9 Tips to Make the Best of Thrift Shopping

I have always loved going to the thrift store but since completely quitting fast fashion and trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, going to the thrift store has become more essential. Of course, living a sustainable lifestyle and being able to go to the thrift store requires the wonderful privilege of spare time to be able to find some amazing items, here are some tips to make the most out of your thrifting experience. 

1. If you’re short on time skip the clothes - Clothes take so much time to go through and sort and try on. If you’re short on time just do one section of clothing or skip it all together.
2. Accept that you don’t need to buy everything - Just cause it’s only 99 cents does not mean you need it
3. Shop your local thrift stores - Shop local thrift stores over chains!
4. Take advantage of tag color discounts - Most thrift stores have different colored tags that will indicate when it has an additional discount. Upon arriving make a note of what colors have discounts.
5. Keep a running list of general items you are looking for - Looking for a perfect piece of furniture for your entryway or a specific clothing item? Write it down to remember later. 
6. Go frequently - Some days you don’t find anything that you love and that's alright. The amazing thing about thrift stores is that they are constantly getting new inventory and placing new items on the shelves. 
7. Have cash just in case - Not all thrift stores take cards and some have minimum amounts that you must purchase in order to use card. By having cash on hand you can avoid this headache all around.
8. Check and Check again - Make sure that you look at each item you consider taking home and looking at the problems that it may have. Does it smell funny? Does it have a tear or crack that you won’t be able to fix? Does it have stains you won’t be able to get out? Does it have any unwanted pests hiding inside? Make sure that you check multiple times before committing to bringing an item home. 
9. Thrift online! - Due to the amazing power of the internet, we are also able to shop online for secondhand goods. Depop and goodfair are amazing for clothes. Sites like thriftbooks can help you find your favorite book for an affordable price. 

Happy Thrifting!