With all the tubes, filters, and mechanics, the last thing you want is to receive a faulty vacuum cleaner. Additionally, if the original owner did not clean it out thoroughly before reselling, you have a big problem.
Miljan Zivkovic , Shutterstock
Buy: China
Having a few pieces that look like they belong at an English party could elevate your kitchen collection. Vintage plates and tea cups are great collectible items. After your purchase, you can have a little cabinet to display your unique and pretty pieces. If you are a kitchen wizz take a look at the next item!
Never buy: Non-stick cookware
You may be tempted to ditch the high-priced non-stick pots and buy them second-hand, but this is definitely a bad idea. No one gets rid of good quality non-stick pots, so if they are in the thrift store, they are probably worn out. Buying good quality cookware will make you cry as you pay, but you will be smiling for a few years.
Never buy: Car seats
Placing your baby’s bottom where another baby’s bottom has been, feels oddly unhygienic, and you should save up for an original one. The major concern is the safety element, as buying used car seats means you have no information about its previous use. If the car seat had been involved in an accident, it would make it ineffective and that is information you would need to know. Given that your baby will be the one being transported in that seat, we highly doubt that you’d want to take that risk. All expecting mothers could benefit from the next item!
Buy: Maternity clothes
When you buy maternity clothes, you are guaranteed good quality clothes that have only been worn for two trimesters, unless you buy them from a mom of three. Pregnant women like to feel comfortable, so you are guaranteed that the clothes will be worth it. The bonus is, that if you do not like what you buy, you only have them for a short time, and you can sell them to the next mom-to-be.
Never buy: Stuffed animals
Kids will put anything in their mouths and the last thing you want them to put in there is an old stuffed toy. For hygiene reasons, stuffed animals are a complete no-no. You never know what germs and creepy crawlies are there, so ditch the stress. Keep reading for more underrated gems!
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Buy: Picture frames
This is an underrated thrift buy! Picture frames tend to be very expensive, especially if they are made of good-quality wood. It would be such a waste to discard them after one use, and you can get an excellent deal out of picture frames that are in good condition. Keep your eyes peeled for some good deals at your local thrift shop.
Never buy: Laptops
When it comes to technology, it is always best to skip the surprises and buy your pieces straight from the store. It is easy for you to get scammed by sellers because a lot of the problems with laptops are not immediately identifiable. After you have bought it and used it for two months, you could find out that there is an issue with the internal drive. We’re sure that would suck big time. So, purchasing a brand-new laptop will save you all that stress. The next item is for all the bookworms!
Buy: Books
If you are looking to build your library with paperback classics, turn your thrift store into a book store. Most classic books are sold for just a dollar, and that is quite the bargain, considering Barnes and Noble’s ridiculous prices on books. The art of reading is not dead and you can get some good books at reasonable prices.
Buy: Records
Old vinyl records can be a good decorative piece or a music dream if you own a record player. Most old people sell their record collections when they move to old people’s homes, so look out for some good deals from your thrift stores. If you are looking for somewhere to rest your head do not buy the next item!
Never buy: Throw pillows
You do not want to lay your head on a pillow where someone with lice did, trust us on that. Throw pillows could be the home of bedbugs and lice, and you do not want to bring them into your home. Instead, opt for fresh new covers for your throw pillows and for your peace of mind.
Buy: Decor pieces
Your home’s aesthetic can be a mix of pieces from several people’s houses. When you visit your local thrift store next, look out for quirky, eye-catching pieces that could be a fun addition to your home. A funny sign or a vintage candlestand could be what you need to give your space some character. For hygienic purposes pay attention to the next item!
Never buy: Linen
You should not buy second-hand linen for the same reasons you would not buy underwear or pillows. Anything that touches your skin should have never been felt by anybody else. Sometimes, the best washes do not even remove whatever impurities the previous owner may have left there. Good linen is worth the splurge, and you should buy it from a linen shop.
Buy: Furniture
If you are willing to go treasure hunting, there are some gems that can be found for your home. High-quality furniture pieces can even be found at your good old thrift stores. By buying these, you are getting value for your money and being environmentally conscious by repurposing the piece. Everybody wins in this case! This next item should not be in your kitchen if you bought it secondhand!
Never buy: Cutting Boards
If you look at the state of the cutting board in your kitchen right now, you have your answer. After consistent use, cutting boards become stained by meat and vegetables and are difficult to disinfect. Brand-new cutting boards are relatively affordable, and this is not the kitchen piece that makes a bargain.
