Welcome to the next installment of THRIFTED GOODIES! If you enjoy thrift shopping and love the thrill of the hunt, then this post is for you. If you are new to the world of thrifting, then this post will be a wealth of information. There are many benefits to thrifting. These tips and techniques are helpful for navigating thrift stores. Come in, and check out my latests thrift finds while I share the details behind my thrifting strategy and secrets.
If you are new around here, welcome! I am so glad you are here today, and I hope you enjoy yourself. Drop me a comment down below and introduce yourself. I love hearing from you.
The Thrifted Goodies series consists of monthly posts where my friend, Rachel, from the Antiqued Journey, and I share thrift store goodness. Topics might include particular finds, tips, techniques, up-cycles, stylings and general advice about thrift shopping mostly for home decor in general.
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All About the Thrifted Goodies Series
Let me briefly review what the Thrifted Goodies is all about. As I mentioned, Rachel, from The Antiqued Journey and I share thrift shopping related posts each and every month. For example, today I am sharing the many benefits of thrifting, including the how, why, when and where to thrift shop.
Rachel is sharing all about her latest thrifted finds. She always finds the most amaZing pieces! You don’t want to miss her latest post and if you don’t know Rachel yet, make sure to hop over, introduce yourself and check out how to decorate your home in a thrifty way.
You can also find Rachel in her other spaces:
SO Many Benefits to Thrifting
There are so many different things to find at thrift stores, which makes it a treasure trove excursion. It’s one of the many things that makes thrift shopping such a fun activity. And like everything in life, having a strategy always helps, which is the reason I am sharing these tips & tricks for thrifting today. I mainly thrift shop for household items, but these thrifting tips & tricks can also apply to clothing, accessories and other thrift shopping categories.
WHY to thrift
Thrifting is environmentally conscious. Buying reused items is good for our planet since it recycles items others have used, and it keeps more things out of our landfills. I love to upcycle, recycle, and reuse items whenever possible.
Thrifting is economically sound. Thrift shopping always yields a great value on items you might not necessarily pay regular retail pricing. Granted these items are used, but sometimes this doesn’t really matter since the items are in great condition. Or the fact that they are used gives them wonderful patina and distressing that sometimes takes years to develop.
Thrifting provides extraordinary pieces. Since thrifted items have already had a life before you find them, they have a story to tell, which tends to make them unique. Many of the thrifted items I find and choose would probably not be items I would select as new. It makes the process of thrift store shopping super interesting and provides unique looks.
Thrifting Pro Tip: Look at thrift store finds while thinking outside the box. Sometimes you like an item, but don’t need to use it for its intended purpose. Make it yours!
HOW to thrift
Having a strategy and being organized around your thrift shopping excursions will yield the best results. Having a running list of things you are looking for with any corresponding details like dimensions, desired colors etc. is super helpful.
Also whenever I go thrifting I tend to be most successful when I am in the mood and take my time to look at everything thoroughly. I usually make an initial quick sweep and grab anything that speaks to me right away. Then take my time and look at everything thorough and through. Ultimately deciding what I will keep and what goes back on the shelf when I am ready to check out. Make sure to check everything you want to buy carefully, making sure it is not ripped, cracked, stained etc. Most thrift stores tend to have a no return policy.
Thrifting Pro Tip: Grab anything you think you might want or catches your eye even if you’re not 100% sure. This way another customer can’t grab it while you’re mulling it over.
Along with your running list of coveted items, also know the key makers and brands that are sought after. This might take some time with experience and research, but it’s helpful when deciding how much to pay for any given item.
WHEN to Thrift
The reality is you should thrift all the time. lol. I know that might sound extreme to some, but thrift shopping frequently will help you familiarize yourself with the store and schedules. It will also increase the probability to find that unique treasure.
Hitting the thrift store early in the morning will assure a well stocked store with new merchandise on the shelf. Also the first of the month tends to be better stocked since folks move out mainly at the end of the month, purging while packing up their households. Of course, during sales is a key time to shave more dollars from your finds.
WHERE to Thrift
Since it’s ideal to frequent your thrifts often, visiting the stores closest to you makes sense. Knowing your local thrift stores well is key to maximizing your experience. Become knowledgeable about the store hours and when sales are scheduled.
Of course if you are aware of a thrift store which has good finds but is a bit further away by all means try to get there as often as you can. I also always try to thrift shop when I am traveling, since the merchandise is always dictated by the specific region’s demographics. Product selection will be different in different areas, plus prices will also vary.
Styling Newest Thrifted Goodies
Milk Glass
Vintage milk glass is one of the things always on my list. Not too long ago I picked up a couple of milk glass bud vases to add to my collection. The hobnail piece actually is a perfect addition, which you can read more about here {thrifted goodies – hobnail & ruffle vintage milk glass}. Milk glass is one of those running items on my list, which were perfect accents for the latest table scape.
Green Goodies
In this thrift haul I found all green pieces that coordinate well together. This was not by design, but just happened. Green is my favorite color and my eye is always drawn to it. I found the bottle with French lettering first, which I grabbed right away. Then I found the book and as I skimmed the linens quickly, since I usually don’t find much at this particular thrift store, the green just peeked out. There was only one napkin but it coordinated perfectly with the other pieces and for only $1, why not?
Clear Glass with Gold Details
Much of our china, crystal and decor accents have gold trim. These glass pieces with gold trim grabbed my eye for whatever reason. It’s not something I necessarily look for, but for whatever reason this sweet compote and little bowl spoke to me. And here we are. These pieces and the green finds are styled in our summer foyer, which I will share in more detail next week.
More Thrift Finds Stylings to Come
There are a variety of pieces from my latest thrift hauls, which I have not styled yet. I will be sharing them here as I decide how to use them. For some pieces, I know exactly how I want to use them and for others I am not quite sure. It’s part of the process. I pick up things that are my style, which will invariable work in my decor. Always stay true to your style, regardless of trends or what your bestie is doing.
Closing Thoughts on the Benefits of Thrifting
I hope some of this is helpful for both those who are experienced thrifters, and for those who are just starting their thrift shopping journey. Please know, thrifting is a process and be patient. Expect the unexpected and embrace the imperfections. Every thrifting excursion is an adventure!
Thrifting Pro Tip: Make a list of items you would like to find while thrifting on your phone, and you will always have the list with you whenever you pop into a thrift. Update the list regularly as you find treasures and seek others. Have fun!
I love and enjoy thrift shopping for many of the reasons I shared here. I am so glad you are here today, and I hope the thrift love is contagious. Please hop over and visit my thrifty friend Rachel at The Antiqued Journey.
Get the Thrifty Look
- Instant Green (or any color you choose) Book collection, which looks curated through time.
- I love the look of these green checkered tea towels similar to look of the one I found.
- These towels are a bit different with the buffalo check look.
- I love the look of glass with gold trim and these tea lights are amazing!
- This gold rimmed glass bowl is amazing and looks super old.
- The rustic vibes on this wooden sail boat is fabulous and great for coastal vibes.
- Vintage milk glass bud vase here and here.
More Thrifting Posts
One of a Kind Thrift Store Finds for the Garden
Thrifted Basket Finds, Up-cycles & Styling ideas
Most Recent Posts
Moss Decor & Craft Ideas for your Home
Rustic Lavender Table Styling w/ a Touch of Vintage Milk Glass
Thrift shops are may favorite places for inspiration, you never know what you’re going to find. It’s a treasure hunt.”
Paul Octavious