I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for dwelling decor, furnishings, clothes, children’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method could take a little bit longer, I feel it’s effectively 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 present I’m sharing my suggestions for purchasing at thrift and vintage shops.
1. Know what you’re searching 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 to keep targeted on the issues that can really add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that can solely change 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 think about a Pinterest board a “checklist” as effectively, so in case you’re a visible particular person, which may be just right for you too.
2. Do a lap.
Take a fast lap across the sections the place you’re probably to search out what’s in your checklist. Add issues to your cart that catch your consideration. Then return to sure aisles the place you assume you would possibly discover one thing actually particular and need to dig a little bit deeper. Take a little bit 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 means via 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 dwelling?
- If it’s a chunk 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 gadgets I didn’t really want in the meanwhile. Whereas the cheaper price factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the truth is that in case you don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll in all probability find yourself with some belongings you don’t really use.
4. Be constant.
The extra frequently you go thrifting or antiquing, the higher you’ll change into at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually need to carry dwelling. I usually wish to go to a couple 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 rapidly browse one particular part. Both means, consistency is essential in the case 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 dwelling. That’s okay. You’ll discover the gadgets in your checklist while 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 can carry character and character to my dwelling or wardrobe. And once I discover one thing I really like, it’s effectively well worth the effort and time which will have gone into the search.
6. Convey one thing to donate while you go.
If you happen to’re going to a thrift retailer that accepts donations, benefit from your journey and convey one thing (or a few issues) to donate while you go.
7. Don’t go on an empty abdomen.
Final however definitely not least: If you happen to will 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 gratifying expertise in case you’re satiated beforehand. Belief me on this.
These are a couple of 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 how you can play tennis and is perpetually testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
