Tip 6 - Shop Often
Remember when I said to limit your resource list to locations within a 20 minute drive? I suggest this because the most successful second hand shoppers visit their favorite shops and markets, all the time.
Obviously, this is relative to your availability, but thrift stores are restocking inventory HOURLY. The more you visit, the more likely you will be to get your hands on something really special.
Tip 7 - Search Alerts on Craigslist
Similar to shopping often, I suggest letting the internet work for you! One of my favorite tricks is to setup search alerts, in different online marketplaces, with keywords for items I am actively on the hunt for.
Try not to be too specific and use alternative search terms. Some of the best bargains I’ve found online have been sold by people that either do not know or care about current decor trends.
For instance, I scored a beautiful set of walnut, mid-century, Danish bedside tables for $40. The seller was a family member of a relative that had passed away, and had simply listed them as “nightstands”.
Tip 8 - Say “No” To Big Projects
There are plenty of blogs dedicated to refinishing and crafting thrifted finds into new, amazing items. In fact, I’ve shared plenty myself.
But, for thrifting newbies, these projects are often better in theory than execution. My suggestion is to find second hand decor that does NOT need to be fixed extensively (i.e. put in your garage/basement for 6 months while you think about what to do with it). We’ve all been there!
Yes, of course you can update the hardware on a piece of furniture, GO FOR IT! But, if you’re intentions are often better than your follow through, pump the brakes.
Similarly, old items may contain lead. Refinishing old furniture, that may contain harmful materials, requires a separate set of safety standards.
Consider the time and DIY skill that will be necessary to use your purchase. The most satisfying second hand buys are those that you can immediately take home and enjoy!
Tip 9 - Trust Your Gut
I still remember the morning, at the flea market, I found a brass, wall mounted key organizer with three monkeys covering their eyes, ears and mouth; acting out “see no evil”, “hear no evil” and “speak no evil”.
I bring it up because my gut instantly told me it was a great vintage piece, but I didn’t react. I browsed the next table, and decided to go back to look at it again, only to find another shopper had (within the span of 25 seconds) purchased it.
Moral of the story is, if your instincts draws you to a second hand piece, take the time to consider why:
Adding to this, when at Good Will (specifically), I always grab a cart. This simple step allows me to trust my initial instinct, by putting items I’m drawn to in my cart, and provides me the extra time to consider why I like it, as I continue to browse.
Just because a second hand item is in your cart doesn’t mean you have to buy it, but the act of holding onto it for a bit will help you work through the buying process.
Similarly, at a flea market, hold the item in your hands. Pick it up, look at it, turn it over. There’s something truly tangible about the way an item can make you feel, which can also help decide if it’s a “must have”.
Tip 10 - Keep An Open Mind
Bring your imagination with you while you’re shopping second hand.
Consider the intended use of the product, but then consider how YOU could use it differently to enhance your home decor.
For instance, I recently purchased a set of wood salad bowls for $3.49. We already own some, but I loved the square shape of this particular wood set. Instead of using them in the kitchen, I tried to think outside the box.
I ended up adding the small bowls to our guest rooms as bedside, catch-all trays for keys/change and I used the larger serving bowl as a centerpiece filled with seasonal decor.