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 procuring 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. It will aid you 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 contemplate a Pinterest board a “record” as properly, so in case you’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 most definitely 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 suppose you would possibly discover one thing actually particular and wish to dig slightly deeper. Take slightly extra time on this re-examination, as a result of generally 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 actually 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 objects I didn’t really need in the mean time. Whereas the cheaper price factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the fact is that in case you don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll most likely 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 convey house. I typically wish to go to some 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 procuring.
5. Settle for the method.
Typically 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 record if you discover them—you possibly can’t rush the method. Thrifting and antiquing are in regards to 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 like, it’s properly definitely 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, benefit from your journey and convey 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 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 will likely be a way more satisfying expertise in case 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 how one can play tennis and is ceaselessly testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
