How to Thrift Shop

Who doesn't love finding hidden treasures? It's become an obsession of mine, thrift store shopping that is, and how could it not? The satisfaction of finding a piece of furniture, with a small price tag, that just needs a coat of paint to become a staple in my home is beyond fulfilling.  And let’s face it.

We live in inexpensive times and any help we can get we'll take. I know the idea of a thrift store can be daunting, and a lot of us have this idea in our head of a dark, dusty dungeon with people's old possessions. While this can be true, there are those thrift stores that maintain a clean and organized store.  

That being said, not everything in a thrift store is acceptable to take home. There are some guidelines that you're going to want to follow especially if you're new to this.

           

      1. Be nice. Not that you aren’t in the first place…but the people who work in thrift stores, are usually not paid very well or they may not be paid at all. Many thrift stores provide vocational training or rehabilitation services to people on some form of state aid. Being pleasant could really benefit you. Not only with your health and well-being, but if this is a store you truly enjoy it’s good to build relationships with the employees. After time they may pick up on your style and be able to help you in your future endeavors.

    

          2. Go with a plan. Make a list of what exactly you need. The stores can usually be a bit overwhelming so it helps to know ahead of time what exactly it is that you’re looking for. It also decreases the chance of you coming home with a bunch of crap that you don’t need, therefore defeating the purpose of “thrift shopping”.

         

          3. Be open minded. Now, I know I just said don’t grab crap, but there are some exceptions. Keep your eyes open for that piece you’ve been dying to find, or that pillow that goes perfectly with your living room.

        

          4. Leave the kids. Quality time is important, just not here. There is too much for their little heads to wrap around and too much for their little hands to grab. Not to mention it’s really hard to focus on        

       

       5. Be creative. You have to keep in mind that most of the items you find in a thrift store are going to need some TLC. Keep in mind that you’re getting this piece at a bargain so a coat of paint or some new hardware isn’t too much to ask.  And hello *cough cough* PINTEREST! Use it! There are millions of DIY projects and tips for furniture and accessories.

      

       6. Go with cash. This will force you to stick to your budget and be more selective in your purchases.

       

       7. Go often. If you don’t find anything this week, go back next week. A thrift store’s inventory is constantly changing so there are new treasures to be found every week.

        

           8. Don’t be afraid to leave empty handed. It’s OK to leave without anything, and that’s why it’s good to check back often. So if you didn’t find that buffet you wanted, go back in a couple weeks.