The 4 Golden Rules of Shopping Secondhand

Secondhand shopping is environmentally beneficial as it extends the lifecycle of products, reducing demand for new items and conserving resources. It’s no wonder that thrifting has become many people’s preferred way to buy. 

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Whether you're buying secondhand clothes at a thrift store or perusing estate sales for antique furniture and jewelry, there are opportunities to shop secondhand for most things in your home.

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Shopping secondhand minimizes waste by preventing discarded goods from entering landfills and decreasing the energy and emissions associated with manufacturing new products. 

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If you find yourself overwhelmed by the secondhand market, you're not alone. Use this guide for a more intentional, low-stress secondhand search.

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Set your intentions

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When you shop secondhand, you can choose from decades of unique designs and styles. As you start your search, try answering these questions to set your intentions and avoid getting overwhelmed:

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• What’s your budget?
• How will you use the piece?
• What materials are you interested in?
• What style or colors are you looking for?
• What are the ideal dimensions?
• What are your deal breakers?

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Know how and where to search

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With your intentions in mind, take your time to find the right secondhand piece.

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Shop locally to see items in person, support your local economy, and avoid added shipping costs. Check out thrift and vintage stores, or browse local online options like OfferUp, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or EstateSales.net.

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Or post in your local Buy Nothing group. A neighbor may have what you’re looking for.

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Check for quality

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When you find a piece you like, look for damage. Pay special attention to areas on the piece that are critical to the construction, use, or look of the piece. For example, a common place to look for hole in clothes is at the seams. When examining a used couch, take a close look at the centers of the cushions which get the most wear and tear.

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If you find a product that works for you but needs a repair, that doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. It’s very rewarding to repair a piece and extend its life. Before you buy, find out if the repair will be feasible for you or a local repair shop.

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Pay it forward

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If an item no longer works for you, don’t send it to the dump. Instead, support the circular economy and extend its life by passing it on to someone who will find it useful.

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You can post the item for free in your local Buy Nothing group, or sell it on an online marketplace like Craigslist or OfferUp. If an item is no longer usable, recycle it if you can. Look for services in your area that specialize in furniture recycling.
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While clothes aren't easily recycled, there are plenty of responsible ways to give them a new life.