If you know me in person or follow me on Instagram, then you already know how much this girl LOVES some thrifting and antiquing. I adore finding good deals, unique treasures, vintage items, and the thrill of never knowing what lovely things I may stumble upon.
If you’re new to thrifting or just wanna step up your game, then you’ve come to the right post. I’m probably not an expert, but I’ve got a few things that I keep in mind when thrifting that have proven to be successful!
1.) Take your time. Try to go thrifting when you have time to meander and are really able to look. Avoid going on a time crunch when you feel rushed and in a hurry! (You’ll miss the best stuff this way!)
2.) Do a lil digging. This comes in to play with my first tip. Take the time to really look. Don’t just look at the things that are up front and in your face. Look behind them, underneath them, in between them. Move some stuff around. The best stuff is usually hidden or mixed in with the not so great stuff. Get in there, girl!
3. Be as hands free as possible. If you wanna do some digging, you’re gonna need a free hand or two to do so with. Wear a cross body bag or backpack purse vs carrying around a handbag. Put your phone in your pocket. Put your babe in carrier or stroller. Whatever ya gotta do to give yourself more freedom. (This is obviously very serious business haha!)
4.) Bring an extra pair of eyes. If you’re looking for something in particular or something for a specific use, bring a friend! They may see something you miss or think of something that may work that you wouldn’t have even thought of!
5. Keep a “To Find” list. I keep a little list on my phone of things to keep an eye out for when I go thrifting that I’m wanting or needing. There’s nothing like finding something you’ve been looking for, for a great price!
6.) Buy off season. Know you’ll need a coat this winter? Check during the summer. Off season items are usually cheaper and not nearly as picked over as they would be in season!
7.) Check what days they put out new things. Ask an employee what days new items are put out so you know when to expect the store to have new things!
8.) Consistency is key. Feel like you never find anything when you go? If you are going randomly and your trips are far and few between, you may need to try going more consistently. Especially if that thrift store is a popular one, then the times you choose to go they may just be picked over. Try going weekly or biweekly for better luck!
When your thrift stores just aren’t great…
9.) Some areas just don’t have a great thrift store, but with consistency you have a greater chance to score some great things now and then.
10.) Venture out! Check out nearby towns/cities who may have more store options! Here are more specific options to try googling besides “Thrift Stores in my area”…
- Goodwill Stores
- The Salvation Army
- Savers
- Habitat for Humanity
- Flea Markets
Happy thrifting, friends!