Thrift Shopping 101

The Basics:

• Bring hand sanitizer, in case you touch something yucky
• Donate your own items – this often gets you a discount
• Check the racks near the dressing rooms – these are the items people already like enough to try on
• Look for any signs of damage, and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount
• Wear layers so you can try on clothing, like jackets or sweaters, without the hassle of the dressing room
• Buy off-season – you can get the best ugly Christmas sweaters in June, for dirt cheap!
• Shop often, and on weekdays, to avoid inventory that has been picked over by other shoppers

 

Best Buys: Furniture Coats Kids Clothing/Seasonal Clothing (has been worn the least times)

Worst Buys: Underwear & Swimsuits Safety Items (e.g. helmets, locks – may be worn out!) Electronics (always check to see if they work, or if they are compatible with your tech at home)

 

Avoid unwanted surprises – look inside…

• Pockets and lining (just don’t tear anything)
• Drawers, lids, and shelves
• Screw-holes
• Battery compartments
• Underneath and unzip cushions

*Always sanitize what you get from the thrift store (or any store tbh)*

Here are some safe ways:

• Boil it
• Steam clean it
• Wash it in a mixture of vinegar and water, or dish soap and water
• Wipe down with a mixture of vinegar and water

 

Budgeting:

• Don’t limit yourself completely, but have an idea of what you need when you go thrift shopping – what colors are you into right now? What events might you need nice clothes for? And look for those things rather than wandering.
• Give yourself a time limit! You only really need 45 minutes in most cases
• Have a specific budget for the “spontaneous” purchases – a bunch of really cheap things can still get quickly out of hand