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 nicely value the additional time and vitality. 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 suggestions for purchasing 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. This can make it easier to keep targeted on the issues that can truly add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that can solely turn out to be further muddle. In my most up-to-date thrifting journey, I used to be particularly looking for 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 “record” as nicely, so for those who’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 most probably to seek 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 would possibly discover one thing actually particular and need to dig slightly deeper. Take slightly 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 manner by means of 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 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 lots of them had been gadgets 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 for those who 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 out to be at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually need to carry house. I usually prefer to go to a couple shops in a single afternoon to take advantage of 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 vital relating to thrift and vintage purchasing.
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 gadgets in your record 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 carry persona and character to my house or wardrobe. And after I discover one thing I really like, it’s nicely well worth the effort and time which will have gone into the search.
6. Carry one thing to donate if you go.
When you’re going to a thrift retailer that accepts donations, take advantage of 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 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 means of aisles and aisles of products requires vitality, and it will likely be a way more fulfilling expertise for those who’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 learn how to play tennis and is without end testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
