I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for house decor, furnishings, clothes, children’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method could take a bit of longer, I feel it’s effectively value the additional time and vitality. There are such a lot of high-quality, distinctive items to be found 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 suggestions for buying 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. It will enable you to keep targeted on the issues that can truly add worth to your life and never get distracted by issues that can solely turn 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 think about a Pinterest board a “listing” as effectively, so should 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 probably to seek out what’s in your listing. Add issues to your cart that catch your consideration. Then return to sure aisles the place you suppose you may discover one thing actually particular and wish to dig a bit of deeper. Take a bit of 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 manner via the shop, edit down your cart and return something to the cabinets that you simply 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 listing 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 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 truly use.
4. Be constant.
The extra recurrently 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 convey 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 via a retailer and rapidly browse one particular part. Both manner, consistency is essential relating to thrift and vintage buying.
5. Settle for the method.
Generally after I go to a thrift or vintage retailer, I don’t discover something to convey house. That’s okay. You’ll discover the objects in your listing if you discover them—you’ll be able to’t rush the method. Thrifting and antiquing are concerning the hunt. For me, it’s about discovering distinctive items that can convey character and character to my house or wardrobe. And after 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 if 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 if you go.
7. Don’t go on an empty abdomen.
Final however actually not least: When you may 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 vitality and it will likely be a way more satisfying expertise should 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 at present studying to play the Ukulele, a lot to the despair of her husband, children, and canine. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
