How I Thrift Part 1

The title may sound lame but many people don't know how to thrift. I posted this picture on Instagram of 3 awesome items I found today...someone asked where I got them from and my answer was simply, our local thrift store. There is nothing glamorous about it. It's just a regular old (somewhat dirty) place where people drop off their old junk. My picture makes the items look glamorous but all three items were tucked away, hidden and overlooked by many... I want to teach you how to develop an eye for finding items, prove that patience really does pay off (and saves you money too!) and help you navigate through your local thrift store. Thrifting is not only trendy, but it's a form of recycling, teaches frugality and profits almost always go to a good cause!

Top: $3.50 \\ Leather purse: $5.00 \\ Antique crate: $10.00

THRIFTING IS ADDICTING \\
It is a treasure hunt and when you stumble upon that item that has been on your wish list for what seems like forever (and for next to nothing too!) you will find yourself immediately addicted. This is both good and bad. It is good because it is fun and can save you money BUT it is bad in that you can easily become consumed by accumulating material possessions and you may end up spending more money with little self control.

So, proceed with caution. :)

HAVE A LIST \\ 
Before I even step foot in the store I have a list (in my head) of items I am looking for. Some of the items on my list include:

• old wooden ores (it's been on there for a while...still have yet to find them)
• valuable old film cameras (an ongoing item)
• old wooden crates (an ongoing item)
• antique catalog card cabinets
• large vintage quilt
• vintage dresses (ongoing item)
• milk glass

Having a list of things helps me to keep from having brain overload when I walk into a store. There are thousands of items at my fingertips and when I have a hyper toddler, I don't have time to browse for hours. With my list, I am able to navigate through the different sections of the store, knowing where to spend more time than others.

PRACTICE SELF CONTROL \\  
Just because it's inexpensive doesn't mean you should buy it. Ask yourselves these questions...

• Do I love it? It's not enough to just like it. Once you start thrifting regularly, you will find TONS of amazing stuff that you like. That will end up costing you in the long run and before you know it you will be a pack rat. This happened to me when I first started and now I find myself giving away the very things I bought. Now? I only buy what I truly love. Love it or leave it, people!
• Is it worth the price listed? Dollars become a whole new currency when you start thrifting. You can stretch your dollar a long way. The more you thrift, the more you realize this and before you know it, you become stingier. I can't get myself to pay $7 for a vintage picture frame (that I know may sell for way more at an antique store) because I've paid as low as 50 cents for them before. I could get 14 (theoretically speaking) for the price of that one!
• How's the condition? Is it still usable? How will it hold up in the washing machine/dryer? Will the kids destroy it?
• Do I need it? The point of thrifting is to spend as little money as possible. Put it in your cart and think about it as you browse the store. If you don't "need" it don't buy it. Of course the definition of need can be bent a little bit...I didn't really need that sequined top lol.

As I'm typing all of this out, I've realized that there are so many other tips I want to share with you, so be sure to stay tuned for part II! Was this helpful? Comment below and let me know :)