I’ve lengthy been a lover of thrifting and antiquing—for house decor, furnishings, clothes, children’ toys, and extra. Whereas the method could take a bit of longer, I feel it’s effectively 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.
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 an inventory written down earlier than you step foot in a thrift or vintage retailer. This can provide help to keep targeted on the issues that can really add worth to your life, and never get distracted by issues that can solely turn out to be 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 think about a Pinterest board a “listing” as effectively, so if you happen to’re a visible particular person, which may give you the results you want too.
2. Do a lap.
Take a fast lap across the sections the place you’re probably 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 suppose you would possibly discover one thing actually particular and need to dig a bit of deeper. Take a bit of extra time on this re-evaluation, as a result of typically you would possibly miss issues on the primary lap.
3. Edit ruthlessly.
When you’ve made your method via the shop, edit down your cart and return something to the cabinets that you simply 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 house?
- 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 gadgets I didn’t really want in the meanwhile. Whereas the lower cost factors at many of those shops could also be tempting, the fact is that if you happen to don’t edit down what goes in your cart, you’ll most likely find yourself with some belongings you don’t really use.
4. Be constant.
The extra recurrently 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 need to deliver house. I typically prefer 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 method, consistency is vital with regards to thrift and vintage procuring.
5. Settle for the method.
Typically after I go to a thrift or vintage retailer, I don’t discover something to deliver house. That’s okay. You’ll discover the gadgets in your listing if you discover them—you’ll be able to’t rush the method. Thrifting and antiquing are concerning the hunt. For me, it’s about discovering distinctive items that can deliver character and character to my house or wardrobe. And after I discover one thing I really like, it’s effectively definitely worth the effort and time that will have gone into the search.
6. Convey one thing to donate if you go.
If you happen to’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: If you happen to can assist 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 it will likely be a way more pleasant expertise if you happen to’re satiated beforehand. Belief me on this.
These are a couple 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 the moment studying how you can play tennis and is eternally testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
