I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for house decor, furnishings, clothes, youngsters’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method might take slightly longer, I feel it’s properly price the additional time and power. There are such a lot of high-quality, distinctive items to be discovered secondhand.
Over time, I’ve developed a go-to course of that helps me navigate the world of thrifting and antiquing with extra ease and intention.
At the moment I’m sharing my ideas for purchasing at thrift and vintage shops.
1. Know what you’re on the lookout for.
It’s so useful to have a listing written down earlier than you step foot in a thrift or vintage retailer. This may assist you keep targeted on the issues that may truly add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that may solely develop into further muddle. In my most up-to-date thrifting journey, I used to be particularly trying to find a brand new pair of denims and a white button-up shirt, which helped me hone in my search within the retailer. I contemplate a Pinterest board a “record” as properly, so when you’re a visible particular person, that may give you the results you want too.
2. Do a lap.
Take a fast lap across the sections the place you’re most certainly to seek out what’s in your record. Add issues to your cart that catch your consideration. Then return to sure aisles the place you suppose you would possibly discover one thing actually particular and need to dig slightly deeper. Take slightly extra time on this re-assessment, as a result of typically you would possibly miss issues on the primary lap.
3. Edit ruthlessly.
When you’ve made your approach via the shop, edit down your cart and return something to the cabinets that you simply don’t actually want/need. Ask your self a few questions and get particular in your solutions.
- The place would I show or retailer this merchandise in my house?
- If it’s a bit of clothes, how would this match into my on a regular basis outfits?
- Has this merchandise been on my record for some time, or is it one thing I solely simply now determined I needed?
I’ve come throughout so many nice issues whereas thrifting and antiquing, however a lot of them had been objects I didn’t really need in the intervening time. Whereas the lower cost factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the fact is that when you don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll in all probability find yourself with some stuff you don’t truly use.
4. Be constant.
The extra commonly you go thrifting or antiquing, the higher you’ll develop into at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually need to carry house. I usually prefer to go to some shops in a single afternoon to benefit from my time. On different events, I solely have fifteen minutes to spare, so I’ll bop via a retailer and shortly browse one particular part. Both approach, consistency is essential on the subject of thrift and vintage purchasing.
5. Settle for the method.
Generally once I go to a thrift or vintage retailer, I don’t discover something to carry house. That’s okay. You’ll discover the objects in your record if you discover them—you may’t rush the method. Thrifting and antiquing are in regards to the hunt. For me, it’s about discovering distinctive items that may carry persona and character to my house or wardrobe. And once I discover one thing I really like, it’s properly well worth the effort and time which will have gone into the search.
6. Carry one thing to donate if you go.
When you’re going to a thrift retailer that accepts donations, benefit from your journey and produce one thing (or a few issues) to donate if you go.
7. Don’t go on an empty abdomen.
Final however actually not least: When you might help it, by no means go thrifting or antiquing on an empty abdomen (or thirsty, for that matter). Sifting via aisles and aisles of products requires power, and it is going to be a way more pleasurable expertise when you’re satiated beforehand. Belief me on this.
These are just a few of my favourite native spots to go to:
- Goodwill: Roseville, White Bear Lake, Arden Hills
- Savers: Columbia Heights, Woodbury
- Missouri Mouse Antiques
- Artwork & Structure
- H&B Gallery Antiques
Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is presently studying tips on how to play tennis and is endlessly testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
