Times are tough and the economy is not great, which is why it’s such a benefit to be able to live in one of Live Easy’s affordable rentals in Pretoria as a way to reduce your costs. 

Part of embracing a more cost-conscious lifestyle is knowing when it is appropriate to buy new or used items. Sometimes, it’s not worth buying something brand new, while on the other hand, there are times when buying something secondhand is not the best idea either.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of when you might want to be discerning and savvy regarding new versus used items for your apartment.

Furniture

Some furniture is worth buying new if it’s something you plan on keeping for a long time. An example of something worth buying new is a quality mattress or a decent sofa, if you have the space for one. 

When buying new, always look for sales, discounts, and specials to help reduce the cost as much as possible. However, it might be more worthwhile to buy other types of furniture secondhand, such as bedside tables, dining tables, or TV consoles. Many of these items can be found in online secondhand stores or at your local pawnshop. 

Always be sure to inspect the furniture item for signs of wear and tear before buying it so that you can get the most value out of your purchase.

Appliances

Whether you’re talking about kitchen appliances such as a toaster or household appliances such as a clothing iron, you could afford to go either way. Bear in mind that new appliances generally tend to have more nifty modern features and are more energy-efficient.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with buying certain appliances second-hand since their function remains mostly unchanged as technology evolves. These are things like blenders, toasters, or kettles. However, make sure that they’re in good working condition before buying them.

Electronics

Generally speaking, it is better to buy new computing devices like smartphones, laptops, or tablets, as these types of devices are always being updated, with older models frequently becoming obsolete. 

Items like TVs, speakers, or gaming consoles might be worth buying secondhand if you can find them in good condition. It’s always important, however, to check that they’ve been well-maintained and that they are in proper working order before taking ownership.

Decor Items

There are many great stores, such as Mr Price Home, where you can purchase brand-new decor items for relatively low prices, giving you more freedom to reflect your unique personality and sense of style. 

However, it’s also worthwhile to take a look through thrift stores and pawn shops to find unique and affordable decor items that you might not find anywhere else. This can actually become quite a fun hobby and can give your apartment a lot of personality.

Here at Live Easy, you can enhance your low-cost lifestyle by enjoying one of our quality rentals in Pretoria. Contact us today to apply for one of our apartments.