As the season changes, now is the time to think about cleaning or sprucing up our living spaces. With many local retailers opening online storefronts, selling or buying items might be easier, closer and more cost-effective than you think.

Going local can have some great benefits to you and your community:  

1. Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Buying from local sellers is a great way to stylishly furnish your home while supporting local community members and businesses. Not only are locally sourced items often more affordable than big-box furniture, you can also rely on quality that lasts.
2. Give your home a unique personality. Local items contribute to your home’s unique character and personality. Furniture or décor from a local seller or store adds a special flare to your home with unique new or pre-loved pieces.
3. Lessen your impact on the environment. Local sellers and businesses often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies and tend to do more good for their immediate community — whether that’s supporting a local charity or non-profit organization.

Here are two places to purge and find great new pieces nearby.

Secondhand stores 
Local secondhand stores and professional resellers are always looking for new items to sell. Find secondhand stores near you through an online search on Facebook or Instagram or a buy-sell platform.

Online resale sites 
Whether you’re looking for a new desk, an antique dining table, or a new mode of transport, online resale sites like Facebook Marketplace help you discover, buy and sell goods. It’s easy to stay safe this way too. Just log onto your account to find what you want and sell what you don’t.

It’s also important to stay safe when buy second hand. Make sure to follow guidance from your local health authorities when meeting someone to buy or sell secondhand items, and always meet in a well-lit, public area.