Many people tend to go for the latest trends when shopping around for furniture, home décor pieces, and clothes. Most college students want to keep up and get the latest thing which is why most buy new items. It is even more tempting to go this route because of the easy accessibility.
Unfortunately, buying new tends to come at an expense. First, new high-quality items are expensive; hence you will have to pay more. Apart from this, the environment pays significantly because of the waste of producing new things like apparel and single-use plastics.
All is not lost, though, and there is the alternative of buying secondhand or used items. Most used household items are usually in good condition. So you can buy an excellent desk for cheap and have enough left over to play real money games at a reputable online casino for some fun.
There are many more reasons to consider secondhand besides this one factor. If you have not previously bought any used items, here are some benefits.
They are less expensive
You will part with less money when buying used items than new items, which is great, especially because most college students don’t work high-earning jobs if they work at all. The only exception is when purchasing antique pieces. Sometimes, an appliance like a used blender could even cost a whopping 90% less.
Generally, most used pieces cost 50% less than the original price. You will be able to do more with your money once you decide to go the secondhand route. While in college, you could use the extra money to buy other things, such as adding extra groceries. Fortunately, many secondhand items are either unused or barely used hence typically in good condition.
Promotes the local economy
Making purchases from your neighbors or people in your locality helps keep the money within your locality. The money directly benefits the seller. Say you bought your new appliances or goods from a large store; the money goes to their headquarters first.
Another benefit of buying used goods is it helps support good causes. For instance, most thrift shops support causes such as providing literacy and helping the financially underprivileged members of society.
When you buy from them, you are also supporting their cause. Other used items-shops on the internet or flea markets are small, not corporate giants. Buying from them also helps to keep the items off the landfills. This is a win for both you and the seller.
The absence of packaging items
When you purchase secondhand products, they won’t have the typical packaging. When bought, almost all new items have Styrofoam pellets, hard plastic casings, and cardboard boxes. All these packaging materials and the actual product consume a lot of resources and energy during the manufacturing process.
It is also challenging to find an effective way to manage and recycle all of this packaging. So, you will usually end up throwing it all away, which is wasteful. Secondhand items are the answer if you want to avoid all this.
You won’t have excessive packaging material to manage when you buy from a local thrift shop or your friends. It is convenient as it helps keep your space clutter free without harming the environment.
Things to purchase secondhand
Gently used things can still have a lasting impact and serve you for years. After all, new items are overrated. Here are some categories of things to consider getting secondhand while in college.
1. Electronics
Often, purchasing used gadgets may seem unwise, even if you are one of those people who don’t mind using older models. How should you go about buying a used electronic device like a laptop? The answer is to opt for certified refurbished ones. The manufacturer/retailer has thoroughly checked these to ensure that they work as well as new ones.
While they will often not look as pristine as brand new, gently used electronics are in perfect working order and sometimes come with a warranty. They can cost between 15%-90% less than the original price, which is an excellent deal!
2. Books
Books are some of the best things to buy and are usually among the best bargains. Most college textbooks are costly compared to other types of books. Fortunately, books don’t wear out fast when used frequently, so you shouldn’t worry about getting them used. If you have a book habit, buying secondhand is also an excellent way to cut costs.
You can easily find used books both online and in physical stores, as there are many vendors specializing in selling gently used books.
3. Furniture
High-quality furniture tends to last for decades. Unfortunately, most people won’t hold theirs nearly as long and tend to discard their old furniture when redecorating, moving houses, or once they outgrow them. Fortunately for you, a college student on a tight budget, you can get such excellent pieces for a fraction of the original buying price.
There are other benefits to buying used furniture. One of the best ones is while today’s furniture is predominantly made from fiberboard, most old furniture is made from solid wood. The latter is more durable and also better-looking.
Take away
It is okay to purchase new appliances and items every once in a while, especially when they are energy efficient and support small creative ventures. Research adequately when you need a used item. If you cannot find it, it is sensible to get what you need brand new.
