Is the goal of getting everything used a great goal to set or am I setting myself up for the impossible? You decide.
While I’ve always tried to get as much stuff used as possible, I admit that I still buy far too many new things. All of those new purchased really add up. So, I’m challenging myself and our family to set the goal of always getting things used.
It isn’t an easy goal, and of course there will have to be some exceptions. I really can’t see a way (nor do I want to see one) of buying used food, tampons or other consumables. So, those are a quick exception. For health reasons, used medicine, beauty supplies and underwear are also out.
Practically, some thing just aren’t usually available used, such as socks. I also would have a hard time personally with giving used gifts, at least on special days, so that would be out, too.
Another exception would be when something new costs less than something used, as I have been finding a lot lately.
Other than that, the challenge is on.
The biggest obstacle I am going to have coming up is supplies for the summer birthday party for my two sons. I can make the cake from scratch and most of the food (consumables anyway), but how do I get around goodie bags (gifts?) and other party supplies? Any creative ideas out there?
Entertainment will be pretty easy. We typically buy anything “entertaining” used, from toys to equipment. We also get a lot of our entertainment free from the library and through free community events. Furniture and clothing are mixed bags, with most purchased used but some new. The challenge here is to make it all used.
Has anyone ever set themselves this kind of challenge? If so, what have you found to be the most difficult areas when only purchasing used items?
The Dark Side of Bargain Hunting