I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for house decor, furnishings, clothes, children’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method might take somewhat longer, I believe it’s nicely 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 the moment I’m sharing my suggestions for procuring at thrift and vintage shops.
1. Know what you’re in search of.
It’s so useful to have a listing written down earlier than you step foot in a thrift or vintage retailer. This can enable you keep targeted on the issues that may truly add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that may solely change 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 contemplate a Pinterest board a “checklist” as nicely, so in the event 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 most certainly 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 suppose you may discover one thing actually particular and need to dig somewhat deeper. Take somewhat extra time on this re-examination, as a result of generally you may miss issues on the primary lap.
3. Edit ruthlessly.
When you’ve made your approach 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 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 objects I didn’t really need in the intervening time. Whereas the cheaper price factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the fact is that in the event you don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll most likely find yourself with some belongings you don’t truly use.
4. Be constant.
The extra repeatedly 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 convey house. I usually wish 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 a retailer and shortly browse one particular part. Both approach, consistency is vital on the subject of thrift and vintage procuring.
5. Settle for the method.
Typically once 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 checklist if 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 may convey persona and character to my house or wardrobe. And once I discover one thing I really like, it’s nicely well worth the effort and time that will have gone into the search.
6. Convey one thing to donate if you go.
In the event you’re going to a thrift retailer that accepts donations, take advantage of 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 definitely not least: In the event you might 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 will probably be a way more satisfying expertise in the event you’re satiated beforehand. Belief me on this.
These are a number 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 methods to play tennis and is perpetually testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
