Still on the fence about second-hand shopping? Here are 5 reasons why you should make it your first choice:

BUDGET

Who doesn't like to stretch their hard-earned dollar to the maximum? I know I do, and I love a good deal. Not long ago, I was not a big fan of our balcony setup. It just didn't fit our lifestyle or the look I wanted, and it was starting to get on my nerves. That's when I decided to sell the set we had and repurchase exactly what I wanted, all second-hand. As a result, I used the exact amount of money from the sale to recreate what I wanted. It felt like I didn't spend much, and it also felt like my previous purchase was fully amortized.

2.PLANET

While it may seem obvious, it still needs to be mentioned that buying second-hand not only reduces waste and conserves resources but also extends the life of items that may have otherwise ended up in landfills. If you're worried about the quality or condition of second-hand items, consider that 70% of women's wardrobes go unused, and this statistic can be applied to many of the things we surround ourselves with. Just think about your last spring cleaning - what did you get rid of that was in perfect condition?

3.UNIQUENESS

When searching for the pieces you need, there's a good chance you'll come across unique items that will make you or your home stand out. These items may even become your favourites. For example, in our home, we have three wooden masks that we purchased years ago for a great price when we were overseas. Every time someone visits, they ask where we got them from.

4.SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER

Behind most second-hand deals, there is an individual just like you, whether it's a local business or a peer-to-peer transaction. As a result, your purchases create a virtuous circle, where you get what you need, and another person benefits from the sale. It's a win-win situation.

5.SATISFACTION

There's something oddly satisfying about hunting down something you need on a second-hand market. The time spent searching makes you realize whether you really need it, and once you find it, the satisfaction is much greater than with an easy, store-bought purchase.

In my family, we've had to do a few upgrades recently, and this past year, we managed to find two second-hand standing desks, a Pilates reformer (which was a birthday gift), an outdoor seating lounge, and an electronic piano. We barely made a dent in our monthly budget, and we were able to give new life to items we had outgrown.

If you need tips on finding the best second-hand bargains, let me know in the comments