Nerdy Millennial

Top Menu

  • About
  • Contact
  • Write For Us

Main Menu

  • Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Blogging
      • Social Media
      • SEO and Keyword Research
  • College
  • Arts & Culture
  • Technology
  • Health and Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
      • Baked Goods
      • Breakfast
      • Condiments
      • Dessert
      • Fermented Foods
      • Main Dishes
      • Side Dishes
      • Snacks
      • Soup
    • Keto
    • Vegan
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Friendship
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy & Birth
  • About
  • Contact
  • Write For Us

Nerdy Millennial

Nerdy Millennial

  • Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Blogging
      • Social Media
      • SEO and Keyword Research
  • College
  • Arts & Culture
  • Technology
  • Health and Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
      • Baked Goods
      • Breakfast
      • Condiments
      • Dessert
      • Fermented Foods
      • Main Dishes
      • Side Dishes
      • Snacks
      • Soup
    • Keto
    • Vegan
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Friendship
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy & Birth
At HomeFrugal Living
Home›At Home›5 Tips for Smarter Thrift Store Shopping

5 Tips for Smarter Thrift Store Shopping

By Vanessa Pruitt
June 29, 2011
821
2

How do I clothe four children (and us) on a modest, single income, as well as decorate my house in vintage, eclectic style, keep a well-stocked craft room and wood shop, and give unique, interesting gifts to family and friends? I'll tell you my secret: thrift shops! Used clothing, consignment and antique shops offer a treasure trove of bargains for the savvy shopper, but they can also be overwhelming or a clutter-collector's temptation. Let me share a thrift-lover's shopping secrets with you.

1. Shop Often, Buy Seldom

The transient nature of thrift store inventory means that you need to stop in to look for new items every so often. I have found that every month or so works well. I look for items that I did not notice last time, or things that look like a really good deal. I like to go when I have some time to browse, as the new items don't immediately jump out, and it's easy to miss things among the general items.

2. Keep Your List Specific, but Flexible.

I often look for children's clothing or household supplies, so I definitely go there with something in mind. I don't want to come away with $40 of stuff I don't need, as that steals all the benefit of thrifting! So, I go in with certain things that I plan to get. Still, I keep an eye open for something I might buy soon anyway, such as fabric or craft supplies, or gift items. I never know what I'll find, which is part of the fun!

3. Thrift First, Then Shop

There is an item I can almost never find in thrift stores: little boys' jeans. I think little boys in general wear out their jeans to the point that they never make it to a second owner via thrift stores. So my rule of filling in my shopping list is to look at thrift stores first, then shop elsewhere. For instance, if I am looking for summer clothes in the next size, I check the local thrift stores (many in my town are within walking distance, even) and get what I can there. I also keep an eye out for the next season's clothes and sizes. What I can't find, I then go buy new at a discount store. Last of all, I'll buy a few nice, new things for each kid, so they have some “good clothes” to round out their wardrobes. Sometimes, they are more excited about the thrift-store clothes than the new ones!

4. If It Won't Be There Next Week…?

There are times when an item looks like a fantastic deal, or it's something I've always wanted (Tiffany Lamps, anyone?) or there is some other reason I have my eye on something, but can't decide if I should get it. I vacillate between buyer's remorse and kicking myself for not getting something I wish I had. My test has become this: “If it won't be there next week, will I be sad or relieved?” As in… if I wait to buy it in order to think about it some more, and someone else snatches it up, will I be sad or will I not really care? Answering this question helps me determine whether I should get the antique treadle sewing machine, or the pair of vintage ski poles that look like an superb deal.

5. Give Back

Most thrift stores help the community, but they depend on donations to maintain their inventory. One of my favorite thrift stores in town, run by local churches, also helps unemployed community members get back on their feet, runs a food program and assists needy mothers and children. Donating our own used clothes, toys, household items, books and other items helps this store to continue giving back to our community, as well as de-cluttering my own house! It's a win-win, if you ask me.

They also welcome individual expertise. I happen to know something about musical instruments, so I was able to tell a local shop about a lovely wooden clarinet that had been donated. Most shops are grateful for information about antiques, collectibles, or even local history or curiosity items. I enjoy chatting with the employees, who often have interesting stories about the items in their shops.

