20 Best Thrift Store Tips

Who doesn’t love a good deal on some really cool items? Well, this is why I love a good thrift store or estate sale. I am currently in recovery from hoarding vintage cocktail glasses and furniture. It was an obsession for a while, but I have found some timeless items that I can’t envision ever parting with. I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to thrift store shopping. I learned from the best, my mom whom is the queen of a good second hand find long before it became a thing. She has taught many tricks of the trade and how to walk away from a bad deal. She looks often, but she rarely buys anything unless she gets it for a good price and its something that fits her style. So if you combine my mothers teachings and the years I’ve had as her apprentice then its over 50 years of experience in this thrifting game. I’ve put together a list of my “20 best thrift store tips | shopping guide”.

I have a Goodwill vintage 1950’s coffee table that I found on E-bay for auction starting at $599 and I got it for $50 bucks when I wasn’t even looking for a coffee table. My 1920’s antique vanity and some beloved lamps are also among my most treasured items. Today, I want to share with you my tips for shopping at thrift stores, antique markets, vintage boutiques, and yard/estate sales. Whatever, you want to call them because if you look often and know your style then you will come out with some treasured pieces.

Be prepared with a thrifting kit you will need a pencil/pen, notepad, tape measure, old blankets, a charged phone, bottled water, hand sanitizer and snacks.
Most importantly an empty and clean car because you need room to transport all your goodies.
Start out early for yard and estate sales. Sometime you can preview items online for large sales.
Don’t make a list, but keep an idea of things that you like. You never know what you will find, but knowing your style will keep you focused.
Cross body bag is ideal because it keeps your hands free.
Take cash because I’ve been given a deal or two because I’ve paid in cash.
Go alone unless you have a friend who can is gamed to thrift with the best of them. It is not a game.
Find your favorite spots and go often. Just stop in and see what they have new. Build a relationship with the staff.
Don’t buy things that require repairs that you are not willing to DIY or pay someone to fix. There is a reason sometimes why things are donated
I’ve found that E-bay, Etsy, Amazon and Google are good tools to determine if something is really authentic based on the sign or description. Sometimes it’s a replica of a vintage item and you are over paying for a discarded dollar store item.
Don’t overlook furniture pieces that need a new coat of paint. Often furniture pieces can be painted or refinished, but you can’t change the lines.
Make sure furniture especially wood items don’t have active signs of bugs or other creatures. Bed bugs and termites are a real thing.
When it come to clothing don’t always look at the size and how the store has identified the item. I found they get it wrong or other customers move items.
Wear tights and tank so that you can quickly try on clothing. And it’s a good thing to have a base to try on clothing because you know not everyone donates clean clothing.
Prices are not always firm at an antique market find a couple items and see if you can strike up a deal with the owner.
Always have a contact person that can move heavy and large items that want fit in your car. Sometimes the shop will have names of local companies.
Always check and see what the policy is for picking up bulk items that you can’t take same day. Make sure you can pick-up later without any additional fees.
Remember at thrift stores like Goodwill you can buy a frame with a print and then re-donate the print all at the same time. I do this all the time. I will buy and then leave behind a portion that I don’t need.
Personal experience I don’t like Goodwill’s near urban areas. I often find that they don’t have good vintage items. Stick with the stores off the beaten path. You will find some good vintage items. Often in mint condition because you know someone kept the item covered in plastic for 30 years.
Look often. . Because if you see it good chances you will not have an opportunity to buy it later.