Design bloggers make finding vintage objects look so easy, yet if you’ve never set foot inside a resale or thrift store, you might feel a little intimidated. Incorporating vintage or thrifted decor is fun when you know what to do. Read on for tips to make treasure hunting a cinch.
Don’t Be Scared
If you’re new to thrifting it can feel intimidating. Thrift stores tend to be packed with donations and aren’t always organized like stores with brand new merchandise. Start with consignment stores. They usually have everything pretty well sorted out, so you can get in and out quickly, and not feel overwhelmed.Then graduate to a local thrift or donation store. Bigger thrift store chains tend to be more organized than smaller, independent stores. But, in either scenario it helps to allow yourself some time to really look through the store. Pro tip: thrift stores that are in close proximity to stylish and savvy neighborhoods often have merchandise that match the location.
Make a List
Keeping a running list of specific items you are looking for (on your phone) can be helpful for when you’re out shopping or running errands and are near a thrift store. Successful thrifting means frequenting stores often to check for new merchandise. When you know what you want, you can get in and out quickly and move on to the next one.
Be Adventurous
You never know where treasures might be found. From your neighbor’s yard or garage sale to an estate sale, you have to seek to find. Be prepared with cash and it never hurts to do a little bargaining.
Phone a Friend
Anyone who knows a thrifter or an antiquer, knows they love the thrill of the hunt. Fill them in on what you want and whenever they are out looking for their own weird stuff they just may come across something that you’ve had your heart set on. Be specific about the items you are hunting (pictures help) and be ready to pay them with cash when the find is found!
