Second Hand September: Why pre-loved is the new loved

Each September, people across the UK take part in “Second Hand September”, a movement which was launched by Oxfam in 2019, encouraging us to buy nothing new for an entire month! It’s all about slowing down and thinking twice before we buy.

For some, that might mean rummaging through charity shops for a quirky jacket. For others, it could mean passing on furniture to a neighbour rather than them buying brand new. And for many, it’s a chance to reflect on how our shopping habits impact both the planet and our pockets.

Woman browsing the clothes in an ExtraCare charity shop

A step back in time

Before the days of fast fashion and almost instant online deliveries, most families thought carefully about every purchase, meaning clothes were mended and handed down. Furniture was polished, repaired, and passed on through the generations, and there was a sense of pride in making things last.

Many residents in ExtraCare’s villages often talk about how their parents and grandparents lived by the motto “waste not, want not.” A coat might serve three or four siblings before finally being repurposed into a pair of curtains or a rag for polishing shoes. It was practical, yes, but also full of stories.

The joy of the hunt

Many find there’s a certain thrill that comes with discovering something special in a charity shop or car boot sale. Unlike buying something new online, where you know exactly what’s arriving in the post, second hand shopping is full of surprises.

At ExtraCare, we’re proud that our 36 charity shops are part of that journey too. They’re not just places to pick up a bargain, but welcoming spaces where every purchase helps support the wellbeing services we provide.

Sustainability

Of course, Second Hand September has a serious message too. It’s not a secret that the fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to pollution worldwide. Therefore, the more we can reuse, recycle, and repurpose, the better for our planet.

By choosing second hand, we’re ultimately reducing demand for new production, and the good news is, more and more people are realising that pre-loved items can be just as stylish and high quality as new ones.

Creativity and craft

One of the lovely things about second hand finds is how they inspire creativity. A tired looking piece of furniture can be transformed with a lick of paint. An oversized dress can be altered into something chic and modern. Even a stack of old jam jars can become stylish storage or candle holders.

Many of ExtraCare’s retirement village residents are members of our craft groups, or enjoy hobbies like sewing, knitting, or DIY, and second hand materials are a wonderful way to keep those skills alive. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in bringing new life to something that might otherwise have been thrown away.

If you’ve got crafty hands or a bit of DIY know-how, why not pop into one of our shops? You never know what “project piece” you might find waiting for a new home!

Two ladies looking at ornaments an ExtraCare charity shop

A chance to give back

Second hand shopping often means supporting good causes, and charity shops play a huge role in raising money for organisations that help communities both locally and globally. By donating or buying second hand, you’re not only extending the life of an item, but you’re also helping others in the process.

At ExtraCare, the generosity we receive from supporters is vital in helping us maximise our impact for our residents. We accept donations of ladies, men’s and children’s clothing, toys, books and games along with small household and electrical items. All donations we receive are invested in our wellbeing services that help make a real difference to people, regardless of health or wealth. So taking part in Second Hand September by dropping off a bag of donations or picking up a pre-loved bargain is a simple but powerful way to be part of that.

For our residents some of our locations can even store your donations for collection, to find out if this is available contact reception at your location to find out more.

Lady handing over a bag of pre loved items to donate to an ExtraCare charity shop

5 Tips for making the most of Second Hand September

Start small – Try buying one second hand item instead of new. It could be a book, a shirt, or even a plant pot.
Donate first: Have a clear out and take items you no longer use to one of our charity shops. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as the saying goes!
Get creative: Look for something you can upcycle or repurpose. Even small projects can be very satisfying, and it could be the start of a new hobby for you!
Make it social: Go second hand shopping with a friend. You’ll have twice the eyes for spotting treasures.
Think beyond clothes: Furniture, books, crockery, and even garden tools can all be found second hand.

Embracing the pre-loved lifestyle

Second Hand September is a wonderful reminder that we don’t always need “new” to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, the best things are those with a story already attached.

So this September, why not join us? Donate, browse, and celebrate the joy of pre-loved. Our charity shops are ready to welcome your donations and you never know what treasures you might uncover in return.