Three Best Things To Buy Second Hand

Inside: Learn some of the benefits of buying used and the ten best things to buy second-hand.

When looking for a particular item to purchase, do you check for second-hand options?

I’m a big believer in shopping at second-hand stores. Not only do I love a great deal and the thrill of the hunt for the perfect piece, but there are additional benefits to shopping second-hand.

Buying used instead of new is a great way to save some cash. And it’s also a great way to prevent more items from going into a landfill. 

But many people hesitate to buy second-hand. And it’s true – there are some things you just don’t want to buy used.

However, there are plenty of items that are well worth investing in, even after they’ve had an owner – or several. 

And if you aren’t quite sure what you should be buying second-hand?

I’ve got you covered. 

Why Buy Second-Hand?

Here are just a few of the reasons to consider buying items second-hand.

It saves you money.

One of the most obvious reasons to buy second-hand is that it saves you money. With the price of just about everything going up, it’s become even more important to cut costs where you can.

There are so many ways to get things second-hand from your local thrift shops to online stores to using Facebook Marketplace or The RealReal This allows for a variety of options for almost anything you can imagine.

You may have the opportunity to get an even better deal when you’re buying directly from the seller. You can always offer less than their asking price and negotiate. Just make sure you do so in a respectful way so it’s a win-win for both of you.

It’s better for the environment.

Buying second-hand is more sustainable than continuing to purchase cheap mass-manufactured goods.

With the number of donations that thrift centers receive, it’s helpful to have more buyers for those items before they get recycled, trashed, or sent to a third-world country.

Buying secondhand is a great way to get more mileage out of items and keep them out of a landfill longer.

You can acquire unique items.

Another benefit to buying second-hand items is that you can get unique pieces. If you like having pieces that no one else does, buying used is a great way to achieve that.

If you feel like the quality of items has significantly decreased in recent years (i.e. Ikea furniture) then buying second-hand gives you the option to buy older things that are better quality.

You can customize or update the piece to further add to its uniqueness while appreciating the way things used to be made.

The Best Things to Buy Second-Hand

Not sure what items are worth buying secondhand? You aren’t alone – but I’m here to help! From sweaters and strollers to tables and treadmills, here are some of the best things to buy second-hand.I love finding ways to "make do rather than buy new" when possible. I’ve also included some of my favorite items I’ve purchased second-hand.

#1: Clothes

When it comes to the best things to buy second-hand, clothes are at the top of the list. 

Shopping for used clothes can feel a bit like a treasure hunt – you never know exactly what you’re going to find. But unlike seeking out an elusive treasure, you’re almost guaranteed to discover something great during your search. 

Whether you browse thrift store racks for fashionable finds, check out consignment shops for designer brands, or buy your used clothes online through sites like The RealReal, you can usually find something without too much of a struggle.

In many cases, you can find lightly used – sometimes even unworn – items that cost a fraction of what you’d pay if you were buying new. 

And buying used clothes is more than a way to save a little cash. It’s also a big step to take toward living a more sustainable life.

By investing in pieces that have plenty of life left – instead of indulging in fast fashion or otherwise buying new – you’re reducing the amount of stuff that is sent to textile recyclers or a landfill.

My favorite second-hand find: A brand new JCrew wool coat that still 5 years later is my very favorite piece to wear in the winter months.

#2: Accessories

Whether you’re looking for a new to you purse, belt, or jewelry statement piece, buying second-hand is a great way to go.

You can find unique or usual pieces to help express your style. Accessories are often in great condition as it tends to be a type of item some people have a lot of but don’t wear very often.

That should also give you pause as you consider if it’s something you really want to buy as you don’t want it to become clutter in your home either.

My favorite second-hand find: A barely used Dooney Bourke purse I found on The RealReal for a tenth of what it would have cost new.

#3: Furniture

Let’s be honest – furniture isn’t cheap. Especially if you’re in the market for high-quality, solid wood shelving or an authentic leather couch.

That’s why shopping for second-hand furniture is so great. Not only are you often able to find well-made pieces in good condition, but you can get them at a reasonable price.

There are entire thrift stores dedicated to furniture, not to mention plenty to browse on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Whether you’re looking for a single piece to finish a room or enough furniture to fill a house, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you need second-hand.

Some pieces may need more TLC than others so make sure to thoroughly look over any item you’re considering purchasing.

My favorite second-hand find: We’ve purchased quite a few pieces of used furniture, but my favorite one is my old high school lockers that we use in our garage.  We gave them a fresh coat of paint and they give me additional storage + a unique style.

What do you think are some of the best things to buy second-hand? 

While buying second-hand is great, you can still end up bringing home clutter if you aren’t shopping intentionally. 

You still need to be careful with things that are cheap or free as you work to simplify and declutter your space. What you own ends up costing you, so be selective with what you bring into your home even if it is a great second-hand item.