I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for residence decor, furnishings, clothes, youngsters’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method might take a little bit longer, I believe it’s nicely 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.
Right this moment I’m sharing my suggestions for procuring 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. This may allow you to keep centered on the issues that can really 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 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 take into account a Pinterest board a “listing” as nicely, so when you’re a visible particular person, that 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 seek out what’s in your listing. 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 need to dig a little bit deeper. Take a little bit 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 approach 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 residence?
- If it’s a chunk 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 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 want in the mean time. Whereas the cheaper price factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the truth is that when you don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll in all probability 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 turn into at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually need to convey residence. I typically wish to go to some 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 via a retailer and shortly browse one particular part. Both approach, consistency is necessary on the subject of thrift and vintage procuring.
5. Settle for the method.
Generally after I go to a thrift or vintage retailer, I don’t discover something to convey residence. That’s okay. You’ll discover the objects in your listing whenever you discover them—you possibly can’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 residence or wardrobe. And after I discover one thing I really like, it’s nicely definitely worth the effort and time which will have gone into the search.
6. Deliver one thing to donate whenever you go.
Should 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 whenever you go.
7. Don’t go on an empty abdomen.
Final however definitely not least: Should you may also 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 will probably be a way more fulfilling expertise when 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 at present studying find out how to play tennis and is without end testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.