4 Things You Should Never Buy at a Yard Sale in WA State

Lots of people in Washington really love shopping at yard sales! It's their 'go-to' activity every Saturday and Sunday when the weather permits. I've never been a fan of them. I get overwhelmed sifting through a lot of stuff, but some people are gifted at looking for something of quality to buy!

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One man's garbage is another man's treasure

I don't ever think I need more junk to add to my already too-crowded house! However, some people call me a minimalist. I just don't like clutter. No doubt some wonderful treasures can be found at a good quality yard sales here in Washington, like furniture, bikes, books, collectables, and more.

A research article from AARP warns us to never buy these four things at a yard sale:

1. Stuffed Animals: Plush toys can harbor bugs and allergens. Grab a puzzle or a game instead if you're shopping for your kids or grandkids.

2. Baby Items: Did you know that baby car seats have an actual expiration date? Older cribs and highchairs can be unsafe and should not be purchased used according to Heather Aiello, founder of The Organized You.

3. Helmets: Bike or motorcycle helmets are only meant to last so long and can lose their effectiveness. Plus, it can be difficult to wash the foam inside to remove potential allergens or worse, bugs. (Eww!)

4. Cosmetics and Perfumes: If the seller dipped a finger into the product, bacteria and fungi may have been introduced. Sealed or not, some may also be past their shelf life already used, diluted or tampered with. The Food and Drug Administration warns us about this.

We're still weeks away from warmer weather when people will be having great yard sales but keep these tips in mind when you go. Happy shopping!