Usually great used
- Furniture (solid wood especially)
- Books, games and puzzles
- Hand tools and garden tools
- Kids’ clothes and toys
- Sports equipment like bikes, weights and skis
- Kitchenware: cast iron, pans, dishes
- Musical instruments
Check carefully
- Electronics: test them and check the battery health and that accounts are removed.
- Cars: get an independent inspection and a vehicle history report.
- Appliances: check the age and that spare parts are available.
Better new
- Car seats (you cannot always know their history)
- Bike and ski helmets
- Mattresses
- Underwear and swimwear
- Anything recalled; check before you buy
Where to look
Charity shops, local marketplace apps and groups, garage sales, and refurbished sections of big retailers, which often include a warranty.