What My Year of Buying (Almost) Everything Used Taught Me, Including the Top Secondhand Stores in Albany, NY

Plus, what I'm up to, what I've published, and how to work with me.

Photo by Prudence Earl on Unsplash

Happy New Year! With all the buzz on TikTok and elsewhere about no-buy and low-buy goals for 2025, I wanted to share something that made a big difference in my life back in 2023. I spent all of that year buying only secondhand.

Why? Living in a small house with a young child, it felt like stuff was multiplying overnight. Before that, moving around so much helped me keep my possessions in check. But after buying our first home and staying put for a few years, the clutter started closing in.

On top of that, my mom's illness (she passed away a year ago this month) made me think about how much stuff people leave behind when they're gone (cue the required recommendation to read the book Swedish Death Cleaning).

So I decided to renegotiate my relationship with stuff by committing to buy only secondhand for an entire year. Whether it was a sled for my daughter, backpacking gear, or AirPods, I turned to secondhand shops, estate sales (pro tip: you can often view photos online before going), and platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Apple's refurbished items, and Buy Nothing groups.

There were a few exceptions, like safety gear, socks, and bathing suits. Other than that, I stuck to my commitment. By the end of the year, I was spending less, being more mindful about what I brought into the house, and resisting the pull of shiny new things.

6 things I learned buying only used stuff

1. Giving secondhand gifts feels weird.

My daughter is still young enough that she doesn't care what she gets for her birthdays or Christmas—she just wants something. Anything colorful and tacky works for her. And there are so many used toys available out there, not to mention people in Buy Nothing groups practically begging you to take them. Still, it felt odd giving her secondhand gifts, although I’ll probably keep doing it until she’s old enough to request specific things.

2. There are so many barriers to buying used.

The ease of one-click purchases is hard to beat (I've since canceled my Amazon Prime membership and haven't looked back). It can feel sketchy buying used electronics, like my iPhone, from online vendors. And for that year’s Grand Canyon backpacking trip, I needed a lighter cook pot. Instead of buying one from Amazon, I found a used version of the model I wanted through a Reddit group. Yes, it saved me a bit of money but created more hassle.

3. Buying secondhand clothing is way more complicated than buying it new.

Obtaining a specific clothing item from a secondhand source at the last minute is nearly impossible. Poshmark is a reliable resource, but only if you already know the exact size you need and how it will fit. Returns aren't allowed as far as I can tell. For example, I realized I needed hiking shorts in a smaller size right before leaving for the Grand Canyon (fit is crucial for extended backpacking trips). I had to pray that Poshmark had the right brand and fit and that the vendor could ship them in time. For last-minute weddings or formal events, borrowing might be your only option.

4. Adding some friction to the shopping process curbs overall spending.

There's a silver lining to secondhand shopping taking more time and effort: It makes you spend less. Whether it's waiting for a reply on Facebook Marketplace or hunting down the right size on Poshmark, there's lots of friction there to slow down the process. The more effort involved, the less likely I was to impulse buy.

5. People tend to overvalue their items

Secondhand doesn't always mean "cheap." Far from it. However, if I'm putting in the effort (and risk) to message a stranger on Facebook or buy from Poshmark without guaranteed free returns, I expect at least 30% off. Otherwise, I'll buy new. Many sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark have an inflated sense of their items' worth (it's actually a common cognitive bias called the endowment effect), making it harder to find a deal. For example, I recently saw a pair of used Doc Martens for $110—exactly the same ones I bought 5 years ago at Nordstrom Rack for $75.

6. Secondhand clutter is still clutter

I bought much less than usual in 2023 but still accumulated some fairly useless things. Two unworn dresses from Goodwill are hanging in my closet just because I wanted to fill the hole in my soul with a purchase on the day I bought them. And a handheld vacuum from my local Buy Nothing group is cluttering my floor (I've only used it once).

The best secondhand shops in Albany, NY and beyond

Photo by Wenhao Ruan on Unsplash

Did I pique your interest? Ok, probably not—most people have better things to do than wallow in an existential crisis over consumerism. While I was never planning to permanently change to buying secondhand forever, I still prefer buying used clothing over new whenever possible. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite local thrift shops. NOTE: Because they all have inconsistent hours, check their social media to verify they’re open before going.

