Ever been thrift store shopping? I recently spent a beautiful day shopping in Kentucky. I like to go to Murray because it has some of the best resale and consignment stores in the area.
When I was working I loved to shop at discount stores for home decor. I have always liked using the dollar store for inexpensive crafting materials to use in DIY projects. But it wasn’t until I retired several years ago that I began to do regular thrift store shopping. If you’ve never been, it’s the most fun you’ll have with your friends in an afternoon.
Some days we have fabulous finds and some are just not as successful, but it is always fun either way and the search is as much a part of the fun as the thrift store shopping find. For the best results, buy what you love, it may not have any real value, but how you feel it is worth the purchase.
I have purchased a ceramic Christmas plate for $3.00 and later found out it was worth $50.00. I will not resell it, because I love it and it was a great deal. Have an open mind about what is available.
Sometimes looking for a specific item helps you to pass over something that is just sitting there waiting to be noticed. On one shopping trip, I saw a small set of dishes that I loved, and I talked myself out of them. When I got home I regretted not picking them up. When I went back to get them, of course they were gone.
The old adage ” One mans’ trash is another mans’ treasure” is true and some days there is nothing but trash. But oh! when you see that glass plate or silver bowl or wicker basket that you just can’t live without, the $1.50 you paid is the find of the week. This new thrift store shopping hobby I have found is great on my retirement budget. The fun is priceless.
Top 10 Tips for Thrift Store Shopping
- Ask around for information on the best thrift stores in the area. You can simply Google “thrift stores near me” for results in your area. Be sure to ask around to find someone who has been to them to get their opinions on which ones are best. Most thrift stores these days have websites and Facebook pages. Be sure to follow their pages and subscribe to their email newsletters if they have one.
- Find out when the best day to shop happens to be.
- Go early. You want to be there when the shop opens to get the best finds, especially on days when they are re-stocking from shipments.
- Pick thrift stores in nice neighborhoods for the best stuff.
- Have an idea of what you want or need before you go thrift store shopping.
- Know what can be re-purposed and have a vision for it while shopping. This is especially true for furniture pieces.
- Keep a list of the items you are looking for and have it handy every time you shop. Sometimes it takes several trips to find the perfect DIY piece for your next project.
- Remember that there may be additional discounts for seniors and coupons available. Just ask before you go or find out from your thrift store shopping friends.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle for the price you want. It’s always worth a shot.
- If it’s a yard sale or church treasure sale, go late. Often times the best deals to be had are in the afternoon on the last day, when unsold items have to be tossed or shipped off to the local consignment shops.