It’s pretty much a running joke now amongst my friends that I am the thrift shopping queen. Every time we get together, they try to figure out what that I am wearing was a fabulous thrift store find and when they come over, they like to try to pick out what around my house is thrifted. It’s actually quite fun and funny. I love getting compliments on a totally up to date and trendy outfit and knowing I didn’t spend an arm and a leg for it and I really enjoy when I can share my finds and proclaim that the entire put together outfit cost $16. My friends around here had a misconception about thrift shopping that Goodwill and other thrift stores and yard sales are just full of dated junk. They’re not. Sure, there is a lot of dated junk, but there are also very nice, new, clean clothes and items that can be bought for an amazing discount. I shop for clothes for me, hubby and the kids, decorative items for around our home, books, and furniture. The one problem some people can stumble into and I have myself is buying things that don’t really work or just aren’t right simply because they are a really really good deal. So, here are some tips for making sure your thrifting experience is truly thrifty.

Shop With a Purpose

Go with a list or at least have in mind what you are looking for. Kids need summer clothes? Hubby needs shorts? Have a shelf that needs a few decorative items? For thrift shopping, you have to be somewhat vague since you never know what you’re going to find. You can be completely picky and just go regularly until you find the exact item you had in mind or you can make what you do find work for you. I keep a longstanding list of things that I need for my family or my home and work off of it when I go.

Be Patient

One thing about thrifting is that you can’t just go out in one day and expect to find all the fabulous things in the right size, pattern, decor in one day. It does take time, and being patient - waiting for exactly what you are looking for - will keep you from buying something that isn’t quite right and you’ll never really love and will just end up back there again.

Be Flexible

Sometimes, all the stars align and you can walk up to a thrift shop or yardsale and find exactly what you were looking for in just the right size, color, and shape. Other times you have to realize that there are limitations to wanting to only have to spend $5 for a fabulous black toile chair. You may have to settle for it in red.

Buy What You Love

As much as I think that sure, in a perfect world, one would never walk into a store and buy something not on the list and not something you even actually need, there is also something to be said for what hubby and I call the “gasp factor”. You’re strolling through the home goods section and goodwill and *gasp* there is a redwork pillow! You don’t need a new pillow, but you love the pillow. So for $4 you buy it and it lovingly sits on your couch brightening up your room. Allow some wiggle room for things you find that you really like.

Think Outside The Box

Have an imagination when you are shopping. Think about how you can repurpose something or make it into what you are looking for. Shopping for valances? Why not use a tablecloth or even napkins. Need closet doors replaced? Why not consider an adorable shower curtain? The point is, you can find what you need if you are imaginative. It’ll make you and your home more unique and interesting too.