Buying second-hand can be good for the environment and for your bank balance.
And with the likes of Marketplace and Vinted, as well as vintage shops and thrift stores, there’s so much opportunity to grab a one-of-a-kind bargain, that’s sustainable too.
But there are some items you should probably avoid buying in a used condition.
Two experts speaking to Marthastewart.com have revealed which items you should leave firmly at the yard sale – and some of these might surprise you.
Pillows
The thought of buying somebody else’s old pillow probably makes you feel a little uneasy, and for good reason.
As well of the risk of bacteria and mould, pillows can also carry lice and bed bugs.
“You don’t know where they’ve been or how they were used,” said interior designer, Alexandra von Gymnich-Scully.
Bedding
Bedding is a no-go too, for very similar reasons.
Although it can be tempting, bedding can harbour all kinds of bacteria, as well as dust mites, bed bugs and some pretty unpleasant odours.
“You just don’t know the backstory of how the bedding was used or where it was used,” added Gymnich-Scully.
If you can, try and buy bedding new or hunt around for cheaper sale items.
Mattresses and upholstered headboards
You’re probably realising by now that anything to do with beds and beddings isn’t a good idea.
“While bed bugs or bodily fluids are probably the primary concerns most people have with a used mattress, my biggest concern is actually support,” said stylist and vintage re-seller, Andi Jenkins.
“Mattresses break down with regular use, and a used mattress typically has sagging, sloping, or dips that can wreak havoc on your quality sleep and body.”
Meanwhile, upholstered headboards can also be a magnet for bacteria, due to a build up of grime from hair products.
Car seats
Car seats can be super expensive, so it’s very tempting to explore used options.
However, buying a car seat secondhand is a huge no-no.
This because a potential buyer has no idea if the seat has been damaged or if it’s been involved in an accident previously.
If it’s an older model, it may not meet current safety standards, either.
“Many people don’t realize that car seats have an expiration date, so parents need to make sure they understand how many useful years are left prior to purchasing secondhand,” added Jenkins.
Vintage cribs
Similarly, older, vintage cots are not a good option for a baby due to ever-changing safety standards.
Helmets
New helmets should always be purchased over used ones.
While helmets should be replaced periodically, just like car seats it’s impossible to know if they’ve been involved in an incident previously.
A helmet must also fit properly to ensure it is safe, which is especially harder to determine if bought online, or if there’s restrictions over returning.
Appliances
If you can’t test an appliance beforehand, it’s generally not a good idea to buy it secondhand.
Without a guarantee or proof of purchase, it’s hard to establish when the appliance was bought and how long it might have left.
“Appliances already have a short lifespan,” said von Gymnich-Scully.
“You won’t get your money’s worth.”
Rugs
If you are going to buy a secondhand rug, it’s important to pay extra attention to any chew marks from pets, stains or dodgy odors that could be difficult to remove once you get it home.
Gymnich-Scully says it’s best to avoid buying used rugs, with the exception of a vintage Persian style.
Dishes
Vintage dinnerware is hard to resist, but the experts point out that if you want to buy vintage dishes, you should be aware of the risk of lead, which is sometimes found in old dinnerware.
You should pay extra attention to ceramics made prior to the 1970s, when the United States Food and Drug Administration began regulating the use of lead in dishes.
Luxury products
It’s essential that if you’re buying used, luxury products, with a price tag to match, that you can make sure they are authenticated first.
