I’m one of those people who makes a quick exit when I donate to a charity shop, so I don’t buy more items to take up the space I have just freed.

But it seems I’ve been missing out.

Buying used items is better for the environment and often the bank balance too.

With prices rocketing sky high at high street stores, I visited three charity shops in Watford’s town centre to see the different type of items available to buy.

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My first stop was at the British Heart Foundation Home Store, 38 The Parade. It is known for selling second-hand, quality tested and approved household items, such as furniture and electrical goods.

I first came across a double bed, with the frame costing £145 and the mattress coming in at £105. Not bad considering some beds can set you back upwards of a £1,000.

Watford Observer: Beds are sold at the British Heart Foundation. Picture: Kimberley HackettBeds are sold at the British Heart Foundation. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

A faux-leather three-seater recliner sofa was priced at £155, pillow not included.

Watford Observer: This three seater sofa is priced at £155. Picture: Kimberley HackettThis three seater sofa is priced at £155. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

And a washing machine was being sold for £130.

Watford Observer: All electrical goods are tested before they are sold. Picture: Kimberley HackettAll electrical goods are tested before they are sold. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

These are just some of the items in the shop that also had garden furniture and wall art on offer.

Next, I went to Oxfam, 81 The Parade. For a small shop, lots of clothes for men and women were available.

There are some smart jackets on offer too. This St Michael jacket was priced at £4.99.

Watford Observer: Men's jacket priced at £4.99. Picture: Kimberley HackettMen's jacket priced at £4.99. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

I also found some women’s trousers that had been reduced from £3.99 to £1.99.

Watford Observer: These women's trousers have been reduced to £1.99. Picture: Kimberley HackettThese women's trousers have been reduced to £1.99. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

Perhaps my favourite bargain of the day was this Complete Care Cat Manual. Oxfam priced it at £2.99, but the original price was £15.99.

Watford Observer: Something for the cat lovers. Picture: Kimberley HackettSomething for the cat lovers. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

My final stop was at Barnado’s, 69-71 The Parade. For a charity shop it was big and had a mix of items.

I came across a golf set for £25. Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve been told that golf sets usually set you back a couple of hundred pounds, at least.

Watford Observer: £25 for golf clubs - not bad. Picture: Kimberley Hackett£25 for golf clubs - not bad. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

There were also options for children too. The Cassette Fairy Stories Collection was reduced from £4 to £2.

Watford Observer: Charity shops have lots on offer for children too. Picture: Kimberley HackettCharity shops have lots on offer for children too. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

It’s probably time for me to browse at charity shops, instead of high street stores.

At the end of the day, it will only help my bank balance and all proceeds go to a good cause. 

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