Treasures Thrift Shop

This is perhaps my favorite thrift stop in the Capital Region, but it’s all the way up in Saratoga Springs. There’s also another drawback: It's pricier than most others and has a complicated pricing system. Prices drop over time, so you'll pay a premium if you catch an item when it first arrives. Despite that, I've found some very reasonably-priced, high-quality basics that I wear all the time.

The Bevy Vintage Collective

If you haven't been to this shop in downtown Albany yet, go immediately! Sifting through giant racks of stuff is not my forte, so this carefully curated selection of vintage clothing is right up my alley. Everything's in good condition, reasonably priced, and there’s so much variety (the shop features 12 different local and regional sellers). I popped in for a quick visit and found something right away.

GreatFinds

I'd driven by this downtown Albany thrift store countless times, always planning to stop in one day—and I'm so glad I finally did! The store is surprisingly spacious and well-organized by clothing category. There's a solid selection of coats and outerwear, quality women's shoes ranging from dressy to professional, and even sneakers. And parking isn’t an issue since there's plenty of space along State Street, right by Washington Park.

Metropolis Vintage

I once visited a fancy Montessori school with my daughter, and the mom giving the tour was wearing an exceptionally cool sweater. It turns out she got it at this shop on Fuller Road in Albany that I'd driven by a million times without noticing. When I visited, the packed parking lot was a clear sign of their loyal customer base. Inside, the store was filled to the brim with items—a paradise for some thrifters but a bit overwhelming for me. Still, if you love vintage, it's definitely worth a visit.

Thrift shops in the Berkshires and more

It's also worth venturing just outside the Capital Region to check out these spots in Massachusetts and Vermont. I don't always have the best luck at Goodwill, but the one in Great Barrington, MA, is an exception. I almost always walk out with new wardrobe staples.

My friend, a talented thrifter with outstanding taste, is a big fan of the Catwalk Boutique right across the street. There’s also a second location in Lenox.

Heading north, the ABC Clothing Shop in Williamstown, MA, is a small but solid shop that feels more like a chic boutique. In nearby North Adams, Savvy Hive has a super friendly vibe and a nice selection.

Then, as you continue even further north, the Goodwill in Bennington, VT, is packed with stuff, including some great outerwear brands. You'll need to take your time and sift through everything though.

What I’m up to

I've been doing my best to follow my own advice to prevent seasonal depression. That includes skiing whenever possible and getting creative with winter workouts (it turns out rucking while wearing tons of extra layers gets me into Zone 2 pretty quickly).

We're also gearing up for a family trip to Texas in a few weeks. So Austin friends, let me know if you're up for a quick hang at some point! I'd love to see you.

What I’ve written recently

• REI, How to Hike the Long Trail

• Hone Health, Struggling with Anxiety During Menopause? HRT Might Help.

• Virtuoso, Capitalize on the Unexpected in Washington, D.C.

• AFAR, Journeys Itineraries for Aruba: Romance, Food, Family, and Wellness

• Hone Health, New Studies Say Mitochondria May Be Key to Healthy Aging—Here’s How

• Hone Health, Does Creatine Cause ED?

• Hone Health, The Emotional Symptoms of Perimenopause Are Real

• AAA Northeast, Where to Go Whitewater Rafting in the Northeast

• Wine Enthusiast, What’s the Difference Between Wine Grapes and Table Grapes?

• Matador Network, A Sustainable Travel Guide to Vermont’s Legendary Green Scene

• Wine Enthusiast, The Best Wineries (and More) to Visit in Maryland Right Now

• Matador Network, 4 Vermont Road Trips Perfect for Your EV

• REI, Hiking Safety: When to Turn Back

How to work with me

• Travel enthusiasts: Subscribe to this newsletter to get tips about my favorite destinations in the Northeast U.S. delivered to your inbox.

• Editors at consumer publications: Check out my portfolio to see a selection of articles I’ve written for over 40 publications, covering travel, food, health, and wellness.

• Branded content directors: Discover how I’ve partnered with 20+ brands to create compelling sponsored articles, blog posts, and more.

• Marketing professionals at lifestyle brands: I can help elevate your efforts with articles, blog posts, email newsletters, travel itineraries, web copy, and social media copy tailored to your brand. I also offer editing services.

• Anyone looking to collaborate: Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn or send me an email to discuss your next project.