She Strengthens

The Savvy Shopper’s Guide to Secondhand Shopping

As a child, I was introduced to the world of thrift shopping by my mom. We’d scour yard sales, avoiding familiar faces, and dig through treasures to find hidden gems. Sometimes we’d return empty-handed, but other times we’d score complete bedroom sets. Over time, I developed a preference for thrift shopping over traditional retail. The thrill of the hunt, the surprises, and the savings appealed to me more than the monotony of mall shopping.

Debunking the Myth

Unfortunately, many people associate “used” with “soiled,” “inferior,” or “broken.” But in most cases, that’s simply not true. Buying used goods is a great way to acquire quality items at a fraction of the original cost, reduce consumerism, and save money.

Top 10 Secondhand Shopping Categories

After years of experience, I’ve compiled a list of 10 categories worth exploring in the secondhand market. Think of the money you’ll save by buying used the next time you’re shopping for:

Books
Thrift outlets and yard sales offer an abundance of books at a fraction of the cost. If you’re looking for something specific, like a textbook, consider online secondhand book shops.

Décor
Buying trinkets, picture frames, planters, and artwork secondhand poses no risk. Consignment shops, yard sales, and online outlets overflow with these items, which are often discarded due to a desire for a new look.

Hard-Surfaced Furnishings
Visit local antique shops for tables, chairs, dressers, and shelving. I once scored a kitchen table and four matching chairs at a yard sale for just $15. Hard surfaces make cleaning and painting easy, allowing you to explore your interior design creativity.

Craft Supplies
Before breaking out your wallet for DIY projects, scope out local secondhand stores for fabric, buttons, glassware, and other materials to repurpose creatively.

Cars
Used cars, even those driven only for a few weeks or months, cost significantly less than brand-new vehicles. In fact, a new car’s value drops 20% the moment it’s driven off the lot.

Pet Supplies
Avoid used bedding, but everything else is fair game. Consider adopting pets, which often include shots and treatments in the price, and save an animal’s life.

Wedding Supplies
Cut wedding costs by buying props and items secondhand. Get creative with décor, and pick up items like chalkboards, mason jars, and tablecloths. Don’t forget about the dress – you’ll only wear it once!

Clothing
When thrifting for clothes, know where to draw the line. Avoid stained, torn, or smelly items, but don’t shy away from buying used shirts, jackets, dresses, and jeans.

Smaller Appliances
Next time you need a new microwave or coffee maker, consider buying used. People often sell these items for various reasons, and you can scoop them up for a fraction of the original cost.

Exercise Equipment
Invest in basic workout gear for your home by buying used equipment online. Items like free weights, mats, and workout balls can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. Just research the company, make, model, and product specifications before making a purchase.

Happy thrifting!