How to Thrift: Thrift Store Shopping Tips :

How to Thrift: Thrift Store Shopping Tips

How to thrift and the best thrift shopping tips to find the best deals and pieces for your home

I will never ever think of thrifting without singing that thrift store song in my head, do you know the one I’m talking about?

The song is catchy but actually thrift store shopping is way more addictive!

I would say over 50% of our home is furnished with thrift store furniture and decor. There is something about repurposing a piece or finding a beautiful antique that just adds personality and character to your space.

The best part is that thrift store shopping allows you to furnish and decorate your home on a budget.

Today I thought I would share some of my favorite thrift store shopping tips to make your next thrifting trip a success!

What is Thrifting

How to Thrift: Thrift Store Shopping Tips

Before we dive in let’s talk about what thrifting is…

Thrifting refers to the practice of shopping at thrift stores, second-hand shops, or consignment stores, where pre-owned items, such as clothing, furniture, and household goods, are sold at reduced prices.

Thrifting is a great way to find unique or vintage items on a budget!

I also consider Facebook Marketplace thrifting, just an online thrifting version. You can find some really amazing pieces on Facebook Marketplace and I have a whole post you can check out about that here.

Thrift Store Shopping Tips

When to Go Thrifting

A lot of thrifting success is about knowing when to shop.

This isn’t convenient for a lot of people but, going thrifting during the week usually yields a better haul. The weekends tend to be busier and items are more picked over.

It’s also helpful to contact your local thrift store and find out which days they restock. This will ensure you get first dibs on the goods.

The season also affects the stock at thrift stores. You can find some real gems during early spring and after New Years when people are getting rid of a lot of items.

Have a Plan

One common thing I hear when people are wanting to start thrift shopping is that they get really overwhelmed with all the things.

It can definitely be overwhelming because there is a lot going on in a thrift store and it isn’t always super organized.

The best piece of advice I can give is to have a plan for what you are looking for. Keep a note in your phone or join our email list and have access to this FREE printable thrifting sheet I made to help you stay on track.

I like to write down what type of items I am looking for and which space I am buying them for. For instance I am currently on the prowl for antique Christmas ornaments, vintage art prints, ornate frames, and entryway table decor.

You don’t have to stay strictly to your list, but it helps to have a plan and know what you really need.

Bring a Measuring Tape

Anytime I go thrifting or to an antique store I bring a measuring tape.

On the thrifting printable I made I have a space to record what size piece of furniture can fit my space.

There is nothing worse than finding the perfect piece of furniture, bringing it home, and realizing it’s actually too small or too large for your space.

Google Images

Have you ever come across an item and thought it might be an expensive piece?

Download the Google Images app and you can simply snap a photo and see what the item is currently selling for.

This makes it easy to know if it’s priced way too high or if you just found a gem for cheap!

Know the Quality Brands

How to thrift and the best thrift shopping tips to find the best deals and pieces for your home

Another helpful tip is to write the names of the quality brands in your notes app. This way you can easily determine if the piece has value and quality.

Some brand names I look for are:

Ethan Allen- Furniture
Thomasville- Furniture
Culver Canella- Glassware
Orrefors- Glassware
Baker Furniture
Knoll- Furniture
McCoy- Vintage Pieces
Virginia MetalCrafters- Decor Items

5 Things I always Buy at a Thrift Store

It’s good to have a list but there are some items I always get when I go to a thrift store.

Wicker Baskets

Wicker baskets are usually pretty cheap and can have multiple purposes. I love to grab a bunch and use them during the holidays to give gifts or fresh baked goods in. Plus I always need more organization and baskets are my go to way to do that.

Picture Frames

Picture frames are another item thrift stores usually sell for pretty cheap. Don’t get caught up in the current art they are displaying either, that’s easily changed out.

Here are some really great budget friendly art prints from Amazon!

Plus if you don’t love the color but love the size and detail of the frame you can always grab a can of spray paint to transform it into your style and preferred finish.

Vintage Wallpaper or Wrapping Paper

I have scored some really beautiful vintage wallpaper rolls at a thrift store before. Now I always look for vintage wallpaper and wrapping paper.

It’s perfect for wrapping gifts, cutting and framing, or lining drawers with.

Ceramic Pottery

I love that ceramic pottery is so unique. Each piece is filled with character and charm. Plus they can be used in the kitchen to hold utensils, as a vase, or even as bookshelf decor.

Hardcover Books

Hardcover books are always a good thrift store find. Books are great for adding height to decor, styled on a bookshelf, or even as a unique centerpiece item.

Don’t forget to look behind the book jacket, some hardcover books are really beautiful behind the book jacket!