Garage sale shopping either gives you chills of excitement or completely repulses you. There’s no doubt that used or unwanted items can offer some great deals if you’re willing to dig. But no matter how much you love the thrill of the score, there are some things you should never, ever get at a garage sale — no matter how cheap you are.
Underwear and Socks
This really doesn’t need an explanation. Buying old underwear is just kinda ick.
Old Video Games and Consoles
While it may seem like a score to get a slightly used Xbox, until you get it home and plug it in you’ll have no idea if it works
Shoes
We’re not saying you should never buy shoes at a garage sale — sometimes there are some pretty cool vintage finds. But if you’re looking for everyday shoes or sneakers, it’s a bad idea to buy a secondhand pair. Shoes usually form to a wearer’s feet and are unlikely to offer you the right fit when already worn in.
Electrical Items
That toaster they don’t make anymore? Stay away. A cool vintage crockpot? Yeah, no.
Basically, anything that you plug in that’s already used runs the risk of sparking or malfunctioning. We don’t care what price items like this offer in savings. It’s simply not worth the potential danger.
Swimsuits
Seriously? Why would you consider this? We don’t care how clean it looks or that you can wash it thoroughly. It still feels yucky to us.
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Baby Cribs and Bedding
Again, the safety thing. You have no idea how safe that used crib is, if a part of it broke, or even if it’s been recalled. Same with bedding, it could be worn out in a way that creates a danger. Just don’t mess with this stuff.
Mattresses
Ew. If you’re that cheap, just buy the cheapest new mattress you can find, or use an air mattress. For the love of god. Bed bugs are very hard to see, so even if it looks fresh and clean, who really knows?
Car Seats
That car seat may have been involved in an accident. It may be expired, meaning the materials have worn down. This is an expense that is always worth paying for new.
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Helmets
Same thing as car seats: Maybe it’s been in a crash, maybe it’s deteriorated in a way you can’t even see. It’s worth paying extra money on something that keeps your head from cracking open.
Nonstick Cookware
Even if you can’t see it, the teflon material may be worn down, meaning when you actually use it, you risk the pan flaking into your food. You can regularly find nonstick cookware on sale, which is a better bet.
Music
Whether it’s on a CD, vinyl, 8-track, or some other format, you won’t be able to find out if it skips or even plays until you try it on your home stereo. Don’t take the risk.
Hats
One word: lice. Okay, more than one word. These things can have more than bugs, such as sweat and dirt. If you don’t mind that, you really should.
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