Pass by a garage sale, and it’s easy to fall for the siren call of affordable items, especially when you spot something perfect for your home. But not every deal is worth buying. Sometimes, that’s because you simply don’t need anything new, but other times, it’s because the item could be unsafe or unhygienic.
In some cases, you might end up purchasing a radio that doesn’t work or a designer bag that proves to be fake. But, in a worst-case scenario, you might believe you’re getting a fabulous price on a pillow or a stuffed animal, but instead, you end up bringing home more than just a new item—you might be transporting tiny hitchhikers, too.
Buying pre-loved items is an affordable and sustainable way to be a consumer, and you can find things you won’t find in conventional retail environments—but there are some things to be mindful of. Want to …