My Secret Hobby
One of my favorite hobbies is thrifting. I have found so many treasures for home decoration or gifts, all for pennies on the dollar compared to their original cost. As a self-proclaimed “professional thrifter,” I’ve listed my top secret thrifting strategies below:
Timing: there are certain times when you’ll have better luck turning other people’s trash into your treasures:
Post-holidays, during spring break, and after long weekends are common times for people to declutter, when they go “Marie Kondo” on their homes and closets.
Go early — first thing in the morning is when the store is most organized and all the new inventory is on the shelves. After an initial loop through the store, I always check the “go back” area to see if there are any treasures that other shoppers picked up but ultimately left behind.
Weekdays are better than weekends, if your schedule allows it. On weekends, stores are brimming with customers and staff will have less time to stock shelves with additional inventory.
Other strategies to consider:
Go often. Inventory is constantly turning over and many new items hit the shelves every day.
Sign up for the email list to be notified when they offer an additional 20% discount on $20+ purchases as well as 50% off days.
Check the signage at the front of the store for the 50% off color tag for that day.
Take advantage of senior discounts on special days if you are 55+ (I’m not there, yet!😉)
Seek out the thrift stores in more expensive communities, or near retirement or new build communities. This is where you’ll find good vintage and contemporary designer brands.
Aimless browsing can be fun, but not always productive. I always have a list in mind of what I am looking for, but keep an open mind that I never know what treasure I may find.
Thrifting is all about knowing a good price when you see it, and seeing the potential in an item. Some of my favorite things to thrift are books, fancy glassware, vases, and home decor.
I prioritize quality and potential, and look for pieces that are unique in shape; don’t get too caught up in the fabric or color. You can reupholster and paint home decor, but you can’t change the shape or overall quality.
Happy thrifting!