7 Ultimate Thrift Store Shopping “Don’ts”

I believe that thrift is essential to well ordered living ”

— JOHN .D. ROCKE

I’m going to keep this as short and sweet as possible because not everybody likes to hear what they’re doing wrong or could do differently. Still a part of the thrift series. I have gotten a couple of questions about what to, and what not to buy from thrift stores, so I figured I’d do a ‘Thrift shopping don’ts’ to give you guys an idea of what I try to avoid while thrifting.

Thrifting is fun and I probably could be the poster girl for thrifting, but there are some things to keep in mind while thrifting, Some of these are:

• Don’t assume you can return an item if you change your mind. Many thrift stores have a “no returns or exchanges” policy. Take your list, measurements, or anything you feel is important to have so you can make good buying decisions you won’t regret.
• Don’t be grossed out. This is a huge one. Don’t think of thrifting as just wearing someone else’s old clothes. Rather, think of it as making something your own and expressing your style differently. The wide range of brands, styles that thrift stores offer allow you to experiment and create a look that is solely yours.
• Don’t buy anything unless you absolutely love it. It doesn’t matter how good a bargain something might be. If you don’t love it in the store, you’re not going to love it once you get it home. And if you don’t love it, you’ll never wear it. It will just end up taking up valuable space in your closet.
• Don’t shop for underwear, beddings, or work out apparel. Personally, this is where I draw the line. To put it bluntly: bodily fluids and bugs. You just never know what kinds of things it might have been exposed to so we generally advise you to try to stay away from them.
• Don’t be shy to look around. I find the rarest and most fashionable Jackets, Hoodies, and believe it or not mum jeans in the Men's section. The best strategy walks the store aisle by aisle. You might stumble rare gem you never knew you were needed.
• Don’t forget about online thrift stores. I personally would rather shop at the store cause I love the opportunity to try out clothes before purchase. If you’re a fan of online shopping, online thrift stores are a fantastic thing and if you find the right ones, you’ll agree!. An online thrift store is a great way to save money while never having to leave home which in the online shopping world? Is rare.
• Don’t assume you can leave a large purchase, such as furniture, for a later pick-up time. Some thrift stores don’t mind holding a paid piece until you return with a truck, but others refuse all responsibility for sold merchandise.
• Don’t forget the one item in, one item out rule. With thrifting, it is easy to become a hoarder because of great finds and cheap prices but try to bear in mind that most thrift stores get their stuff from donations and you don’t want to be the one that only takes and never give back. Take time out to clean out your closet and make donations to your nearby thrift store.

These are a few things that I’ve found useful during my thrift journey and I hope you do too.