Have you noticed how the prices of everything seem to keep going up? Everyday items cost so much more! Sometimes I struggle to find enough money for all of the things… Do you ever feel that way? My kids are growing up and their needs are changing. One thing that has been a mega-money saver for me is second hand shopping. I have found many amazing things at thrift stores. If you are willing to get your hands dirty, you can find incredible items!

Here are some of my top thrifting tips!

• Warning: You may get dirty! Some thrift stores can feel dirty or dusty. Sometimes the hangers leave marks on my hands. Keep Sanitizer nearby for when you need it, and always wash your hands afterwards!
• Try things on whenever possible. Some of the thrift stores still don’t have dressing rooms open. If there are not dressing rooms, you can slip shirts and jackets over your top, the other items I try to hold up and guess.
• Check the return policy before buying something you are unsure of. Some stores only allow a week to return or only offer in-store credit.
• Plan to spend more time than usual. It takes time to look for the awesome items, but it is worth it to find that sometimes hidden item. I could spend 2-3 hours in one thrift store!
• Take a friend. I used to meet a friend every month at a different thrift store. It was such a great day to look forward to: spending time together and finding great deals. It is fun to compare who did the best-whether it was spending the least amount or buying the most or finding the best items. Either way it is a great outing together. Take a friend who can be honest with you so you can get a second opinion on items you are unsure of.
• Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a lot on your first visit. I have gone sometimes and found very little and other trips left with huge bags full. And there is a learning curve to thrifting. Try it a few times and at different stores.
• Make a list of things you need before you go. This helps me know where to focus my attention. Thrift stores can be overwhelming so having a list is a great way to stay focused and find exactly what you need. It usually takes me 2-3 trips before I find a specific item so keeping an active shopping list on your phone is a great idea. It’s helpful also to be able to continue adding items to it. Like when my son says he needs some more shorts, I can add them to my list.
• Find a picture of an outfit you like and try to find something similar at the thrift store. This is a fun challenge to search for cute outfits to add to your wardrobe. Or if you have a skirt that you don’t know what to put with it, Pinterest is a fun place to search for outfit ideas. For instance, I had a black lace skirt. So I searched “Black lace skirt outfit” and it brought up lots of options and I found a shirt in a similar color to an outfit I liked.
• Are you in a new town for business or vacation? Look for a thrift store to visit. On vacation, my family loves to try out the thrift stores in the area. We have found some really fun things.
• Make sure to look over every item really well before purchasing. Look for uneven wear, fading, holes, stains, chips, marks, thinning of fabric, etc. I’ve gotten very good at spotting stains!
• Buy off season items…sweaters and coats in the Summer and shorts and swimsuits in the winter. There is a better selection during off seasons.
• Shop on SALE DAYS! Most thrift stores have loyalty rewards for customers. Sign up for their emails. Savers has a colored tag that is 50% off each week and they have a points system so you can earn discount coupons. Goodwill has been having 50% off days for…women’s, kid’s, housewares, or men’s clothes each month. I love to go on sale days because it makes everything so cheap! Try to go early on sale days as it gets busy and picked over. Some thrift stores give a discount if you follow them on social media. Check with each store to find what specials they offer.
• Some thrift stores (like Savers and Goodwill) will give you % off coupons for donating items. So get rid of things before you go. If you donate items you can get a tax donation as well! Bonus!
• Check games/puzzles for all the pieces. We have actually opened them and counted cards or game pieces. It’s a great job for an elementary age kid that is bored. Puzzles are more of a risk but a great deal. Don’t get them if the box is not intact or if you can see an opening where pieces might have fallen out. I like if they are bagged inside. You won’t hear any rattling inside when you shake them. Most of the time, our puzzles aren’t missing pieces or only one piece, so we have been lucky.
• DIY-There are so many fun things you can do with thrift items. I love to pin projects and then look for items that I could use to make it. Look at the thrift items in a new light. Could you alter them to make them better and looking new. I love spray painting end tables, frames, lamps, and other decor to match my home. Sometimes a simple screw or adjustment and it is as good as new.
• I also like to alter clothes to fit better. It is so hard to find longer shorts or elbow length sleeves, so I will just buy pants and long sleeve shirts and hem to my desired length. I have altered tops with big bulky sleeves, just sewing them down the inside sleeve to make them fit better. I have cut off big bows, taken in sides of dresses and shirts, made bell bottoms skinnier, and necklines more open. If you learn how to sew a basic straight stitch, there is a lot that you can do. The distressed frayed hem is popular right now, and that is very easy to do. Simply cut jeans at the desired length and wash. Then remove excess strings. Voila. No sewing required. So easy. Most of my shorts now have this hem because it is so easy!
• Try out all of the thrift stores in your town. Each one is unique and might have better options for clothes, furniture, or books. As you visit them all you will start to see which ones are best for quality items, cleanliness, and prices. I have found certain thrift stores are better for furniture, or others for clothing. Even the same company has different favorites at each location.
• Is there a birthday or holiday coming? Look for little gifts and stocking stuffers. You’ll be surprised what you can find. I have found lots of activity books, crafts, games, and clothes brand new or in very good condition.
• As your kids get older, I’d recommend that you take them with you and have them try the clothes on, especially if they are picky! My kids have learned how to be great shoppers. They love it when we invite cousins to meet us and shop together. They find some very interesting things together and often things I missed!
• Most of the items are not new and will need to be cleaned before use. But don’t worry, most items can be cleaned, sanitized, or washed. Launder every item of fabric before use. I have some disinfectant spray that I spray into shoes. Sweater shavers work great if there is any piling on tops or sweaters. We wash smaller toys in the sink with dish soap and wipe larger ones down with an Envirocloth. We spray or wipe everything down. One time we bought some Legos and let them soak in the sink before rinsing. They came out good as new.
• Call ahead for donation hours. I try to go when they first open since I have been turned down when they were too full. Don’t forget your receipt for taxes.
• I’ve also discovered an online option for thrifting, threadUP. It is a great option if you are true to size or are looking for a certain designer or clothing company. I had a pair of pants that I loved (from a thrift store) and was able to search for that brand and size and found some similar pants.

If you haven’t ever been to a thrift store, now is the time to try it out. Find one near you. I think you will be surprised what you can find. There is something for everyone! I have enjoyed thrifting for years and have saved so much money as well. Let me know how it goes!

Here are a few other helpful sites to check out.

• The Clutterbug has a fun video about thrifting. If you are new to this, it is definitely worth checking out. Click HERE to watch.
• If you are in Utah, Linda Hilton has compiled a wonderful list of what to donate and where. Click HERE for her list.

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