Secondhand School – The 5 Rules You Need To Know For A Successful Thrifting Trip

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Consider today’s Secondhand School lesson your thrift store bootcamp! Thrifting is an art, a skill, and for many, a thrilling hobby. Whether you’re new to secondhand shopping or a seasoned pro, these five rules will help you make the most of every thrift trip. Take notes—or simply save this post for later!

woman holding a book

1. Make a list

Before heading to the thrift store, write down what you’re looking for. This might seem simple, but it can make all the difference in a successful thrifting trip.

Why? Because thrift stores can be overwhelming with the sheer amount of items available. Having a list keeps you focused and helps you identify what you need, even if it comes in an unexpected form. Maybe you’re looking for unique containers to store small items, but if you didn’t jot it down, you might forget to check for vases, candle holders, or ceramic cups that could work just as well.Lists also help you avoid impulse purchases. While thrifting is about discovering hidden gems, it’s easy to buy things that won’t actually serve a purpose in your home. Keeping a list ensures you bring home only the most useful treasures.

woman writing on a paper

2. Look for the Discount of the Week

Most thrift stores have weekly discounts based on tag colors, sale days, or special promotions for certain groups like military members, teachers, and seniors. These discounts are usually posted near the entrance or above the racks.

If you don’t see a sign, ask an employee! They’ll be happy to let you know if there are current markdowns or upcoming sale events. Some thrift stores even have half-off days or “fill-a-bag” sales where you can get a bundle of items for a flat rate.Shopping on discounted days maximizes your savings. You’re already getting a deal by thrifting—why not make it even better? Many people swear by shopping on sale days to get high-quality items at rock-bottom prices.

green sale of the week

3. Check Every Aisle Twice

When walking through the store, it’s easy to overlook amazing finds simply because of how items are arranged. A great strategy is to walk each aisle twice—once in one direction and then again from the other side.

This is especially important in sections with housewares, books, and small home decor items. Depending on where you’re standing, certain items may be hidden behind others, making them easy to miss.Another trick is to focus on one side of the aisle at a time. Instead of quickly scanning the shelves, take your time and let your eyes really examine what’s in front of you. You might be surprised by what you find on a second pass!

woman shopping in a thrift store

4. Look at the shape, not the color

One of the biggest mistakes new thrifters make is focusing too much on color. Instead, look at the shape, structure, and potential of an item.

A worn-out chair with the right silhouette might just need a coat of paint or new upholstery. A set of mismatched vases could be transformed with a bit of spray paint. Many secondhand finds have incredible potential—they just need a little DIY magic.If you’re not sure where to start, consider looking up thrift flip ideas online. Seeing how others have transformed secondhand finds can inspire you to look beyond an item’s surface appearance.

before and after look of vintage bag

5. Have patience

Not every thrifting trip will be a jackpot, and that’s perfectly normal. Even seasoned thrifters experience days when they walk out empty-handed. The key is to keep going and to thrift as often as possible.

From my experience, weekends tend to be the busiest days at thrift stores, meaning the selection may already be picked over. If you have the flexibility, try going during the week, early in the morning, or later in the evening to get first dibs on new inventory.It’s also important to embrace the thrill of the hunt. Thrifting is not like shopping at a traditional retail store where everything is curated and neatly displayed. It requires a bit of digging, an open mind, and—most importantly—patience.

thrift store

One more Tip

Above all else, have fun! Thrifting should be an enjoyable experience. The excitement of finding that one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly fits your style and needs is what makes secondhand shopping so special.

Celebrate your finds, get creative with upcycling, and enjoy the unique charm that thrifted treasures bring into your life. The thrill of the hunt is exhilarating, and when you score that perfect item, it makes the effort completely worth it.

Happy hunting!

woman loving a swan van

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xoxo, L