How to be Thrifty

I’m trying a different sort of post today. I think it’s what’s known in the biz as a ‘listicle.’ It includes a list, at any rate.

I’ve had this post tucked away for a while. I’m probably going to slightly change my blogging schedule and format soon, so I decided to share this post while I finish working out my plans. I hope you enjoy it!

If you compliment anything I own, there’s a good chance I’ll tell you I found it at a thrift store. People are often impressed and tell me they can never find anything good.

Maybe I was sprinkled with luck by the goodwill fairy, but I doubt it. I’d like to think the reason I have success is that I have special skills. Maybe I have a few, but – honestly – the real explanation is probably that I go a lot. Finding good things at thrift stores has a statistical component.

Over the years, I've developed a list of things I look for. Second-hand stores can be overwhelming – or intimidating, however you want to put it. They have a little bit of everything and usually a lot of junk. Having a general list in mind is helpful, if not essential.

Books

As someone who wants to make a living as an author, perhaps I should show more interest in writers that are currently working – or at least alive. But I just like old style stuff better. Also, as someone wanting to make a living as an author, I try to be frugal. Thrift stores allow me to buy a lot of books without breaking the bank.

Any time I go book hunting, I take a list of my favorite authors and any specific titles I’m looking for. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get distracted and forget even things that are all-time favorites once you get to the store.

I also keep a catalog of all the books I own so I don’t end up with duplicates. I’ve tried a few of the smartphone apps specifically for tracking books, but most of them had more features than I wanted. I find it easier and simpler to just create a spreadsheet I can fully customize or just write down a good old-fashioned list. I just record the books on my shelves and organize them by author or genre. If you are focusing on a specific author or series, you can print out a list of all the books and use it as a checklist.

Clothing

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not the world’s trendiest gal. My taste in clothing is no different. For the most part, I favor a vintage, preppy kind of look. Things that fit my style are either hard to find in retail stores or really pricey. While I’m all for an investment piece, it doesn’t make since to spend a lot of money every time I want a bit of change in my wardrobe.

Thrift stores to the rescue!

If I’m browsing with no specific goal, I focus on dresses, coats, and sweaters. These are the categories where I’ve found the most in my style and they are also the most expensive items to buy new. Sweaters and coats are especially great second hand because they tend to be timeless, so they won’t look outdated if they’re a few years – or a decade – old.

I used to look through every single item in the clothing section because I thought is was the only way I wouldn’t miss something. That’s true, and on days where you have time to kill and are feeling patient, sorting through everything might me a good choice. If not, start by looking for any specific items you need, then just scan for color and texture. The texture and weight of a garment are important things to pay attention to whether buying new or used. I’ve noticed that a lot of modern clothing is very thin, rough, or synthetic feeling. When I look for a sweater or a coat at the thrift store, I look for things that have a bit of weight that will hold up well and fit and feel nice. As for color, I’ve found that can be a big factor in whether I end up wearing a piece. Know your favorite colors and stick to them to guarantee a piece is worth adding to your wardrobe.

Having some limits – or at least guidelines – helps prevent the low prices from piling a dozen impulse buys in your cart.

Knick knacks and Housewares

Now for the most chaotic part of thrift stores. To be honest, I’m a little baffled about why people seem to get rid of so many dishes so often. There are shelves and shelves literally stacked full at most of my local thrift shops. In my current situation, I don’t need a set of 57 plates and bowls, so I usually skip this section. I might give it a quick glance for something antique or unique, but I’m not going to dig.

I do like the sections of décor and trinkets. I’ve always been a sucker for quirky little things whose sole purpose in life is hanging out on a bookshelf. This is also the section with the most entertaining and random items. Often, my question is not “why did someone get rid of this?” it’s “why would someone buy this in the first place?”  

In a nutshell, thrift store décor is pretty hit-or-miss. I mostly scan for things that are antique or vintage or will serve a specific purpose in my life. Something about the item has to really fit my style and “spark joy” as the organization lady says. Again, the low prices can’t be the only incentive to buy or Goodwill would be opening a location in my study.

Other Things to Look For

Craft supplies (for me, this includes unique frames for drawings or embroidery, or even a great item in need of an upcycle.) Jigsaw puzzles and board games (if they’re a good deal. There’s always a risk of missing pieces). Storage (this can be baskets or boxes, but I also like unusual glass jars and bowls). Small pieces of furniture (I don’t have a reason to buy them, but I’ve seen some cool accent tables and chairs). Holiday decorations (especially if you’re someone who likes to change things up every year. Yay, bargains!). Vinyl records, CDs and DVDs (I’m a physical media gal all the way.)

So, there you have it. L.D.’s ultimate thrift list. Any other avid bargain hunters out there? I’d love to hear anything different you have on your list.