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12 Things I Learned About Thrifting

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Thrifting is part of my nature. I guess I get it from my mama. There isn’t anything like the thrill of the hunt while trying to save a buck. I am sharing 12 things I learned about thrifting.

When thrifting for my home, I do tend to be intentional when thrifting even though my house is decorated with many thrift finds. While I may love thrifting, there are things I have learned over the years about it. These 12 things I learned about thrifting will help you on your next thrifting trip!

A thrift store with shelves of items for sale, including blue enamelware, oil lamp, dishes & so much more,

Keep in mind that when hitting the thrift stores, you may walk out with nothing.

This had happened to me on many occasions, even when I had made one trip to a few thrift stores. However, I will say this is a good thing because I do not want my house filled with junk. Even though I try to be intentional with thrifting, I have occasionally walked out with something I didn’t know I needed until I saw it. Again, this has happened on many occasions, but I always found the perfect spot for it in my home.

12 Things I Learned About Thrifting is always check the books in the thrift store.
  1. Keep a list of items you are on the hunt for. This will help keep you on the hunt for exactly what you are looking for & stay within your intentional means. The last thing you don’t want to do is bring items home that you have no intended use for.
  2. Go often. Checking often will ensure you will get good finds. You never know what you will find. When visiting your local thrift store, ask how often they restock. Most stores restock daily, whereas my local thrift store doesn’t.
  3. Bring your reusable bags. Many of our stores are no longer giving out bags. So be sure to bring your own bags to carry out your thrift finds!
  4. Sign up for their Rewards program. Ask your thrift store if they have a rewards program. You can save even more money on your items. For example, our local Liberty Ministries Thrift has a point system for every dollar you spend; you can earn a point.
  5. Always have measurements & measuring tape on hand. You don’t want to bring something home only to find out it doesn’t fit. Those items you purchase at the thrift store are non-refundable, and you don’t want to be out of money. So be sure what you are looking for will fit by keeping measurements and a little tape measure on hand.
  6. Make sure to check out the antique & vintage section. You never know what you will find. In addition, you can often find some decor for your home for a fraction of the price.
  7. Check the aisles more than once. When going through the aisles, be sure to always go through them again. On many occasions, I have missed items, or the workers are restocking shelves.
  8. Do you really want that item at the thrift store? If you are trying to be intentional when thrifting as I am, then be sure you know where that item you want at the thrift store has a place in your home rather than sitting in the attic or basement for storage.
  9. Sign up for their email list. Thrift stores often have red tea sales, for instance, 50% off. This is a great way to save even more on your thrifted items.
  10. Have a budget set! I rarely spend more than $20, but having a budget set will keep you from Impulse buying. Now, if you are looking for furniture, you may need to exceed that budget for your intentional use.
  11. Don’t be afraid to ask. If you are looking for a particular item, be sure to ask. You will be surprised what the thrift store may have stored in the stock room and has not made out on the shelves yet.
  12. Dress appropriately for trying clothes on. Be mindful that not all thrift stores have dressing rooms or have a long waiting to get in. However, you will be sure to find a mirror nearby. This will help if you wear clothes; for instance, you can try over your existing clothes if you can not get into the dressing room. 

Bonus tip: Before making a trip to the thrift store, do you have items you want to eliminate out of your home? Donate your items to the thrift store!

a box of clothes with a pink sink sign that says Donations ready for the thrift store to be donated.

I love thrifting! It is very affordable, and I am always finding unique items. Whether it be for home decor or wanting to spruce up your wardrobe, you can’t beat it.

I hope these 12 things I learned about thrifting have helped you for your next thrifting trip. Let me know in the comments below. 

Name image for Dusty at Linen and WildflowersIf you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

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8 Comments

  1. Thank you for the tips, I always learn something from reading your blog. Keep up the great work and ideas. Have a happy 4th of July 🚀

  2. This is right up my alley! I was raised going thrifting (thanks to my Gramma) and I LOVE it! The tips about bringing a measuring tape and signing up for deals are absolutely spot on! So glad to find another lover of thrifting my friend!

  3. Great tips as always! I didn’t find a single one that didn’t ring true to me over the years of thrifting I’ve done as well!

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