Top 5 Thrifting Tips

I originally shared this blog at A Blissful Nest here but thought I might share it for all of my followers as well!

Bethany, one of my favorite bloggers, posted the following on This Little Estate Blog: ”I don’t claim to be a design expert, but I do claim to be a major bargain hunter, red sticker lover, avid junk store searcher and thrifting enthusiast. I have also been known, on occasion, to drag something home from your curb into my home and then repurpose it for free.” I couldn’t help but feel like she was talking about me, I have always loved the thrill of a bargain! I am super frugal and love shopping and the thrill of finding a clearance item, thrift find or roadside/trash treasure! Thrifting can be challenging and overwhelming so today I figured I’d share a few tips that I have found have helpful when thrifting. I consider “thrifting” as shopping thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, flea market shopping, etc.

Top 5 Thrifting Tips from The Hamby Home:

Find the top spots: I work full time and I don’t have time to go to many different thrift stores frequently to look for great finds. After going to several local thrift stores I’ve found my favorite “go to” store. They get all of the items left over from estate sales and have great pricing so I typically try to stop by every other week depending on how my schedule allows.

Be prepared to walk away with nothing: Naturally, thrifting is hit or miss. It helps to be prepared and happy walking away with no purchase. Some days I walk away with golden finds and other times I walk away empty handed.

Have a wishlist of items in mind prior to shopping: Knowing things to look for is very helpful when thrifting where it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff. This is why searching and looking through Pinterest, magazines and blogs help prepare! I usually see things that I like and get ideas of items I want or things I’d like to attempt to recreate. Often I will see something when I’m out at a thrift store that will remind me of something I’ve seen or pinned before. I also use the wunderlist app to keep a general list of items that I would want when I’m out a thrifting.

Ex. We didn’t have a headboard in our guest room for a while and now have one that barely shows. I had seen a picture on Pinterest where they used four shutters on the wall to overshadow the absence of a headboard. I was out at our habitat restore and found four shutters that once they were painted would work perfectly. Paying $20 for old shutters and the paint was much cheaper than purchasing a headboard and gave the room the look I was going for!

Ex.  I found this image on Pinterest a long time ago and always loved the book wreath hanging on her console table. I had small wreath stands on my Amazon wishlist for $20 and one day just stumbled upon one at the thrift store for $3. All it needed was some spray paint and it was perfect!

Think Outside the Box: I love the idea of repurposing and using an item for another purpose than what it was intended. Just because it’s a basket doesn’t mean you have to use it as a basket. A friend of mine from IG used a Christmas tree collar as a shade for her chandelier, how genius is that?

Ex. I am a huge lover of blue and white ceramics and was at the thrift store when I found this little planter with two holes for plants. I didn’t need a planter but I did need some dog bowls. I had some little glass candle holders that were my grandmas that fit perfectly in the planter to give me the cutest $2 dog bowls I’ve ever seen!

Be creative and transform: There may be an item that looks boring and plain or useless at the time but try to see past the surface and see its full potential.

Ex. I found this cheap and flimsy unfinished wood tray for $2 at the thrift store but knew it could be painted or stained to turn into a fabulous tray for a smaller price. After going back and forth on what to do with it I finally got the idea to tile the tray. I have to admit that this was probably one of my favorite DIY projects because I’ve never tiled before and the tiled tray is such a statement piece.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Thrifting is a great way to find so many interesting items for an awesome price and many thrift stores benefit charities. I have found some of my favorite pieces from thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales and you cannot beat the prices!