We all have tight budgets right now and things cost more than ever (seriously!?). Creativity and self expressions seems to be at an all time high and we can't afford to make our apartments or bodies look good with the cost of everything.
I have been blessed with the skill to find pretty much anything in a thrift store... for dirt cheap. I have found art, furniture, decor, clothing, jewelry, shoes... dishes to cat toys... All sorts of things! I always tell my girlfriends about all of my amazing finds and they always say something along the lines of "Oh my gosh! SARAH! You always find the coolest things. It seems like every time I go into a Thrift Store, I never find anything!"
I hope these tips helps you!
1. Shop at thrift shops in more expensive areas of town.
For instance, I live in a pretty big town (150,000 or more) so we have quite a few thrift stores. Go to ones like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent De Paul, but choose the ones in nicer areas. A lot of these stores, the donations are taken on site, so if the shop is in a less expensive part of town, odds are, the stuff inside is going to be less "expensive" looking/in style.
2. Accept disappointment.
Thrift stores are always getting in new shipments. Some days there really isn't much and some days there's a lot. If there truly isn't anything you see that you like, just move on.
3. Time and patience.
Choose a day where you have ample time to spare. Looking through all of the rubbish takes TIME. I devote at least 3 hours to thrift shopping when I do (I am sure everyone in there thinks I am crazy, but I find some amazing things)!
4. Make a game plan.
When I go to a thrift store, I start at the same section and end at the same section (unless I have a specific thing in mind). It helps to look at your biggest interest first. If you love shoes, go to the shoes. This is when you'll have the most enthusiasm and energy so devote it to what you love! Choose the section you are least interested in last (electronics... furniture... etc.). It really helps to know what you're doing, where you're going, and why. It's so much better than thinking on the spot or wondering aimlessly.
5. Look through EVERYTHING.
Seriously. Don't just scan the area and walk away. Physically touch things and LOOK at them. Be prepared to feel the need to wash your hands! But be prepared, physically looking at things and computing information is draining!
6. Dress in something comfortable
and easy to take on and off (for trying on clothes, you rascals!). Don't bring a huge bag. You'll get so tired of carrying it around and there's nowhere to set it down, usually.
7. Eat and use the rest room before hand.
It sounds so silly and like something your mom would say, but really. I get so hungry halfway through thrift shopping... then I feel drained, yucky, and tired and I just go home. Make sure you are ready to go beforehand, so you don't make an excuse to leave when the going-gets-rough. And the going usually gets-rough.
8. Figure out what discounts or sales thrift shops are having.
For instance, most do something where a certain colored tag will be 50% off or %25 off. Some do a sale where all the books are on sale. Some have sales on certain days. Use those to your advantage. If you're on a really tight budget and yellow tags are on sale, only look at the yellow tags and don't even humor other items (they're a waste of time if your budget is tight).
9. Don't worry about what people think.
People always think other people will think they're poor if they are shopping at a thrift store. Who cares? Who even cares if you're poor or rich anyway. Nobody needs to know. If you don't like feeling "poor" (first, shame on you for that), hold your head high and walk proudly. Nobody doubts a person with confidence, wealthy or otherwise. Do what you went there for: to find cute things at crazy cheap prices.
10. Switch it up.
Go with a friend one day, your sister the next, and yourself the next. Try out what works for you. Do you need extra motivation to try something on? Do you do better when you're by yourself? Figure out what works for you. But don't bring a friend (or sibling) who gets bored quickly or is nagging!
Thrift shopping takes patience. You will get the hang of it and start finding incredible deals!
Good luck ;)
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