20 Best Items to Buy Used

20 Best Items to Buy Used  –  As a frugal living expert I’ve had years of experience buying used and buying new. It’s a question I frequently hear from people – “How can I save more money?” 

Well, one of the things I’ll tell people is to start buying used items. I’m amazed at how many people say they’re “broke” and aren’t shopping for used items for their families instead of new items. It’s a great way to save and still have all of those fun toys and “things” you always wanted but thought you couldn’t afford!

1. Furniture – Even extremely used furniture is still usable and will probably last a while. Make sure to check the stability of the item though. If it is a chair wiggle the legs a bit to make sure they aren’t loose. Dressers, bed frames, cabinets are all great things to buy used when checking out used furniture! Don’t buy used mattresses though.
2. Swing sets or playground items – Most outdoor items cost a whole lot of money for something your child will most likely outgrow as they get older. It’s cheaper to buy them used then to buy a completely new one.  (check for recalled items here)
3. College textbooks – For you or your child, buying these books used is so much cheaper than buying them new. Also buying the loose leaf books are cheaper, but if your college buys books back they don’t usually buy loose leaf books back.
4. Musical Instruments – If you are interested in buying instrument then used are pretty much the same as used. However that doesn’t mean you buy it if it looks broken down or really worn. Besides, if your child wants to join band their 1st year they may not really know the exact instrument they like – so buy used and save yourself the “purse pain” of next year when he/she says they want to try a different instrument next year!
5. Homes – If you are looking to purchase a home and spend as little as possible on it, then used is the type you want. Used houses are gong to be cheaper and if the house is in good condition then why spend even more money on something just as good. Make sure the house passes all inspections and regulations.
6. Kids Toys – Most kid’s toys are in good condition at stores, as they are made to be durable and last a while. Even bicycles and scooters are great to buy used.
7. Cars – Most of the time used cars are still in good enough condition to be used for several more years. If the car has low enough mileage and is in good condition then it’s a good buy.
8. Jewelry – Whether an engagement ring or just looking for nice formal jewelry, you can often find it cheaper at Pawn shops. Also, most of the time they are in perfect condition.
9. Wedding Attire – Want to have the perfect wedding, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Buying the dress used will help you save a fortune, look for second hand wedding gown stores. If you want something more added to the dress you can always take it to a semesters to adjust it to your liking.
10. Books – If you are into reading and feel like you need to own a book instead of going to the library and renting it, you can always buy used books online or in stores.
11. Recreational Vehicles – If your family likes going camping and you feel the desire to have something sturdier then a tent, an RV is the choice for you, but why spend a fortune on it when you can buy a perfectly good used one.
12. Exercise Equipment – most people want to lose weight now a days but why spend a fortune on new equipment when you can buy it used, also, check your local gyms it might even be cheaper to get a gym membership then to buy the equipment.
13. Tools – Even electric tools can be better bought used, check the electric ones though.
14. Animals – looking for a furry pet to own. Check your local pet shelters and pounds, too many animals get put down in pounds due to overcrowding. Help those animals by rescuing your new family member from a pound or shelter.
15. Baby supplies – most consignment/thrift stores sell baby supplies why buy new baby supplies when you can get them gently used for way cheaper.  (check for recalled items here)
16. Dishes – Cheaper and usable, unless they are broken they are still good.
17. Decorations – Whether for a formal occasion or for your home nothing is wrong with used decorations.
18. Cribs – If it is still in good condition and not broken then your child should be fine with a used crib. (check for recalled items here)
19. Sports Equipment – I’ve snagged a slide, swing, and a jumgle gym all from yard sales! One item would h ave cost over $300 new and I snagged the item for $75 at a yard sale (they wanted $125! For 7 Secret Tips to Yard Sale Bargains go here) but what is even better is to get used sports equipment like a croquet set or horse shoe set, for example. You could also get great tennis rackets, balls and more!
20. Christmas items – People frequently get new decorations from year to year so that means saving for YOU! Don’t feel funny about asking to plug in a used light set to be sure it works.