Thrift Shopping For Beginners : How To Find Treasures, Not Trash

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Learn how to master thrift store shopping, uncover hidden treasures, and avoid the trash with these beginner-friendly tips and tricks.

It may surprise you, or it may not, but almost 100% of my home—not just the decor—is thrifted. I’m talking furniture, books, clothing and children’s toys. Through the years I have learned to sort through the trash to find the treasures. If you’re new to thrifting don’t worry, I’m going to share with you my top thrift shopping tips for beginners so you too can bring home treasures, not trash.

Thrift Shopping Tips For Beginners

1. It’s ok to leave empty handed.

Part of the joy in thrifting is the thrill of the hunt. But what if you don’t find anything, or you do but you aren’t completely in love with it. Do you still buy that thing?

The short answer is No!

Living in the west with our Amazon Prime shipping mentality, it’s hard to wrap our minds around not immediately finding what we set out for or even fathoming not purchasing something just because. As beginners to thrift shopping it’s easy to fall into the trap of “It’s such a good deal” or “I may never see it again.”

I’m here to tell you, thrift store inventory doesn’t turn over as fast as you think. And, just because something is cheap doesn’t mean you need to own it. This leads me to tip number two.

2. Have a plan before thrift shopping.

It’s so easy to buy anything If you don’t have a purpose for it in your home. I see hundreds of items that are beautiful out thrifting but I know they won’t serve my home or family. Always go thrift shopping with a plan. I keep a running list in my phone of things I’m currently looking for to serve a need in our home.

Currently It looks like this:

I could include more but you get the general idea.

Having this list keeps me from buying knick knacks, it also has the dimensions for the items that I need a specific size for. You typically cannot return thrifted items. Now I do keep my eye out for other things not listed like pillow covers, wooden utensils and vintage wooden or gold frames but those are not direct needs or what I am actively searching for.

3. Look for quality

Bring home the treasures, not the trash! Quality items are not just furniture pieces or pretty plates and ironstone pitchers.

• Solid Wood Pieces – This applies to furniture, frames and other wooden finds.
• Cotton / Wool / Linen Textiles – Avoid Acrylic Materials
• Handmade Pottery – Potters sign their work on the underside.
• Brass / Pewter / Cast Iron – These items are heavy, unlike reproductions.
• Country of Origin – Transferware for example is stamped on the back with the country of origin. Many are made in England. NOTE: If anything says Made In China, it is not vintage or antique.

Avoid purchasing broken or items in disrepair. Give all your treasures a once over making sure there aren’t any damaged areas, holes in clothing or stains. Many thrift stores test items like lamps and appliances and place a “tested” sticker on them. If you’re unsure on an item you can always request them to test it for you.

Over time you will cultivate an eye for quality items.

4. Always Check The Books

Over the years books have become my most favorite thrift store item. I have been able to find the majority of our library thrifting. Just like any item, have a list of books you’re looking for or authors you recognize. You can never go wrong picking up a classic. Personally I will only purchase hard cover editions, they have more character and last.

5. Thrifting and Antiquing are not the same.

Thrift shopping and antiquing are extremely different. Do not go thrifting expecting to see antiques around every corner. They are few and far between. You’ll know them by their quality and weight, plus they stand out amongst the plastic and vibrant colored items manufactured today. Antiquing is curated. Someone else has thrifted or been to yard sales and searched for the items, and they know the value of those items. They did all the leg work. Thrifting is you doing the leg work, sorting through the trash to find the treasures.

If you want more information on this Andrea from Pine and Prospect Home has a great article explaining the difference.

6. If you love it, get it!

My best thrift shopping tip for beginners is: If you love it, get it! We can get so hung up on things being vintage or antique. But I’m here to say I have both in my home and that is A-O-K with me. I love every item, not in a materialistic way, but every item serves a purpose for me. My goal as a homemaker is to make a home! A home that serves my family well for the current season of life we are in. So, if you find an item you love get it, love it and let it serve a purpose for you.

Remember, The Lord always provides, sometimes he places the exact item before us and other times he doesn’t, waiting for us to realize we never needed it in the first place.