Yard sales can be a great way to find bargains and unique items, but not everything sold is worth buying. Knowing what to avoid can save you time, money, and frustration.
Being cautious about certain products helps protect your safety and ensures you don’t end up with items that won’t last or meet your needs. This guide will help you spot those things that are best left on the table.
Car Seats
You should avoid buying car seats at yard sales. Car seats have expiration dates and safety standards that change over time.
If a car seat has been in an accident, it may no longer protect your child properly, even if it looks fine.
You also can’t be sure if the seat has hidden damage or has been exposed to extreme conditions. For your child’s safety, it’s best to buy a new one.
Old Electronics
You should be cautious about buying old electronics at yard sales. Items like VCRs, CRT TVs, and outdated computer gear often don’t work well or at all.
Testing them before buying can be difficult, and replacement parts might be hard to find.
Also, many people at yard sales don’t have the equipment to transport large or heavy electronics, which can be inconvenient for you.
Used Running Shoes
You might think used running shoes at yard sales are a bargain, but they often have hidden downsides. Running shoes lose their cushioning and support after 300-500 miles, which you can’t see just by looking.
Worn-out shoes can lead to discomfort or even injury when you use them. Plus, you don’t know how the previous owner cared for them or if they might carry bacteria or fungus.
It’s usually safer to invest in a new pair designed to protect your feet properly.
Plush Toys
You might be tempted by plush toys at yard sales, but they can be tricky to clean thoroughly. Dust mites, fleas, and even bedbugs could be hiding in the fabric.
Since these toys absorb dirt and odors, washing them well is often difficult without damaging them. It’s usually safer to buy new or gently used plush toys from reliable sources.
Drop-Sided Cribs
You should avoid buying drop-sided cribs at yard sales. These cribs were banned because they can detach and create dangerous gaps. This design can cause suffocation or strangulation risks for babies.
Even if a drop-sided crib looks sturdy, it may not meet current safety standards. It’s better to invest in a crib that’s certified safe and hasn’t been recalled.
Costume Jewelry
You might think costume jewelry at yard sales is a great deal, but it’s often not worth the risk. These pieces can be damaged, cheap, or quickly lose their charm.
It’s hard to tell if costume jewelry is genuine or if it will last. Instead, consider saving your money for better-quality pieces.
If you do buy, check for broken clasps or missing stones. Otherwise, it’s easy to end up with something you won’t wear.
Board Games with Missing Pieces
When you buy board games at yard sales, there’s a good chance some pieces might be missing. This can make playing less fun or even impossible.
If you like a quick game, missing parts can be frustrating. You might have to spend extra time finding replacements or fixing the game yourself.
Unless you’re sure the game is complete, it’s safer to skip board games at yard sales. You’ll save yourself both money and hassle.
Used Mattresses
You should avoid buying used mattresses at yard sales. Even if they look clean, they can hide dust mites, bed bugs, or other allergens.
Mattresses are hard to fully clean and disinfect. You won’t truly know their history or condition just by looking. It’s safer and more hygienic to invest in a new mattress to protect your health and sleep quality.
Baby Carriers
You should be cautious when buying baby carriers at yard sales. These items have strict safety standards that may be outdated or compromised.
Wear and tear can weaken straps and buckles, making them unsafe for your child. Plus, you won’t know if the carrier has been recalled. It’s better to invest in a new carrier to ensure maximum safety and hygiene for your baby.
Fragile Antiques
When you see delicate antiques at a yard sale, it’s easy to be tempted. However, these items can be risky to buy because they often have undetectable damage or wear.
You might find their value is lower than expected if they need repairs. Also, fragile pieces can break during transport or handling, causing disappointment and extra costs.
If you want antiques, it’s better to buy from specialized shops where you can verify their condition and authenticity.
Used Helmets
You should avoid buying used helmets at yard sales. Helmets are designed to protect you from only one impact, and any damage might be invisible but still dangerous.
Also, helmets often absorb sweat and oils over time, which can be unpleasant and unhygienic. For your safety and comfort, it’s better to buy a new helmet rather than risk a used one.
Secondhand Sneakers
You might be tempted by a good deal on sneakers at a yard sale, but it’s best to avoid them. Sneakers wear down with use, losing their cushioning and support over time.
Since everyone’s feet are different, used shoes may not fit your feet properly, causing discomfort or injury.
Additionally, used running shoes could carry fungi or bacteria that are hard to clean. Your feet will thank you if you skip secondhand sneakers.
Expired Beauty Products
You should skip buying beauty products at yard sales. These items often have unknown expiration dates, which can cause skin irritation or infections.
Used makeup, creams, or lotions may also carry bacteria.
It’s safer to buy new beauty products to protect your skin and health. Your toiletries deserve fresh, clean care.
Old Power Tools
You might find old power tools tempting at yard sales because of their low prices. However, these tools often come with hidden problems like worn-out parts or electrical issues.
Using faulty tools can be unsafe and lead to injury. Plus, repairs might cost more than buying new or certified used equipment. It’s usually better to skip old power tools unless you can test them thoroughly.