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Key Takeaways
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore sees higher demand for patio furniture and planters in summer.
- Shoppers look for air conditioners and fans to stay cool.
- Affordable futons, twin bed frames, and desks are popular among college students.
Summer tends to be a popular time to move, though the summer season is also a ripe opportunity to revamp your space if you’re planning on staying put. Due to these trends, Habitat for Humanity ReStore sees certain items fly off the shelves faster in summer than in other seasons.
Whether it’s outdoor furniture or dorm decor for the upcoming school year, you might have a few of these items collecting dust in your own space that someone else could be seeking out at the secondhand store.
Here's what's especially in-demand at ReStore over the summer, according to an employee. Do you have anything on the list?
Meet the Expert
Jeremy Keen is director of the ReStore Expertise Hub at Habitat for Humanity International.
Wall Art
Decorative artwork like paintings, tapestries, and picture frames make the list of most popular items year-round, actually, "as shoppers seek inexpensive options to refresh their homes," Jeremy Keen, director of the ReStore Expertise Hub at Habitat for Humanity International, says.
A travel poster, beach scene, or bright colors in general might feel especially summery for someone shopping for art at ReStore for a seasonal decor refresh.
Outdoor Planters
As people spend more time soaking up the sun in their yards, patios, and balconies, shoppers also look for items to accessorize their outdoor spaces.
As such, planters are particularly sought out at ReStores. A tip? Oversized, ceramic, or other unique designs are favorites among shoppers, Keen says.
Patio Sets and Seating
Similarly, larger outdoor furniture—including patio sets and pool chairs— move fast at ReStores.
Keen notes that patio umbrellas are especially popular, perhaps because they can be expensive brand-new.
Shoppers are seeking out "affordable ways to create comfortable outdoor spaces," Keen says.
Air Conditioners and Fans
Unlike other popular thrift store chains like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore does accept larger home appliances like refrigerators and portable and window unit air conditioners.
Anyone who skipped out on installing portable AC at the beginning of the summer might be looking a unit in a pinch should a July or August heatwave hit.
Dorm Furniture
It's a great idea for incoming college goers to turn to Habitat for Humanity ReStores to get their hands on dorm essentials at student-friendly price points.
This includes furniture items like couches, futons, office chairs, small desks, and twin bed frames, and anything for a small space, Keen says.
"Compact appliances such as mini‑refrigerators—along with small pieces like tables, lamps and storage furniture—also sell quickly," he adds.
You could be part of a sustainable, secondhand loop from students past.
"Many of these items are discarded or re‑donated at the end of the semester," Keen says.
One student's (good condition!) trash at the end of a semester could be a new student's treasure come August.
Yard Maintenance Supplies
People are interested in "exterior remodeling, yard improvement, DIY projects, and outdoor activities during the warmer months," Keen says.
If your lawnmowers, gardening tools, or other yard‑maintenance supplies aren't getting much use this season (or someone gifted you new ones), many ReStore locations are happy to take your pre-loved ones.
Bicycles
Lastly, bicycles (if you're not riding as much lately, or if your kiddo outgrew theirs) are great to donate to ReStore in summer.
If you're emptying out your garage this summer, remember that donations can range from bikes with training wheels to trail bikes.
Read the original article on The Spruce
