Shopping at Goodwill is one of my favorite ways to save money. You can often find great deals on dishes, picture frames, books, baskets, home décor, and plenty of everyday household items for a fraction of what they cost new.
That said, I don’t buy everything secondhand. Some items are difficult to clean, some come with safety concerns, and others simply aren’t worth the gamble. A low price isn’t much of a bargain if the item doesn’t last or creates problems after you bring it home. These are the things I always leave on the shelf.
Untested Appliances
Finding a blender, coffee maker, or lamp for a few dollars can feel like a win, but only if it actually works. If an appliance can’t be plugged in and tested before you buy it, there’s a good chance you’re taking home something that belongs in the recycling bin instead of your kitchen.
Upholstered Furniture
A secondhand couch or armchair may look clean, but appearances don’t tell the whole story. Upholstered furniture can hold odors, pet hair, stains, dust, allergens, and, in some cases, unwanted pests. Unless you know where it came from, it’s a purchase I’d rather avoid.
Rugs
Used rugs can hide years of dirt and wear deep inside the fibers. They may also trap odors, pet accidents, mold, or allergens that aren’t obvious until you get them home. Cleaning them thoroughly can cost more than the rug itself, making the bargain much less appealing.
Pillows
Pillows absorb sweat, skin oils, dust mites, and allergens over the years. Even one that looks freshly washed can still contain things you can’t see. Since new pillows are often inexpensive, I’d rather buy one that’s never been used.
Mattresses
A mattress is one purchase where I don’t think saving money is worth the uncertainty. You can’t always tell if it has hidden damage, moisture problems, lingering odors, or even pests. Considering how much time we spend sleeping, I’d rather invest in a new one.
Cribs
Baby gear is one area where safety comes before savings. Older cribs may not meet current safety standards, could be missing hardware, or may have been recalled. For something that’s meant to protect a child, buying new offers much more peace of mind.
Car Seats
Car seats should always be bought with caution. A used seat may look perfectly fine, but there’s no way to know whether it has been involved in a crash, stored incorrectly, or passed its expiration date. Those are risks I wouldn’t take.
Swimwear and Underwear
Some items just aren’t meant to have a previous owner. Swimwear and underwear sit directly against your skin, and no amount of washing changes the fact that they’ve already been worn. I’d rather spend a little more and buy these new.
Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pans wear out over time, and scratches aren’t always easy to spot. Once the coating begins to break down, it can affect how the pan performs and how comfortable you feel cooking with it. Buying new is usually the better choice.
Stuffed Animals
It’s hard to pass up a cute stuffed animal at a thrift store, but they can collect dust, odors, pet hair, allergens, and bacteria over the years. Older plush toys may also have loose seams or small parts that aren’t safe for young children. Unless I know exactly where one came from, I usually leave it behind.
