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 value 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 this time I’m sharing my suggestions for buying at thrift and vintage shops.
1. Know what you’re in search of.
It’s so useful to have an inventory written down earlier than you step foot in a thrift or vintage retailer. It will provide help to keep centered on the issues that may really add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that may solely change into additional litter. 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 “checklist” as properly, so should you’re a visible particular person, which may give you the results you want too.
2. Do a lap.
Take a fast lap across the sections the place you’re more than likely to seek out what’s in your checklist. 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 wish to dig slightly deeper. Take slightly extra time on this re-assessment, as a result of generally you would possibly miss issues on the primary lap.
3. Edit ruthlessly.
When you’ve made your manner by means of the shop, edit down your cart and return something to the cabinets that you just don’t really 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 checklist for some time, or is it one thing I solely simply now determined I wished?
I’ve come throughout so many nice issues whereas thrifting and antiquing, however a lot of them had been objects I didn’t really want in the intervening time. Whereas the lower cost factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the truth is that should you don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll in all probability find yourself with some stuff you don’t really use.
4. Be constant.
The extra recurrently you go thrifting or antiquing, the higher you’ll change into at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually wish to carry house. I typically wish to go to some shops in a single afternoon to profit from my time. On different events, I solely have fifteen minutes to spare, so I’ll bop by means of a retailer and shortly browse one particular part. Both manner, consistency is essential relating to thrift and vintage buying.
5. Settle for the method.
Typically after 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 checklist if you discover them—you may’t rush the method. Thrifting and antiquing are concerning the hunt. For me, it’s about discovering distinctive items that may carry character and character to my house or wardrobe. And after I discover one thing I really like, it’s properly well worth the effort and time that will have gone into the search.
6. Carry one thing to donate if you go.
If you happen to’re going to a thrift retailer that accepts donations, profit 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: If you happen to may also help it, by no means go thrifting or antiquing on an empty abdomen (or thirsty, for that matter). Sifting by means of aisles and aisles of products requires power, and it will likely be a way more satisfying expertise should 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 at present studying tips on how to play tennis and is without end testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
