Do you remember the first time you stepped into a thrift store? Wide-eyed and amazed at how so much could fit into such a tight space. You wiggle your way past the different racks and other shoppers, all there for one purpose: to find that one, magical piece that will bring your closet or home together. Thrifting is a fun pastime and a way to discover fashion and treasures, but before you set out on your next shopping trip, read these dos and don’ts for thrifting.
DO Know the Different Types of Stores
Thrift stores are often donation-based and price items on the less expensive side of the spectrum. Vintage and antique shops specialize in selling unique pieces from the past (you won’t find anything modern here), and you can expect to spend double (or triple) digits on pieces. Buying from consignment shops means the item’s original owner gets a portion of your sale. Consignment shops are where you’ll find luxury brands and one-off pieces for way less than buying brand new.
DO Wash Everything
Avoid bringing home unwanted critters by washing everything before putting it all away. Sometimes people don’t wash or clean the items they donate. It’s not just the mothball smell you’re trying to get rid of; bugs can nest in storage boxes and fabrics for months without a host. Washing and drying clothes on high heat, or using a steamer if it can’t be laundered, will kill any bugs and their eggs. If furniture is what you’re cleaning, the best steamers for bed bugs will get at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to kill bed bugs and eggs.
DO Have a Budget
Bargain shopping is meant to be inexpensive and accessible, but that doesn’t mean you should buy all 50 things you put in your cart. Keep a budget in mind before you step into the store. Tell a friend how much you’ll allow yourself to spend to keep yourself accountable.
DO Test The Kitchen Gadgets
You don’t need to buy brand-new countertop appliances when you can find everyday kitchen items for less than $5. I often see toasters, mandolins, utensils, and mixers collecting dust on the shelves. I’ve even found a brand new wine fridge for $5,000 less than the market price at one consignment shop. Test anything electrical before you buy it though. Most store workers are happy to let you plug something in to confirm it works!
DON’T Forget to Try On Clothes
While online shopping is convenient, a lot of people prefer traditional in-person shopping, especially when it comes to clothes. A dress may look good on the model on your phone screen, but will it look like that on you? Most thrift stores have fitting rooms so you’ll ensure you like what you’re buying before discovering it doesn’t fit when you get home.
DON’T Dismiss “Minor” Flaws
From sweat stains to chipped coffee mugs, some things just aren’t salvageable. If you know how to sew, it’s easy to “upcycle” or repair minor rips and tears. Stains, however, are stubborn and not as easy to remove. I tie-dye white clothes if the stain isn’t that noticeable, but that limits me to just white clothing, and tie-dying, unfortunately, doesn’t look great on vintage Ralph Lauren.
DON’T Skip the Art Aisle
What’s that saying? “One woman’s trash is another’s treasure?” You never know what you’ll discover in your local thrift store’s art section. A woman in Texas found an ancient-looking bust at an Austin Goodwill, only to learn that it was a 2,000-year-old Roman portrait.
DON’T Rush
Take your time when going through the aisles and shelves at thrift stores. Set aside a whole morning or afternoon to check every shelf in every aisle at the thrift store. You never know what kind of treasures you’ll find three rows back on the bottom shelf.
Sometimes thrift stores are a bust, but go back in another week and your mind will change. Clothes, furniture, appliances, books, and art are constantly being turned over at thrift stores, so you’ll likely never find the same things twice. Also, when you thrift, you’re not only being budget-conscious but also taking part in saving the environment. Think of every trip to the thrift shop as helping the environment and saving money!