Buying used furniture

Furniture loses value quickly once it leaves the store, which makes good used pieces one of the best secondhand buys.

Check

• Solid wood vs. particle board: lift it and look at the back and inside drawers
• Joints: wobbles, cracks, loose legs
• Drawers that slide smoothly
• Smells: smoke and mildew are hard to remove

Upholstered furniture and mattresses

Inspect seams, folds and crevices with a flashlight for signs of bed bugs, like small dark spots or shed skins. If in doubt, skip it.

Dressers and tall furniture

Anchor them to the wall, especially in homes with children. Federal rules now require new clothing storage units to meet tip-over stability standards; older pieces may not.

General educational information. Always check recalls for safety items. Centsational Deals isn't paid by any store, marketplace or reseller.