Wren | Actions

Impact

Medium impact

Cost

Saves money

time

Moderate

In the United States, we discard more than 9 million tonnes of furniture every year. That's a lot of furniture that could be reused or recycled instead of being sent to the landfill.

If you're in the market for some furniture, buying secondhand is a great option. With a little bit of patience and perseverance, you can find some great pieces at a fraction of the price of buying new and with a lower environmental impact.

Here are a few tips for buying secondhand furniture:

1. Check out local thrift stores, garage sales, and online classifieds. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are popular in the United States.
2. Inspect the furniture carefully before you buy it. Make sure there are no major damage or defects that would make the piece unusable.
3. If possible, test out the furniture before purchasing. Sit on it, lie down on it, open and close any drawers or doors. This will help you make sure it's comfortable and functional.
4. When negotiating, use the furniture's secondhand nature to your advantage. Be prepared to haggle for a deal that reflects your budget and the condition of the item.
5. If you're buying furniture online, be sure to ask plenty of questions about the piece before you buy it. Get as much information as you can about the condition, dimensions, and shipping options.