Have you ever been so hopeful when walking into a thrift store only to come out empty handed and slightly disappointed? Yeah, me too! Luckily for you, I have learned a few tips and tricks over the years and will teach you exactly how to shop at thrift stores!
Thrift store wicker bottles
Learning how to shop at thrift stores is a great way to save money and create a beautiful, collected home. I have found some unique finds over the years and have become quite addicted to the hunt!
It’s safe to say majority of my home is furnished and decorated with thrift store finds. I have learned some of the best secrets to successful thrift store shopping.
Whether you’re an old pro or just joining us on this journey as a beginner, these 4 tips will make your next thrift store adventure a victory!
This post is all about how to shop at thrift stores for home decor.
In this post you will learn the 4 thrift shopping tips to successful home decor thrifting. You will master:
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The best times to thrift
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How to DIY your projects
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Learn exactly what pieces to look for
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How to get the most bang for your buck
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL THRIFT STORE SHOPPING
1. Tips for thrift store shopping: Learn the best time to shop
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the perfect home decor treasures! To ensure you have the best chance of snagging thrift store finds, you have to know the right times to shop. My first tip for thrift store shopping is to go on week day mornings. Dealers update the booths, shelves, and inventory after hours or first thing in the morning. Arriving early will ensure you have the best selection before all the hidden gems get gone! You could even ask an employee if they have a regular restock day.
The next best time to go is during seasonal transitions. People tend to clean out their homes and donate their items. This is also the perfect time to find seasonal home decor.
A secret to successful thrifting is to visit the thrift stores often. Decor is always circulating and the frequent visits will guarantee you will find the unique home decor piece you’re looking for!
Thrifted Brass Lamp Bass
2. Thrift store shopping: Examine your thrift store finds carefully
The deals and steals you can find when thrift store shopping is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of thrifting. But it’s important to keep in mind that sometimes your finds can be damaged. Therefore, another tip to successfully shopping at thrift stores for home decor is to examine your thrift store finds carefully. This is especially important when it comes to furniture.
When you are examining your items, be sure to open up any drawers and check for functionality. Always check for damages, especially on the edges or corners. These are common areas for scratches.
The next tip when it comes to being a successful thrift store shopper is always, always, always, have a tape measure on hand! Yes, I’ve learned this the hard way. There have been one too many times when I think a piece of furniture will fit in a specific spot in my house. I get it home, and surprise! I overestimated and it doesn’t fit the space! The bad part is that thrift stores are usually final sell. No returns or exchanges. So, do yourself a favor and don’t make this rookie mistake when it comes to shopping thrifted home decor!
Some wears and tears are completely fixable with some DIY projects and TLC. Don’t let a piece of furniture or piece of decor scare you away just because it needs a little work. Sometimes all it takes is a little vision and some imagination! Consider the quality, condition, and how much time you’d want to spend on repurposing it.
100% Thrifted Home Decor
3. How to shop at thrift stores: Learn exactly what to look for
The next tip for thrift store home decorating is knowing exactly what to look for! One of the hardest parts of thrifting is walking into a thrift shop and becoming completely overwhelmed because you don’t know where to begin. We’ve all been there!
Successful thrifting means knowing the classic finds and the must have home decor items to look for. The good news is, I have an entire post dedicated to this! Check out my post about home decor thrift store finds you should NEVER pass up! You can read in detail about it here!
Everything but the picture frames are thrifted finds
4. Shopping at thrift stores: Learn how to negotiate
The last tip when it comes to being a successful home decor thrifter, is learning how to negotiate prices to get the best deal. It’s important to do your research and know the true value of the item you’re interested in. Really consider if the item you are potentially purchasing is a deal or a scam.
Most of the adrenaline rush in thrift shopping comes from the hunt and the thrill of the find! Then the best part comes when you discover the very discounted price. It’s so exciting to get the most bang for your buck!
And finally, the best tip and secret I have for thrifting and antique shopping is to always ask for 10% off. More often than not the store or seller will want to seal the deal and make the sell. They almost always give the 10% discount. It never hurts to politely ask!
I hope these 4 tips on how to shop at thrift stores was helpful and I hope your next thrifting adventure is a success!
This post was all about how to shop at thrift stores.
Drop a comment below about a thrifted home decor item you’re most excited to hunt for!
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