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New is rarely better. Buying everything new is tempting, especially when it first comes out. But it’s probably best to wait. I can’t count how many times I’ve bought something brand new, only to fall out of love with it soon after. Or worse, it stops working.
We focused on everyday items to make this list more approachable and relatable. Don’t worry—you don’t have to be a thrifting expert to find useful secondhand items. Here is our list of the 12 best items you’re better off buying secondhand and why.
Books
It’s no surprise that books, especially textbooks, are expensive. But who says you have to shell out $30 to $200 to buy a textbook? Instead, it is better to purchase books secondhand.
You can easily find books secondhand at thrift stores or online. In college, I always bought used textbooks on social media alumni groups. The book’s content is the same, even if the copy has seen some better days.
Cars
Cars are high on this list for a reason. Newer cars aren’t just more expensive than used cars. They are also more costly to repair. Sometimes, the parts alone are the price of your vehicle. It’s better to purchase a used car than a new one. But if you do, don’t forget to do your homework. Used cars can also have hidden problems.
Baby Clothes
We all want what’s best for our kids, but that doesn’t mean we need to buy all new clothes. Babies grow so fast. For the first six months, babies grow around 1 inch each month. Rather than constantly purchasing new clothes, buying used ones is best. They’re a fraction of the price, and purchasing new clothes adds up fast.
Toys
Like baby clothes, toys are expensive, and kids grow out of them quickly. Instead of shelling out a lot of money for the newest toy, buy secondhand.
Kids go through phases. It’s not uncommon for them to only want to play with dinosaurs one moment and dolls the next.
Video Games
As someone who plays many video games, I know how much they can add up. It’s worth waiting to buy video games secondhand or even borrowing from a friend.
In 2022, the average price of an Xbox X/S and PS5 video game was nearly $70. The same gently used game can cost half the price or less just months after its release.
Pots and Pans
If you have a good and careful eye, buying cookware like pots and pans secondhand is a great option. A high-quality pan can go a long way, but they are costly. However, used items in thrift stores can easily be sold at a tenth of the price of a new one.
Home Decor
I love decorating on a budget, especially as someone who likes to switch out decorations with each season. Buying secondhand decorations is vital if you love to decorate.
You never know what you’ll find at a fraction of the cost in secondhand stores. The best part is you can always reuse these pieces.
Household Appliances
Very few people can afford new household appliances like stoves, refrigerators, or washers and dryers. They are expensive and tricky to choose. Thankfully, places like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp exist.
Used household appliances only cost about a quarter of the price of a new machine, depending on the brand. You also never know when there will be a shortage of new appliances. In 2021, many major retailers like Lowe’s experienced appliance shortages and delays. So sometimes secondhand may be your best and only option.
Bicycles
Overall, buying secondhand items can save your wallet. This is also true for purchasing bicycles. It’s way better to buy a bike secondhand than brand new.
Bikes are difficult to store. If you find yourself constantly moving, it’s hard to find the space to fit a bike. It’s easier to purchase and sell a used bike when you lack space.
Technology
Gently used phones and laptops work just as well as brand-new ones. They are inexpensive and easy to find. Gone are the days of waiting for hours or overnight in line for the newest iPhone.
Buying used means you can sleep in and buy on your own time. If you are buying used, make sure it’s a Certified Pre-Owned device.
Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment can cost a pretty penny when bought new. Plenty of gently used equipment and devices are available online and in pawn shops.
Secondhand exercise equipment is convenient and friendly on your wallet.
Furniture
Lastly is furniture. Nearly all the furniture in my home, including my couches, was bought secondhand. The one time I bought a brand new couch online, it broke just six months later. Older furniture is sometimes sturdier.
Understandably, though, purchasing used furniture can be intimidating. Fabric furniture like couches or mattresses can have nasty bed bug infestations, while tables, chairs, and dressers are generally safe from this problem.
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