10 Top Thrift Store Tips, What I’ve Learned in 35 Years of Thrifting

Thrift stores… I love ’em.  Anyone else with me?  I must have a little of my grandmother in me.  She used to stop at every garage sale she could find.  She’d tell us her car just took over and followed the signs.  Now that I’m an adult I feel that urge, too.  Forget malls… take me to the thrift store!  I’ve been thrifting for over 35 years so today I’m sharing my top 10 thrift store tips.

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I buy a lot of different things from different thrift stores.  You can tell that I get a lot of my DIY projects from thrift stores.  I also buy home decor, holiday decorations, and even clothes.  There are just a few things I wouldn’t buy from thrift stores.  Socks and underwear for example… YUCK!

Some of my friends are amazed that I can find so many good things.  They  tell me they never find anything.  So here are my top ten thrift store tips:

Top Ten Thrift Store Tips

1. Go often.  I try to go once a week.  Employees of my favorite shop have told me they have dealers that come in EVERY DAY.  I’m not ready to go that far but I’m sure you would find a lot more if you did.  And don’t get discouraged.  Some days you won’t find anything, next time you may fill up your car!

I keep reusable shopping bags in my car all the time just to be ready.  

2. Shop with a plan.  Make a list of shops in your area and map them out in a loop.  This will save you some time, too.  Start with the shop closest to your house then try to make a loop, including other places you need to shop also, such as Target or the drug store.  (Make sure any groceries are bought at the last stop.  Or bring an ice chest.)

My hubby used to watch the kids one day a week for me and I’d was able to do ALL my shopping and errands without distraction like this!

3.  Look for shops in older or more influencial neighborhoods.  These places will probably have more vintage and/or high end items donated.  I often don’t have time to go to these every week so I add them to my weekly loop every month or so.

4.  Research thrift shops in areas where you’ll be traveling.  Probably not a great idea for a family vacation but if you have to travel for a business trip or to visit family do a little Google search before you leave to see what kind of thrift shops you can find in those areas.  Or maybe a rest stop along the way.  Just make sure you leave a little extra room in the vehicle in case you find something!

We had a great trip back in April where I searched vintage shops while my husband went mountain biking.  I had jewelry boxes and cabinets stashed under seats and every cranny I could find in our Jeep!

5. Speed shop once through the whole store. Pick up anything that looks interesting not might not be there when you get back. Then go back and look closer.  If you don’t see anything on your first trip, head to the next shop!

Sunflower vignette with thrift store finds | DuctTapeAndDenim.com

{{{ Read 25 Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Thrift Stores. }}}

6. Have a list but think outside the box.  I keep a running list of things I’d like to find, measurements, and clothes I’m looking for, but most often I find things I love that I hadn’t been expecting.

7. Talk to employees and/or volunteers.  Once you start going to the same shops every week you’ll get to know the people that work there.  Be friendly.  Introduce yourself, call them by their first name, and let them know what you’re looking for.  Often we’ll have someone say, “Oh, we have one of those in the back.  Let me get it for you!”  Sometimes they’ll even let you leave your name and number.

8. Have a price limit.  This is a hard one!  Think about this ahead of time because when you see something you like you’re gonna want it no matter what.  I have had to do that with jewelry cabinets.  Some Goodwills are charging the same for their old beat up ones that I do for the ones I paint and makeover!  Do a quick online search on your phone if you’re not sure of the value or scarcity.

{{{ Read 10 Things You Should NEVER Buy at Thrift Stores }}}

9. Shop alone.  I know a lot of people like to shop with a friend.  And I do, too.  But when I’m doing my thrift store run that really slows me down.  Save the friend shopping day for when you’re going to a big vintage flea market!

10. Keep a thrift store “kit” in your car.  This might include hand sanitizer, bags, tissue paper, tape measure, water, and snacks.  You’ll most definitely want the hand sanitizer and carrying snacks and water will keep you from spending unnecessary money on food.  

I like these travel size hand santizers that can hook onto a loop of your purse or tote.   Then I keep a larger one in my Jeep.

And I have a couple of these reusable water bottles.  I like the flip up straws.

Then I found this amazing t-shirt that would be perfect to wear while thrifting!

Bonus thrift store tips:

11. Find out when sale days are.  My favorite shop has special theme sales every few months with a 50% off sale the last day.  Sometimes late that afternoon or the next day they do a “fill a bag for $5” sale!  Many shops also have a senior discount day with 20% off.

12.  Shop on Monday and Tuesday during the summer.  Lots of people have garage sales and bring in donations on Sunday and Monday.

13.  Take cash.  Some shops only take cash.  If you’re going to a new shop, make sure you have a little cash or call to ask if they accept credit.

Do you have more thrift store tips?  Leave me a comment if you do.  I’d love to hear them! Featured on: Frugal Mommas Friday 

‘Til the next project,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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