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10 Tips for Better Thrifting

Thrifting...you either love it or you hate it.


If you LOVE it, you're likely one of those blessed people who seem to always luck out and find the most amazing treasures. You're the envy of all your friends because not only do you look cute with your thrifted J Crew outfit that you found for $5, but your home always looks adorable and when asked where you found the goods...your reply is always the same, 'Oh that silly thing? I found it thrifting!' as if the thrifting Gods just lay the most precious finds directly at your feet.


If you HATE it, you're likely the opposite. Either thrifting grosses you out and you can't possibly imagine having, owning or heaven forbid, using, something that another person has previously owned OR you always strike out on your thrifting errands, believe that you don't know where to look and think that junk is the only thing lining the shelves.


If the latter is you, you're in luck...successful thrifting happens when you know a few secrets and today, I'm sharing those secrets with you so you can walk away with less cash in your wallet and more treasures that you just have to have.



10 tips for more success when shopping at thrift stores

  1. Know your design style:

    Figuring out your personal design style is like discovering your superpower—it might take a hot minute, but trust me, it’s the secret sauce whether you're splurging on full-price goodies at Pottery Barn or scoring treasures on thrift store dollar days. Once you've nailed down your style, you'll make decisions with the confidence of a superhero choosing their next cape. You'll have the magical ability to pick items that fit perfectly with your home’s vibe, plus, you’ll harness the ultimate power: knowing when to grab that must-have item and when to leave it on the shelf for someone else to adore... even if you’re head over heels for it!


  2. Make a list:

    Surprise! You're actually going to whip up not one, but two lists.


    List one: Jot down all those design elements that tickle your fancy. What metals, wood shades, colors, etc., are you always drawn to like a moth to a flame? If you know you're head over heels for brass, let those pewter candlesticks gather dust on the store shelf.


    List two: Create a wish list of items you might be hunting for. Will you stumble upon them? Ehhh...maybe, maybe not, but at least you'll be primed and ready for a treasure hunt!


  3. Go often:

    'Often' for you might mean a monthly expedition, or maybe a bi-weekly adventure. It's probably as unique as your taste in socks. The main takeaway here - just go! If you only venture out once a year and then grumble about never finding any treasure, but secretly dream of it...well, you've got to get out there more often, sis!

    If you have a favorite shopping haunt, the kind that makes your heart sing...keep going back! And here's a pro tip: chat up the staff and discover their restock days. Then, mark your calendar and prepare for a shopping safari!


  4. Know your comparables:

    Just because it's lounging around at the thrift store doesn't mean it's a steal! Do some detective work and find out what a brand-new version costs at a big box store. If the price difference is just a few bucks, walk away and slap that thrift store on your naughty list—because seriously, they should know better!


  5. Know when to walk away:

    You can't tell when to break up with a thrift store treasure, even if you're head over heels for it, without doing your homework from tip 1. Just because it's your new crush doesn't mean it'll get along with the rest of your home decor. It might stick out like a sore thumb, and not in a cute way. So, feel free to swoon over that quirky find AND leave it behind for someone else to swoon over. If it doesn't vibe with your style, keep it out of your cart and save yourself the drama (and the money)!


  6. Check it out:

    Sniff it, sit on it, turn it over...basically you're going to get all Inspector Gadget on these items ESPECIALLY if they are furniture. Checking for scratches, gauges, broken or missing parts is on you, the buyer. Knowing IF or HOW to fix them if you find them is also on you. More on that...


  7. Be realistic:

    If the item in question needs a bit of repair, do yourself a solid and ask yourself these questions before you head for the checkout stand.

    a. Are the repairs that are needed in MY wheelhouse? Or do I need someone else to fix it for me so I can use it (if you need someone else, think about how much you'd be willing to pay...seriously...your honey already has a big enough honey-do list to tackle projects like this)

    b. What's your timeline? Do you have time to work on the repairs in the next two weeks? If you don't, leave it at the store. Why? Best intention or some day items are the nemesis of a clean garage. If you DO have the time, put it on your calendar BEFORE buying it.

    c. Is the cost of repairs (both monetarily and time investment) going to be worth it?


  8. Ask yourself these questions BEFORE buying:

    a. Does it match your aesthetic?

    b. Do you know where it's going to live when you get it home?

    c. Does it need to be altered/modified before you can or want to use it (see above questions)?

    d. How will you feel if you walked away today and came back for it in two weeks to find that it sold?

    e. How will you feel if you spent the money on it today, but realize in two weeks that you actually don't want it or need it? What's your exit plan - keep it anyway, donate it back, sell it?


  9. Remove all expectations:

    The more you expectations you have while thrifting, the more likely you'll end up with a pair of mismatched socks. The shelves change faster than a chameleon at a disco, so who knows what you'll stumble upon each day? The only thing you should expect is the unexpected!


  10. Prepare to be surprised:

    Life's like a box of chocolates—or maybe a yard sale—you never know what you're gonna find! Some days you'll hit the jackpot, and others, well, you'll just find a bunch of junk. But if you know what to sniff out (tip 1), your odds of bringing home that hidden gem are way better.


    Ever snagged a thrifted gem and thought, "Now what?" Fear not! Join The Collective, the home decorating membership that dishes out weekly wisdom on transforming your space from drab to fab. It's like having a personal design guru on-call!


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