Never Buy These Things at a Yard Sale
This time of year, yard sales and flea markets are in full swing. Not only do they offer the opportunity to pick up a lot of items at reasonable prices and get some unique vintage finds, but buying used items is (usually) a more sustainable way of shopping.
However, there are certain things you should not buy when you see them at yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and/or thrift stores. Here’s what you need to know.
Things you can’t buy at yard sales
Most of the items on this list are for health, hygiene and safety purposes and apply if you plan to use them for their intended purpose. In other words, if you’re buying something to recycle , these guidelines don’t necessarily apply.
car seats
It is common to see products designed for babies and young children, such as car seats, at yard sales because at some point no one in the family can use them. But for the most part, buying car seats at yard sales or flea markets is not a good idea.
Because their parts (especially those made of plastic) wear out over time, car seats have a shelf life , typically six to 10 years after their date of manufacture. Also, if they get into an accident, they can’t be used again.
Even if you find a car seat that hasn’t expired yet and you know where it came from (and that it hasn’t been in an accident), make sure it comes with a registration card so you can find out if it was recalled for any reason. or reason.
Cookware with non-stick coating
If it’s not new and doesn’t show signs of peeling or scratches, don’t use non-stick cookware at yard sales.
All with mold
Whether it’s furniture, clothes, books, or household items, it’s best to leave anything that has visible mold or mildew and/or musty smells.
Cribs
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), cribs over 10 years old that are broken or modified should no longer be used. This is because they pose a safety hazard if there are gaps between loose components or broken slats, as the baby could fall through them while their head remains inside the crib.
Makeup, put up
It’s one thing if you find a vintage art deco powder container with leftovers from the original product that you plan to put on display and never use. But in general, you should avoid buying used or old cosmetics. If the products are opened and/or used, pass them for sanitary purposes. In any case, cosmetics have a short expiration date (usually around 12-18 months), so most likely they are already expired.
Bicycle helmets
Whether they are made for kids or adults, bike helmets are not secondhand. Like car seats, they cannot be used after an accident. Also, asthe Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute points out, older helmets may not meet today’s safety standards.
baby gate
Due to normal wear and tear, used baby gates are often missing critical components such as springs and can be unsafe to use.