I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for house decor, furnishings, clothes, youngsters’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method could take slightly longer, I believe 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 the moment I’m sharing my ideas for buying at thrift and vintage shops.
1. Know what you’re searching for.
It’s so useful to have an inventory written down earlier than you step foot in a thrift or vintage retailer. This may enable you keep centered on the issues that may truly add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that may solely turn into further 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 take into account a Pinterest board a “record” as properly, so if you happen to’re a visible individual, that may be just right for you too.
2. Do a lap.
Take a fast lap across the sections the place you’re almost certainly to search out what’s in your record. Add issues to your cart that catch your consideration. Then return to sure aisles the place you assume you may discover one thing actually particular and wish to dig slightly deeper. Take slightly extra time on this re-examination, as a result of typically you may miss issues on the primary lap.
3. Edit ruthlessly.
When you’ve made your method by 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 record 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 need for the time being. Whereas the lower cost factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the truth is that if you happen to don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll most likely 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 turn into at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually wish to deliver house. I usually prefer to go to a couple 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 a retailer and rapidly browse one particular part. Both method, consistency is necessary relating to thrift and vintage buying.
5. Settle for the method.
Generally once I go to a thrift or vintage retailer, I don’t discover something to deliver house. That’s okay. You’ll discover the gadgets in your record whenever 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 deliver character and character to my house or wardrobe. And once I discover one thing I like, it’s properly definitely worth the effort and time which will have gone into the search.
6. Carry one thing to donate whenever you go.
When you’re going to a thrift retailer that accepts donations, profit from your journey and produce one thing (or a few issues) to donate whenever you go.
7. Don’t go on an empty abdomen.
Final however definitely not least: When you will help it, by no means go thrifting or antiquing on an empty abdomen (or thirsty, for that matter). Sifting by aisles and aisles of products requires power, and it will likely be a way more fulfilling expertise if you happen to’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 the moment studying the right way to play tennis and is eternally testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
