It's no secret that I love thrifting. I'm not sure if it's something you can consider a hobby although it does require skill and persistence. Thrifting is not something that is for everyone but I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the fact that thrifted items are unique. Sometimes thrifted items are vintage and have their own little history to them as well. The problem is second-hand stores can be a little overwhelming. The racks are crammed full of clothes and the shelves are cluttered. You really do have to search through hundreds of item for every one item that is worth purchasing. Now that may sound a little tedious, and truth be told, it is, but it's also that much more rewarding when you find something awesome. So if you're interested in thrifting but are intimidated or maybe just don't know where to begin, here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Keep an open mind.
If you go into a thrift store with something specific in mind, chances are you will be disappointed. If you look with an open mind you might also be able to find a few items with potential. Some of my favorite DIYs have come from something I thrifted. Just don't invest in something that needs too much work because it may just end up collecting dust at your home instead of at the thrift store.
2. Stick to a budget.
The great thing about thrifting is that most things come with a very small price tag, but this can be a double edged sword. You may have money to spend, but keeping yourself to a budget may help you in determining which items are actually useful and which items may just be an impulse buy waiting to happen. Don't let yourself buy something just because it's cheap.
3. Thrift regularly, and early.
This one is easy. Thirft stores get new inventory every day. Thrifting regularly is the only way to ensure you don't miss out on a great item. By going regularly you'll be able to know when sales are happening as well. By going early you'll increase the likelihood that you get first dibs on the newest merchandise. Kind of a no brainer, right?
4. Ignore Clothes Sizes, Try Everything On.
While sizes can vary from store to store Thrifting is something entirely different. Due to the fact that the clothes in thrift stores are from all different stores and decades, the only way to ensure that something is your size is to try it on. You will find clothing from name brand stores (I find target clothes with the tags still on them ALL THE TIME) and those sizes are obviously pretty safe. My rule of thumb is that if an item is vintage or if it's from a brand I'm unfamiliar with, I have to try it on before purchasing it. I've done my fair share of eyeballing an item only to get it home and it not fit. Thrift stores have dressing rooms for a reason!
5.Take Your Time.
As I mentioned before, thrifting can sometimes mean digging through a whole lot of crap to find something that is actually worth while. Being thorough when browsing at a thrift store can increase your chances of uncovering treasure. There have been times when thrifting when I felt like giving up and leaving empty handed only to find something tucked away in a corner (no doubt by another thrifter, hoping to save it for purchase on another day).
That's all of the Thrifting Tips and Tricks I have for you today. Depending on the response to this post I may do a follow up that is more specific to clothing or housewares while thrifting, or even just some additional tips and tricks for thrifting. I would love to know if you guys enjoy reading posts such as this.
Do you have any tips or tricks you follow when thrifting? I'd love to hear what other people's process while thrifting is like!
-Reagan
If you go into a thrift store with something specific in mind, chances are you will be disappointed. If you look with an open mind you might also be able to find a few items with potential. Some of my favorite DIYs have come from something I thrifted. Just don't invest in something that needs too much work because it may just end up collecting dust at your home instead of at the thrift store.
2. Stick to a budget.
The great thing about thrifting is that most things come with a very small price tag, but this can be a double edged sword. You may have money to spend, but keeping yourself to a budget may help you in determining which items are actually useful and which items may just be an impulse buy waiting to happen. Don't let yourself buy something just because it's cheap.
3. Thrift regularly, and early.
This one is easy. Thirft stores get new inventory every day. Thrifting regularly is the only way to ensure you don't miss out on a great item. By going regularly you'll be able to know when sales are happening as well. By going early you'll increase the likelihood that you get first dibs on the newest merchandise. Kind of a no brainer, right?
While sizes can vary from store to store Thrifting is something entirely different. Due to the fact that the clothes in thrift stores are from all different stores and decades, the only way to ensure that something is your size is to try it on. You will find clothing from name brand stores (I find target clothes with the tags still on them ALL THE TIME) and those sizes are obviously pretty safe. My rule of thumb is that if an item is vintage or if it's from a brand I'm unfamiliar with, I have to try it on before purchasing it. I've done my fair share of eyeballing an item only to get it home and it not fit. Thrift stores have dressing rooms for a reason!
5.Take Your Time.
As I mentioned before, thrifting can sometimes mean digging through a whole lot of crap to find something that is actually worth while. Being thorough when browsing at a thrift store can increase your chances of uncovering treasure. There have been times when thrifting when I felt like giving up and leaving empty handed only to find something tucked away in a corner (no doubt by another thrifter, hoping to save it for purchase on another day).
That's all of the Thrifting Tips and Tricks I have for you today. Depending on the response to this post I may do a follow up that is more specific to clothing or housewares while thrifting, or even just some additional tips and tricks for thrifting. I would love to know if you guys enjoy reading posts such as this.
Do you have any tips or tricks you follow when thrifting? I'd love to hear what other people's process while thrifting is like!
-Reagan
Great tips! I cannot tell you how many times I find something that is not in my "Size" but when I try it on it fits perfectly, or will fit perfectly with just some minor alterations.
ReplyDeleteexactly. I've found it's really just best to try everything on because sometimes even if it is your "size" it just doesn't look right. so when in doubt i try it on :)
ReplyDelete