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In order to live on our modest single income, we’ve become accustomed to buying things used. I enjoy finding gently used items at yard sales. We buy the majority of our children’s clothing at consignment sales or consignment stores. It is a thrill when you find items that look brand new (or have tags on them) but cost pennies on the dollar!
As much as I love to buy used to stay within budget, I believe there are some times when we have to draw the line. Would you agree? I think most of us would. Below are the things we DON’T buy used.
Mattresses
One of my biggest fears is getting bed bugs. I know a couple of very clean families who got them and from what I have heard, they are not fun. They can also be really expensive to remedy, so the cost is not worth the risk for me. Maybe I’ve watched too many Dateline NBC shows, but sleeping on a stranger’s used mattress just creeps me out a bit.
Thankfully, there are some other options for finding affordable brand new mattresses. One child sleeps on a mattress that was purchased from Sam’s Club. It’s not fancy, but it works just fine. Now that we have box springs, we may decide to upgrade the top mattress down the road.
Car Seats
I don’t abide by every car safety recommendation down to the letter (I’m not talking about laws here). We care about our children’s safety very much, but don’t obsess over every single new safety recommendation.
However, I don’t buy used car seats. When you buy a used car seat, it is difficult able to determine the expiration date. Also, you are trusting a stranger’s word about whether the seat was compromised in any way. I’m not willing to take a chance on that.
Computers
I am not techie whatsoever, so I have no research to back me up on this one, but I just don’t feel good about buying computers that other people have used. I don’t know whether it’s filled with viruses or some other illegal information or whether there hasn’t been some software installed that allows someone to stalk me. (I’ve probably watched way too many of those crime shows). Since I don’t really understand technology all that much, I feel much safer buying a brand new computer with nothing on it (other than what I know I am purchasing).
Undergarments
Some items should be kept to a single user. In my view, undergarments fall into this category. I guess you could wash the items in really hot water to make sure they are clean, but I still prefer the idea of waiting on some good sales and using coupons to snag some brand new.
Value brand clothing
I’ve come to realize that certain value brands are practically the same prices brand new as what you will find in a thrift or consignment store/sale. I think we all know those brands that are great for play clothes (for kids) or casual pieces, but don’t usually hold up too well over the long haul. It’s okay to buy them because they have their place in our wardrobes, but why spend the same amount on a used item when you can get it brand new? If the price is practically the same, then I’d much rather buy clothes brand new.
In full disclosure, we have used/are currently using some of the above items on this list. For instance, one of our children and The Teacher and I sleep on a used mattress, one child has a used booster seat, and we used an old desktop after our previous laptop died. In these cases, we have been comfortable with it because we knew the previous owners very well. They were either family members or close friends whom we trust very much. Like most things in life, there are exceptions to the rule, right?
Are there items you don’t buy used?
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