If You've Never Been Thrifting Before But Are Curious, Here Are 7 Tips And Tricks For A Successful Thrift Trip

Not only will you find gems, but you'll save money too!

Thrifting can be overwhelming, I know. It's always crowded, there are aisles and aisles of clothes, toys, housewares... you name it. The possibilities are endless. Sometimes, it can even feel like a competition to snag the best stuff.

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Don't stress! Below are some handy tips on how to make the best of your trip to the thrift.

1. Have a game plan before your visit

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Thrifting can become frustrating. There's tops, jeans, shoes, housewares, etc. and not only that but different sizes, styles, colors, and more. Looking through everything could take hours and as that one iconic Vine goes, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

Having a list of what you're looking will allow you to focus on the things you actually want and need. You'll go in with more ease, not spend an eternity inside, and not be inclined to spend all your money on things you didn't even want in the first place.

2. Dress the part

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This may seem minor, but it makes a major difference. Some thrift stores allow you the option to try on clothes before purchasing while some don't. Wearing something that's easy to take off is key. By "easy to take off," I mean a t-shirt and some leggings or even a dress. It'll make trying on clothes go by so much faster, especially if you're making several trips to the dressing room. Aside from that, it'll also be a lot easier to walk around. If you need to try a jacket on or slip something on in the middle of an aisle real quick, it'll be effortless and hassle free. You're welcome.

3. Keep an eye out for deals

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If you're lucky, some thrift stores in your area will have sale days. This could be a percentage off based on colored tags or just a day of the week where certain items or all items are at a discounted price. This makes thrifting so much more exciting and affordable so keep your eyes peeled for any deals! If you're unsure whether or not a certain thrift store has anything like that, just ask! Like W*lmart says – save money, live better.

4. Aim for weekdays rather than weekends

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Your next best bet is early mornings, and I'll tell you why.

Weekends are packed, plain and simple. Most people have Saturdays and Sundays off and will likely make a trip when they have the time to do so. Weekdays, especially the mornings, are WAY less crowded. You'll have more to choose from without having to worry about some Depop seller coming in and snatching up all the good stuff. If a laid-back thrifting experience is what you're looking for, trust me on this one.

5. Don't rush

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While you shouldn't spend hours upon hours when you don't need to, if you have the time and want to, then by all means – do it! Rushing will only lead to you overlooking potential gems, and you won't leave happy or satisfied. No one wants that!

Skimming at a leisurely pace will allow you to really assess what your thrift store has to offer and can even open you up to new ideas. So take your list and take your time searching those specific racks and zones for the items you're really interested in.

6. Make sure you REALLY look over your items

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Check your items before you buy! Just do it!

This is important, not only because you can't return or exchange them, but imagine the heartbreak of leaving only to find those cute jeans have a huge stain on them. Now you lost money AND you have not-so-cute jeans that – let's be honest – you'll probably just give back to a thrift store!

You have to really look because the possibilities include wrong sizing, stains, rips, see-through material, etc.. Taking those few seconds to inspect your finds will save you time and money (and don't forget heartache).

7. And lastly – explore other stores

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While you may have your usual spots, it can be fun and rewarding to check out other thrift shops. Looking up thrift shops in "rich" neighborhoods is a good way to find designer items (if you're in to that kind of thing) but also be prepared to spend a little more. Exploring different thrift stores in your area can also be a great back-up plan if your usual haunts don't have anything new.

BONUS TIP: check to see if you have a Goodwill Outlet nearby

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Goodwill Outlets are really cool, and I'll tell you why. Rather than having prices for every item, the outlet weighs all your items together and determines a price from that. It's a much different approach to thrifting, but it certainly has its benefits! One thing I do suggest is bringing gloves as all the items are placed in bins rather than laid out on shelves or hung on hangers. Things could get messy, but TBH – that's half the fun!

So there you have it! Now you can shop without having to break the bank, and you can rest easy knowing that you're reducing your carbon footprint by choosing a more sustainable way to shop! Sorry, fast fashion, but all that pollution ain't it!

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Remember to have fun and find stuff that makes you feel like your cutest, most authentic self! Thrift on, my friends!