Thrift Store Thrills: Adventures in Saving

Everyday Savings Can Happen at a Thrift Store….

Thrift stores are gaining popularity nowadays, and they should. Thrift shops can be the link to upscale certain items without the fancy price tags. They are a treasure trove of deals, from stylish clothes to household essentials. What makes them magical is that you can snatch fantastic finds you need or want. These stores are also an avenue for donating those items you no longer wish to keep.

I do love a good thrift store. And, if I’m being honest, I think I have been a little snobby with certain items I’ve searched for and not pretentious enough with other items. I have evolved over the years with my time in a thrift store. I used to purchase items thinking, “I need to get this, it’s a great deal, and I may get some use from it”. Nowadays, before buying something, I have to convince myself that I am certain I love and will use it. If I don’t have that mindset, I’m taking a chance to bring a carload of objects home that I may never use.

Thrift stores vary from place to place and can be overwhelming. Some are tidy, while others can be unorganized and messy. Either way, it’s important to hang in there and keep looking.

Embrace the Search

The best thing to do when going into a thrift store is to have some general categories you’d like to check. For example, maybe you want to focus on the household section because you’re remodeling rooms and need new decor items such as lamps or vases. Or, you need some jeans and want to check out the clothing area. Be mindful that you may not find jeans, lamps, or vases, but could discover a few other items that would be just as perfect. Keep an open mind no matter what you’re searching for.

Get to Know Your Stores

Each area has its type of thrift store, and knowing what you have available is helpful. Some stores specialize in household and furniture items, while others focus more on clothing. It’s also fun to explore stores in your surrounding area. A thirty-minute drive might just be worth your time. Discovering which days they add new inventory and when certain sales are held, can be a game changer.

Many stores have social media pages that highlight items available, as well as upcoming sales. So, check these out and keep on top of the latest bargains.

Tips and Tricks

Set a budget…. I always know how much I want to spend while shopping for certain items. Just because it’s a thrift store doesn’t mean we should go crazy. Being mindful of our spending helps us stay on track and is a bit more challenging to get the most from the experience.

Remember that early mornings are often less crowded and provide an opportunity for grabbing a good deal.

If you are searching for clothes and the store offers a fitting room, wear something you can easily slip on and off. Wearing less bulk allows you to try on jackets, etc., when fitting rooms are not available.

When seeking clothing, it’s best to shoot for quality rather than quantity. Look for well-made pieces. Quality name brands are also excellent finds. You may have to pay more for these brands, but save exponentially in the long run.

Remembering that these items have been loved by someone else, it is important to check them carefully before buying. Look for stains, holes, snags, missing buttons, working zippers, etc.

I always read the tag for care instructions and typically stray from items that need hand washing or dry cleaning unless it’s something I truly love and feel I can’t pass up. When I get home from the store, I toss any clothing items into the washing machine, even if the item is brand new.

If you are buying electronics, ask if you can test them in-store. When inspecting furniture and household items, check for wear and tear and broken pieces. If an item is broken, and you know you could repair or repurpose it, ask the employee if they could offer it at a discounted price.

If you want some extra fun while thrifting, take a friend along! It’s a great way to spend time together, catch deals, and bounce ideas around. I love thrifting with a friend and having someone to share my excitement with when I find particular items I can’t resist. It's much more enjoyable!

Think Above and Beyond…..

New furniture is expensive these days, and finding something you can afford that looks terrific and unique enables you to style your home like no one else’s!

If you spot something you adore but are hesitant to go for it, keep an open mind and consider ways to change it and make it yours. This is where a little creativity and imagination come into play! You may find an old door that would make a great table or an ottoman that would be perfect as a coffee table.

The possibilities are endless! Fresh coats of paint, hardware, or new upholstery will save money and create a one-of-a-kind piece. Upcycling is also great for the environment, as it reduces waste and keeps our landfills less full.

Be Patient

Create a game plan when thrifting. Checking stores often increases your chances of success, and eventually, you’ll find what you need. So don’t give up!

Declutter and Share

The wonderful thing about thrift stores is that they often take your items, too. If you are trying to downsize or declutter some areas of your home, gather those unwanted objects and drop them off at your nearest store. This is a great way to support the store and your community. I love knowing that something I no longer need may just be the item someone else is looking for, and vice versa!

Final Thoughts

Thrifting is smart and so much fun! You can save hard-earned dollars while gaining new and extraordinary finds. Thrift stores often change their inventory with one-of-a-kind items, so it’s helpful to check them regularly so you don’t miss out.

Remember, keeping an open mind with a set budget and game plan sets you up for thrifting success.

So grab a friend and score some fantastic deals!