Overhaulin'

Would you buy a mattress at a garage sale?

We are moving cross country and can only take what will fit in a trailer behind our car. I have two twin mattresses that (I think) are in fine condition. I'm having a big sale and mentioned to some people I know that what I was thinking of selling. Some looked at me like I was crazy for considering selling mattresses. I don't go to a lot of garage sales and I'm not even real sure if anyone will buy anything. I'll have to get rid of them anyway- is it weird to throw them in the sale? opinions, please.

Public Comments

1. You can try, but eeeewwww!
2. If they look clean and are priced right, you can sell them. People freecycle them all the time, so you know people are using used mattresses. They can always get one of those zippered mattress covers to encase the thing.
3. you might want to check to see if it's legal to sell them. Some states don't allow mattresses to be resold. Your local library should be able to find out for you. Personnally? I wouldn't buy a mattress at a yard sale.
4. You can try and sell them but it isn't something I would want to buy. At least give it a go. As long as they look clean and don't have stains on them you may be lucky.
5. Personally, I absolutely would never buy a used mattress. I buy used furniture all the time, so I have no issues about that, but the idea of a used mattress freaks me out. I'm sure there are some people out there who would buy one, though. If they look clean, someone low on cash but in need of a bed might buy them. After all they can be cleaned. If they're nappy looking or have stains or something on them, I'd just throw them out, or put them by the curb with a free sign.
6. Although I personally would never purchase a mattress used, I have sold them in my own garage sale and people buy them. I've moved great distances and have sold every size and brand imaginable with no difficulty. You would be surprised how many people would buy a clean used mattress.
7. Give it a shot - I always replace the toilet seat when I move into a new house and have never had a problem selling the removed one at my yard sales.
8. Since twin mattresses are generally used by children ( with little chance of having pubic lice), as long as they are clean, in good condition and have no objectionable odors ( such as urine), I don't think people would mind buying used mattresses. They are upholstered furniture just like sofas and chairs and people buy them used all the time. You could assure potential buyers that they have always been covered with mattress pads and that the users have never had lice of any kind....I think that is the main objection some people would have. Everyone who found the idea of sleeping on a used mattress must never travel or sleep on hotel mattresses! And it isn't illegal for a private party to sell a used mattress....only for businesses.
9. I buy all my mattresses at a used furniture store, but I would NEVER buy one from a garage sale. Too great a chance of odors and bugs.
10. Hi, If the bed is in good condition then I don't see that it is a problem. I have bought a used mattress before that was in good shape. People sleep in Hotels that a ton of people have previously slept on the mattress.Hope this helps. http://www.bestratedmattresses.com/