It’s no secret that I love to shop for just about anything – clothes, furniture, home decor, even groceries. I don’t spend money on a lot of these things often, but I set aside money in my budget each month so I can every once in a while. Finding things that I love that are still affordable is kind of a game for me.My husband often mocks my overpriced Pottery Barn taste and my love of “new-things-that-look-old,” which is indeed my guilty pleasure, but being sensible with my finances means that it’s very VERY rare for me to splurge on things like that. So what’s a girl to do? I venture out to one of our favorite places to explore… the thrift store! I think sometimes this place gets a bad rap; people often conjure in their minds images of worn clothes, battered old furniture, and dusty knick-knacks. My friends, those ideas are so very wrong! Well, at least for the most part. Yes, I’ve seen my fair share of things there that make me wonder who in the world owned some of these items, but if you know what you’re looking for, the thrift store can be a gold mine. Check out some of these guidelines for navigating your local thrift shop to get the most out of your money…
See the potential. A lot of people donate items to the thrift store because they no longer have a use for them, not necessarily because they’re trash. Look for items that are still in good shape, but may need a little extra love – things like furniture that needs some minor repairing or reupholstered, clothing or fabrics that have stains you can wash out or holes you can patch, or toys or games that may be missing a piece or so, just to name a few.
Know what’s worth something and what’s not. It can feel like a steal to get a great piece of furniture that just needs a little elbow grease in order to turn it into something modern and updated. However, some items are just past the point of repair. Thoroughly check items before buying so you don’t end up with a piece that will cost more to fix than it’s worth.
Keep your eyes peeled. Hidden gems are everywhere! I’ve come across designer bags and clothing, as well as collectibles and valuable antiques. Jewelry can also be a fun surprise to find. It never hurts to check compartments or pockets of items out on the sale floor. You never know what you might come across.
Choose the right store. Items found in thrift stores tend to match the quality of the area the shop is located in. If you’re on the hunt for designer labels, check for stores in more affluent towns or communities.
Watch for sales. Thrift stores run sales and specials just like any other retailer does. Check with an employee to find out about daily or weekly specials that are offered on a regular basis. You might be able to save more on a particular item (a rocking chair, for example) if furniture is typically discounted on a certain day of the week.
Have you ever stumbled across a great find at a thrift store? We’d love for you to share your tips for thrifty shopping with us!