Buy: Tools
If you are looking for good pieces for your toolbox, a thrift store will be much better for you than a hardware store. A retired handyman’s toolkit will have many good tools that you can make a part of your kit. Refurbishing them and using them in your repairs saves you some coins as well. This one is definitely a good buy.
Never buy: Jewelry
Many pawn store owners will disagree, but this is tricky. Many people have been scammed out of money because they bought costume jewelry that was advertised as expensive vintage jewelry. If you do not know your jewelry well, you are a con artist’s pick for a big scam. Save up your money instead and buy that bracelet from Pandora!
Buy: Mirrors
This is a good thrift buy because you cannot be scammed into buying bad glass. When you purchase one, you are also reducing, reusing, and recycling. Buy a simple one and make a gorgeous frame, or catch one with a unique vintage feel to decorate your home.
Never buy: Helmets
It is very dangerous to buy second-hand safety gear. Anything that is meant for protection in the case of an accident should be brand new to ensure that all its safety features are intact. Never take chances with your safety and opt to buy new safety gear.
Buy: Denim
Who doesn’t like a good washed-out denim look? This is the only fabric that looks better when it is older. Denim is also timeless, and a good, worn-in pair of jeans or a stylish jacket could be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Let us also not forget the recycling benefits too!
Never buy: Mattresses
Mattresses would be good if you could strip them open and inspect every single part of them, but unfortunately, you can’t. This results in most mattresses being the home of cockroaches, bed bugs, and dust mites, hidden deep within it. The quality of mattresses also decreases the more you sleep on them, and that affects your sleep quality. A good quality mattress is a long-term investment that you should make, and one you should buy brand new. If you are coin collector, check your local thrift store for the next item!
Buy: Coins
A coin collection is an underrated financial investment that you should consider. A coin that seems worthless now could be worth so much more in ten years. Keeping coins from different currencies is smart because when the currencies change, you become the owner of historically significant material.
Onecanadasquarebishopsgatecommons, Wikimedia Commons
Never buy: Makeup
One thing you should never play about is your skin. Any skincare that you use must be of the highest quality, and you must ensure that you are the one who breaks the seal on your products. Makeup tends to have an expiry date, and if you are finding it on the shelves of a thrift store, chances are that it is off. Bacteria could breed in makeup, and for these reasons, you should only buy it from your local drugstore or Sephora if you are fancy.
Buy: Designer handbags
Getting a good quality LV handbag for half the price is possible! Designer bags are made of good, quality material, meaning they will last longer. If you are able to get one for half the price, then go for it! It is important to make sure that you are buying it from a reputable re-seller and that you receive the original receipt so you are not scammed. The next item if for the water lovers!
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Never buy: Swimsuits
Secondhand swimwear is never a good idea due to the potential for infection. As these pieces are worn in water, they can trap bacteria from the water and transfer it to people. It is best to invest in swimwear that fits well, and that is squeaky clean!
Buy: Jars and Glasses
Vintage cookie jars and fun-shaped glasses could be an amazing addition to your kitchen and space. Thrift stores are the best place to find unique pieces that you can repurpose all around your house for versatility and style. The next item should not be picked up in a thrift store!
Alexandra Morosanu, Shutterstock
Never buy: Shapewear and Underwear
This one is pretty much a no-brainer. Do not purchase anything for your intimate areas that someone else has worn before! The potential for infection is not worth the bargain. It is also best to get shapewear that is best suited for your body, and that has not been worn out by somebody else. You can’t afford to be cheap when it comes to this.
Buy: Board games
Board games are the backbone of any socialite’s economy, but they can be very pricey. The plus with thrifting board games is that popular games like Scrabble and 30 Seconds can be found in most second-hand shops. When you purchase these, make sure to wipe the boards and pieces before using them. After doing that, your game nights are good to go! The final thing on our list will be helpful for everybody!
Never buy: Shoes
Put simply, you do not need to inherit someone else’s stinking problems. Shoes are a dangerous buy due to various issues with fungus and bacteria that could cause problems for your healthy feet! Worn-out shoes are also never a good idea and could cause problems for you down the line. When it comes to trainers, it is best to find shoes that are better suited for your feet and that you can mold yourself after consistent wear.
