If there’s one thing you should know about me, is that, I. Love. Thrifting. I am frugal, not to be confused with being cheap. So, I consequently have developed a good eye for finding good quality things. Which by the way you can also thrift online, heard of Thred Up? And I don’t go just because my tribe has grown to where it’s at. I go because I love the hunt and the thrill of a good find. So, here are a few things to keep in mind on your next trip to the thrift store and if you have never gone – you must!
⇒ Charge your phone and eat.
⇒ Be sure you have cleared out space in your car, for large items.
⇒ Wear comfortable shoes and take a hands free bag/purse, this will make browsing easier.
⇒ Know your people’s sizes! I have the sizes saved in my phone, especially the kids, they are constantly outgrowing their clothes.
⇒ If you’re in search of a table or desk don’t be hesitant to go to a thrift store before going to a department store. And if you are in the hunt for a furniture piece measure the space at home and take the measuring tape to the store with you.
⇒ Start in the furniture section. If you like something, let the store associate know right away. They’ll bring it to the back of the register area and reserve it for you.
** DO NOT buy anything such as throw pillows or mattress’, can you say bedbugs?!
⇒ Carry or load everything in your shopping cart, even “maybe items” and don’t put it back unless you’re absolutely sure you don’t want it.
⇒ There’s no need to touch every single clothing item on the racks, just keep an eye out for good fabrics, such as denim/chambray, cotton, silk, linen, etc.
⇒ Inspect/check items thoroughly.
⇒ Know good quality brands as well, here are a few of my personal favorites.
- If you’re pregnant, Liz Lange Maternity from Target, A Pea In The Pod, Gap Maternity or Old Navy Maternity.
- For women, Old Navy, Gap, Joe Fresh from Nordstrom, BP. from Nordstrom, Lush from Nordstrom, A New Day from Target or Merona from Target.
- For men, True Religion, Gap, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Banana Republic, Dockers or Kenneth Cole Reaction.
- And for kids, Gap, Baby Gap, Hanna Andersson, Old Navy or Cat and Jack from Target.
⇒ Search off season too, say start looking at Winter sweaters for the family in the Summer. Just remember to size up.
⇒ Thrift stores like Goodwill have a color system, this specific color is assigned each week and will have a percentage off. So, what may have cost you $3, if it’s within the color assigned for the week, may only cost you say $1.50!
⇒ I come from a smoke-free environment and appreciate smoke-free environment items. So, if it has a cigarette smell, don’t buy it!
⇒ If you like accessories, take a look at their jewelry case, you may be pleasantly surprise of what you may find.
⇒ Every thrift store is different, yes they technically carry the same things however I’ve found that the area will influence the donations the store receives. I have three stores I generally tend to visit the most and have found that “A” will be best to shop for my husband, “B” for the kids and “C” for furniture.
⇒ Lastly when I arrive home, I like to remove all tags and put in to wash ASAP.
And like all things, have fun!
-Ana
Mom Life With Chiari 