Thrifting is a great way to stretch your dollar, or experience the adventure of finding treasure. Do you visit your local thrift stores? Share your own interesting finds or shopping tips in the comment section.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Vanessa Pruitt
Vanessa Pruitt
Vanessa, founder of Nerdy Millennial, is a MS in Clinical Psychology Student and a scholar of Eastern Psychology, Neuroscience, and Nervous System Healing.
Vanessa Pruitt
Latest posts by Vanessa Pruitt (see all)
  • The 7 Money-Saving Strategies Every Parent Needs to Know - August 23, 2020
  • 5 Tips for Successful Online Dating - August 23, 2020
  • Becoming an Online Counselor: The Pros and Credentials Needed - August 13, 2020
Tagsfrugalfrugal livingFrugal parentingrepurposingthrifting

2 comments

  1. Connie Pilston Shoemaker30 June, 2011 at 20:33 Reply

    My motto when my kids were little was, they will have the best of everything, but someone else will have paid the full price for it! Love thrift stores! Nicely done!

  2. Stephanie - Green at Home Mom28 September, 2011 at 19:17 Reply

    I love one thrift store not too far a drive for me. Mondays are $10 for 10 pieces of clothing, so it’s a great day to stock up.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




Send Me Blog Updates!

You Might Also Like...

  • Health and FitnessFeatured

    How to Set and Achieve Goals that Stick

  • 5 Empowering Tips to Ignore Everybody and Live Your Best Life
    CareerCollegeEntrepreneurshipFeatured

    5 Empowering Tips to Ignore Everybody and Live Your Best Life

  • ParentingFeatured

    Being a Good Father Even When You Didn’t Have a Good Role Model

  • FeaturedSEO and Keyword Research

    How Often Should You Blog? (The Answer Will Surprise You)

About Nerdy Millennial

Hello, I'm Vanessa

Creator and curator of Nerdy Millennial.

This blog all about millennials sharing their passion, ideas, and expertise about blogging, healthy living, self-improvement, education, parenting, and more!

Interested in contributing? Contact us to pitch your idea or submit an article.

Featured

Frugal LivingFeaturedFinancesParenting

The 7 Money-Saving Strategies Every Parent Needs to Know

No matter how “ready” you feel to become a parent, once it happens, you realize there is no amount of preparation to adequately brace you for the total life transformation ...
  • Becoming an Online Counselor: The Pros and Credentials Needed

    Becoming an Online Counselor: The Pros and Credentials Needed

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 13, 2020
  • 4 Steps to Finding the Best Counselor for You

    4 Steps to Finding the Best Counselor for You

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 13, 2020
  • Pros and Cons of Online Counseling

    The Pros and Cons of Online Counseling

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 13, 2020
  • What is the Difference between Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate CBD

    By Contributing Author
    August 11, 2020
  • How Lack of Boundaries and Dishonored Feelings Affect Your Mental and Physical Health

    How Lack of Boundaries and Dishonored Feelings Affect Your Mental and Physical Health

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 24, 2020
  • The Importance of Practicing Gratefulness During Times of Uncertainty

    The Importance of Practicing Gratefulness During Times of Uncertainty

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 16, 2020
  • 6 Ways to Naturally Freshen Your Home

    6 Ways to Naturally Freshen Your Home

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 14, 2020
  • Ways to Filter Your Facebook Feed and Posts

    Ways to Filter Your Facebook Feed and Posts

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 13, 2020
  • Why visit Rome in December

    6 Reasons to Go to Rome in December

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 6, 2020

    Join Us on Facebook

    Latest Comments

    • Turn Your Love of Fitness Into a Career
      on
      November 26, 2020
      […] you might want to consider getting into some sport professionally, or even just on a ...

      9 Ways to Turn Your Fitness Into A Career

    • https://apnews.com/article/7799dc8a7083f61bb1c9f1f3dba8c30a
      on
      November 25, 2020
      Trackback [...]https://apnews.com/article/7799dc8a7083f61bb1c9f1f3dba8c30a

      Are Pre and Post Workout Supplements Worth It? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

    • Dr. Oz Answers
      on
      July 23, 2020
      Trackback [...]Dr. Oz Answers

      Are Pre and Post Workout Supplements Worth It? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

    • Some Careers That Challenge You Each Day - CareerAlley
      on
      June 9, 2020
      […] development might not be about saving lives but it’s certainly a career that challenges you ...

      How To Build On Your Career

    • 4 Surprising Benefits of Using Instagram for Your Business - Atelier Magazine
      on
      June 3, 2020
      […] More brands are combining Instagram approaches into their marketing strategies, and it leads to business ...

      A Guide to Creating Your Instagram Strategy

    Flickr

      • Home
      • About
      • Contact Us
      • Write For Us
      • Comment Policy
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
      We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
      Cookie settingsACCEPT
      Manage consent

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled

      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

      Non-necessary

      Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

      SAVE & ACCEPT