When Free Isn't Better

I like to think that free is always better.  But it isn't.  In fact that I think there are times when free might be really not that good at all.

As you know, I've been very thrifty lately, saving money where I can by buying from garage sales, second hand stores, Kijiji and even finding the odd gem in the dumpster.

But I do have my limits.  There is some truth to the saying "You get what you pay for," so on that note, here are three things NOT to buy second hand or get from the dumpster.

1.  Mattresses
If I didn't mind mattresses from the dumpster, I'd have a house full of them by now.  It seems to be the number one item found in back alleys or propped up against dilapitated garages.  In order to prove my point, I "drove" down a couple of back alleys on Google Street View.  It took me about 30 seconds to find this one.

Whether in a back alley or a thrift store, somehow the idea of sleeping on someone else's mattress doesn't appeal.  I mean, they tossed it out for a reason, right?  




Or how about this?

Hmmm.....now, I wonder if they're selling it because they bought a different sized bed, or because the smell of urine was too overwhelming?  Whatever, I'm not too keen on the idea of spending my nights with someone else's bodily fluids.

Given the option, I think I'd rather sleep on hot coals.

2.  Upholstered Furniture
I have to admit there have been times when I was tempted.  They often have some lovely old antique armchairs at the thrift store.  And if the price was right and I knew where it came from I might consider buying something upholstered.  But my fear here is bed bugs.   They're everywhere now.  Even in movie theatres.

The thought of bed bugs didn't used to bother me too much.  Not that I would have welcomed them into my home, but I really didn't think about it too much.  That's because they're so tiny.

I figured a bed bug would be about this big     *

But now they have these powerful microscopes and the media are trying to scare us with pictures of these larger-than-life insects. 

Pictures like this give me nightmares.  They look like something out of a 1950's B horror movie....Attack of the Giant Radioactive Bed Bugs.

No thank you. I think I'll pass.

3.  Bathing suits / Lingerie / Underwear
If someone else has worn it next to their skin, then I don't want to wear it next to mine. 

Say no more.

Take care,