15 Do’s and Don’ts of Thrift Store Shopping for Home Decor  

Thrift store shopping can be a great way to find unique pieces of home decor at a fraction of the cost of buying new. However, it can also be a bit overwhelming and even frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing.

To help you get the most out of your thrift store shopping experiences, here are 15 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

1. Do start with a plan. It can be helpful to have an idea of what kinds of things you’re looking for before you even step foot into a thrift store. This will help you focus your search and avoid getting sidetracked by all of the potential treasures that abound in these types of stores.

2. Do take your time. Thrifting is not a race. You’re not going to find the perfect piece if you’re rushing through the store. Take your time and really look at each item that catches your eye.

3. Do be open-minded. Just because an item doesn’t look exactly how you envisioned it in your head doesn’t mean it can’t work in your space. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of creativity to see the potential in something.

4. Do be prepared to do some minor repairs or touch-ups. Don’t expect everything you find to be in perfect condition. If you’re handy, you may be able to fix up some of the items yourself; if not, you can always take them to a professional.

5. Do haggle. It never hurts to try to negotiate a lower price, especially if an item is damaged in some way.

6. Do try to go during off-peak hours. If you can, avoid shopping during the weekends or other times when the store is likely to be busiest. You’ll have a better chance of finding what you’re looking for and won’t have to deal with as many crowds.

7. Do inspect items carefully before buying them. Check for any damage, stains, or other issues that could potentially cause problems down the road.

8. Do wash or clean items before bringing them into your home. This will help to ensure that they’re free of dirt, dust, and other potential allergens.

Don’t:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The staff at thrift stores is usually very knowledgeable and can help you find what you’re looking for, even if you’re not quite sure yourself.

2. Don’t forget to measure. Before you buy anything, make sure you know exactly how it’s going to fit into your space. There’s nothing worse than getting something home only to realize it’s too big or small.

3. Don’t be afraid of used items. Just because something is second-hand doesn’t mean it’s automatically dirty or damaged. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, simply give the item an once-over with a disinfectant wipe before you take it home.

4. Don’t forget to check for expiration dates. This is particularly important if you’re buying food items, but it can also be relevant for other things like beauty products or medications.

5. Don’t be afraid to walk away. If you’re not 100% sure about an item, don’t feel like you have to buy it just because it’s a good deal. Chances are, you’ll find something else that you love just as much (if not more) elsewhere.

6. Don’t be afraid to haggle. As mentioned before, it never hurts to try to negotiate a lower price, especially if an item is damaged in some way.

7. Don’t forget to inspect items carefully before buying them. This is especially important if you’re buying electronics or other items that could potentially be hazardous if they’re not in good working condition.

Conclusion:

Thrifting can be a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind items for your home. However, it’s important to remember that these items are usually second-hand, so they may not be in perfect condition. Be sure to inspect items carefully before you buy them, and don’t be afraid to ask for a refund or exchange if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. With a little bit of patience and perseverance, you’re sure to find some amazing treasures at your local thrift store.