One of my favorite hobbies is thrift shopping. I can find incredible deals for all over the home, including the kids’ toy room and bedrooms. Just as everybody else is strapped for cash these days, we’ve certainly felt the economic pinch, but the boys keep growing and needing new things. So, to keep moving forward while continuing to live within our means, we’ve used thrift shopping and garage sales whenever we can.
You can find nearly anything for your home at a thrift shop or garage sale, but there are some things you should keep in mind: Some things should never be purchased secondhand (for safety reasons) and other practical tricks to getting the best bang for your buck should be observed.
Items to buy new: There are certain childcare products and furniture pieces that should come from a store. Car seats and cribs can sustain damage or no longer meet safety regulations, so you should always purchase them firsthand from a reputable store. Mattresses, whether for cribs or larger beds, can be worn out on the inside and contain all the little creepy, crawly mites, sloughed skin and sweat from previous owners. Ick. And finally, shoes may be a real savings, but after disinfecting them completely, the soles have been worn to mold to the prior wearer’s feet and can cause discomfort or other foot problems for your little ones.
Buy what you’ll use: Just because something is adorable or priced incredibly low doesn’t mean it’s right for your home. When considering a purchase, dig deep and picture the role it will play in your home. Do your kids need another elephant lamp, or is it going to sit in the attic? Buying these little temptations without an immediate use for them is a waste of money and will ultimately leave you feeling dissatisfied with all the extra clutter in your house.
Keep a tape measure on you: If you’re on a mission to find certain items for your kids’ rooms, like a new dresser or fun curtains, write down the measurements of the space available and keep them in your purse. Also, since you never know what you’ll find at a thrift shop or when driving past a garage sale, it’s important to always be prepared. Keep a small tape measure in your purse with your measurements. Then you can be sure you’re buying something that will complement your space.
Ask about electronics: If you find something that runs on electricity, first check the cord for frays or any detachment from the unit. Then, ask if you can test it and whether the store has a return policy. I recently purchased a lamp from the Goodwill store and they gave me three days to bring it back if it didn’t work. If they won’t let you test the product or bring it back if it doesn’t work, decide whether or not you’re willing to risk the loss of the purchase price.
Wash and disinfect all purchases: Whether you’re buying clothing or furniture, wash it down and disinfect it before using it in your home, no matter what condition it appears to be in. You’re better off being overly cautious when your kids are going to be using it anyway.
Secondhand shopping can be a real budget saver for the things your family needs. If you keep your eyes peeled and follow these little tips, you’ll be amazed how much value you can get for your hard-earned dollar.
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