Thrifting 101: The Basics

There are few things in this world that I love as much as perusing through a thrift or antique store.  The smell, the eclectic array of items and the chaotic piles of stock all cater to my inner scavenger.  I almost treat it as a sport, since you really do have to train yourself to have a good eye that can pick up on great items in such poorly-lit and often aesthetically displeasing environments.   I, however, come to you with some tips to make the process much more rewarding, and hopefully bring you more success in your thrifting endeavors.   

Disclaimer: Thrifting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.  It can be gross and cumbersome, but extremely rewarding if you leave with a haul of great items.  It is definitely NOT like traditional shopping, and the first mistake one can make is to assume the experience will be the same.  You have to take on the role of the hunter, the gatherer, the collector and the visionary.  You will laugh, you will cry, you will scream, you will shout; but through it all, you will be adopting a sustainable habit that will save you a ton of money in the long run. 

1. Don’t go at the last minute looking for a specific item. 

More often than not, you will end up disappointed if you are frantically looking for that one thing.  In fact, it is much better to go thrifting when you aren’t looking for anything at all.  Take your time and go through each section and examine anything that might catch your eye. 

2.  Go often.

The inventory changes daily, so the more you go, the more you’ll find!

3.  Don’t be disappointed if you go home empty handed.

The selection is unpredictable.  If you don’t fall in love with anything, you’ll have better luck next time!

4. Be thorough.

Check every section and make sure to inspect your items.  For clothing it is important to try your garments on, as you will usually find any holes, tears, runs or missing buttons once you put it on your body.   When you notice any wear, take a moment to decide if its something that brings character, can be fixed, or is a dealbreaker.

5. Leave no stone unturned

Check every section. The fabrics, the cookware, the books, the men’s and women’s sections. Don’t limit yourself by assuming there won’t be anything you’ll like outside of the clothing aisles. I’ve found some of my favourite Christmas decor in July, and some of my favourite high waisted shorts in January, so don’t lose sight of your options just because of the season, either.

I hope these tips help you in your next thrifting experience. If your mind is in the right place, it can be a very therapeutic experience, not unlike shopping in regular stores. You can experiment with your style as often as you like without breaking the bank, and can feel better about contributing less to fast fashion and wasteful spending.

Happy thrifting!