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 believe it’s properly value the additional time and vitality. 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 now I’m sharing my suggestions for buying at thrift and vintage shops.
1. Know what you’re searching for.
It’s so useful to have an inventory written down earlier than you step foot in a thrift or vintage retailer. This may make it easier to keep centered on the issues that can truly add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that can solely turn out to be 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 think about a Pinterest board a “checklist” as properly, so should you’re a visible individual, which may give you the results you want too.
2. Do a lap.
Take a fast lap across the sections the place you’re most probably to seek 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 wish to dig slightly deeper. Take slightly 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 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 needed?
I’ve come throughout so many nice issues whereas thrifting and antiquing, however lots of them had been gadgets I didn’t really want in the intervening time. Whereas the cheaper price factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the fact is that should 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 turn out to be at navigating every retailer and narrowing in on the items you actually wish to convey house. I usually prefer to go to a couple shops in a single afternoon to profit from 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 vital in relation to thrift and vintage buying.
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 gadgets 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 can convey persona and character to my house or wardrobe. And after I discover one thing I really like, it’s properly well worth the effort and time which 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, profit from your journey and produce 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 via aisles and aisles of products requires vitality, and will probably be a way more pleasant expertise should 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 the moment studying the right way to play tennis and is endlessly testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
