5 TIPS to have a successful THRIFTING trip

Being a thrift shopper is something I like to equate to being a treasure hunter, an archeologist of rare and amazing finds. Ok Ok maybe that pushes it just a little far, but if you love to thrift you know what I am talking about.

That rush you get when you find something AMAZING

There is nothing like walking into a thrift store and seeing something on a shelf and rushing to get there as fast as you can. I just LOVE it!

I have people ask me often can they come with the thrifting? I love to have people come, but obviuosly that can’t always happen.

I want to share with you my 5 tips for having a successful thrifting trip!

1. GO OFTEN

The number one thing I tell people when they ask me how do I always find so many good things thrifting is, I GO ALL THE TIME. Now the first thing you are gonna say is you don’t have time for that. I get that I honestly do, but let me just say I am not talking about a day trip. I am simple saying if there is a thrift store on your way to or from work? Maybe on the way to the grocery store? Plan just a few extra minutes to pop in and do a quick walkthrough. Once you go often you can be in and out of most shops in 10-15 minutes.

2. SHOP SMALL &&& LARGE

Do a little Google search of thrift stores in your area. You may be surprised that there are some small unknown shops you have never been to. Goodwills are pretty easy to find, but go searching for the small ones.

Why do this you ask? I think the smaller shops offer better pricing. They are not stuck to a corporate price structure & I think they are more willing to negotiate if an item has been sitting for a while.

3. Be PREPARED

After many years of shopping thrift stores there are a few things I never leave home without.

• Measurements. If you are shopping for specific sized items, dresser, mirror, shelf be sure to have those measurements written down and with you. Make a note on your phone or a good old fashioned piece of paper.
• Tape Measure. Bring your own tape measure. Trust me the shops don’t always have one you can use. You can find small easy to carry ones at most hardware stores.
• Wipes, yup wipes. This stuff is not new and some may be dirty.
• Magnifying glass. If you are hunting for small treasures you may want to have an easy way to read labels or stamping on the bottom of dishes or figurines.
• Tools. Well believe it or not I have needed them a few times. You never know when you may find that amazing table you have always wanted but it won’t fit unless you take the legs off. You don’t want to leave it behind because you don’t have a screwdriver.

4. KEEP an OPEN MIND

I enter a thrift store in a ZIN state of mind….. HAHAHHAHA. No that is not true, but I don’t go into a shop saying today is the day I am going to find a paint by number or a vintage scale or whatever you have always wanted.

You have to go in with the thought of what treasures will there be waiting for me.

For me, it is all about vintage. I go into every store with an open mind of hunting for ANY vintage I collect.

If you know at Christmas time you are going to want ALL the vintage Santas well then you better pick them up in July if you find one. I just keep a box at the top of my storage area to toss in any seasonal items I find over the year. Then when the time comes for decorating for that season I know exactly where to go.

Now I don’t want to encourage you to buy everything, but I do say if you like it, buy it.

I have found that if I like it, I will find a place for it.

5. BE NICE

I know I know this is the number one rule of life. We all know the old saying, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. This applies to thrift store employees also.

I am a friendly person. I mean honestly, I love chatting with perfect strangers. It annoys the crap out of my kids. LOL. But I have been shopping the same thrift stores for years and once the employees get to know you they will give you a heads up on upcoming sales or events.

I have walked into a shop before and had an employee walk me right to an item they knew I would love.

Now that is SERVICE!

I hope this helps everyone on their next thrifting adventure!

Come back soon for more tips, DIYS and projects!!

And be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook

Pam

Junk ON