12 Thrift Store Shopping Hacks for the Best Deals

I can't be humble about this: I am the king of thrifting, the sultan of second-hand, the Duke of Deals. This isn't some mere hobby for me; it's a way of life.

You can ask anyone! My furniture? Tasteful. My wardrobe? Immaculate. Don't get me started on my kitchen; we'll be here all day. And here, for the first time, I am sharing my secrets with you, the soon-to-be crafty consumer.

Thrifting is a delicate art, and you will almost certainly come up with your own tricks to get the most out of the experience. I hope that what I've provided here is the basic framework you need to become a master of finding the best deals and not the person holding up the line while trying to haggle for a dollar off a pair of used Crocs (seriously, don't be that person).

Go Early

Look, no one hates getting up early more than me. I'd sleep until 2 p.m. every day if it was socially acceptable (and if my wife would let me). But if you want the good stuff at the best prices, going early is an absolute must.

Don't believe me? Try going to any thrift store right after they open and take a look around. Then come back to the same store at 4 p.m. and check the difference. All the best stuff is gone! The early bird gets the bargain.

Make a List

It can be fun to wander aimlessly through the whole store looking for treasures, but if you're on the hunt for specific items, make a list. Be specific about what you're looking for, and write it down.

Make the items on your list the first things you look for when you get to the store. You don't want to get distracted by combing through Blu-rays only to see someone else walking to check out the exact item you were supposed to be looking for.

Be Aware of Sales

Even thrift stores have sales and clearance items. Be aware of which stores are running specials and what items are on sale. Many stores will put clothing on clearance toward the end of the season to make room for new stock, so make sure you're checking websites, social media, and posted signs.

Goodwill stores, for example, have weekly sales on specific tag colors that start every Tuesday, and the rotation schedule is posted on their website. If you find something you want but don't want to pay the full price, check the color of the tag and come back Tuesday.

Scope the Neighborhood

Keep the location of the store in mind when deciding where to go. What's the surrounding neighborhood like? Does it seem, in a word, rich? You'd be amazed what the (ahem) upper middle class will donate, especially if you're looking for upscale furniture or designer-brand clothes.

Stores in rural areas can also yield unexpected treasures, especially if you're in the market for antiques. This isn't to say you should completely avoid thrift shops in more densely populated areas, but these tend to be a lot more crowded, so once again, make sure you go early!

Know Your Sizes

This applies to both clothing and furniture: know what size you need. And I mean very, very specifically. Have a friend measure you like a tailor, and make sure you are measuring the space in your house where you want to put that sofa, chair, or bookcase!

This will not only save you money (nothing quite as frustrating as buying something you can't even use), but it will save you precious time, especially if you're planning to hit multiple stores in one morning.

Bring a Measuring Tape

You know what size items you need, so make sure you have a measuring tape to ensure the items in the store will fit your needs. If you forgot yours, here's a pro tip straight from my own playbook: check the “Tools” section, there's likely at least one there you can use!

This can also help when you're shopping for clothes at a shop without a fitting room. If you know your measurements, you can use your tape measure to quickly determine whether or not that dress or those designer jeans will be a good fit.

Know an Item's Worth

The whole point of shopping second-hand is to save money, so make sure you aren't paying the same price as something would cost new! Research the items on your list before you go shopping so you know whether you're actually getting a bargain.

If something that wasn't on your list catches your eye in the store, it only takes a quick moment to Google what it costs new. If it's something a bit older, check out what something similar went for on eBay (make sure you're looking at the “sold” price, not the listing price).

Dress for Success

As I said before, a measuring tape can help at a store without a fitting room, but the best way to find out if a clothing item is what you need is always to put it on. To avoid having to undress in the middle of the store, wear form-fitting outfits so you can try things on over your clothes.

Leggings, bike shorts, and yoga clothes are ideal for this. Don't be too proud to go to the store looking like you just came from the gym. You didn't come here to impress anyone; you came to find the best deals!

Inspection

No matter what you are buying, give it a close inspection before you take it to checkout. Is that shirt's collar stained? Is that a rip in the seam of those jeans? Are those table legs all the same size? Many thrift stores don't take returns, so make sure you're not paying for defective merchandise.

When it comes to electronics, ask if it's been tested. If not, the store may have an area where you can plug it in and test it yourself. If it's battery-operated, make sure the compartment doesn't show signs of rust or acid from old, exploded batteries.

Be Patient

Thrifting is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't settle for something that's merely “good enough;” keep looking! You don't want to pay for something you don't love, especially if you'll only end up replacing it when the right item comes along.

You can come back on a different day to look again. Or you can head to other thrift stores (you came early, right? There are still plenty of hours left in the day). It doesn't count as a good deal if it isn't what you want.

Be Creative

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for the creative upcycler. That old shelf might not be fit for books, but it could be a perfect planter for your garden. Many antiques might not be quite as functional as they once were, but they can become conversation-starting display pieces.

Keep your desired aesthetic in mind and think about what else an item could become. Maybe you don't want that ugly piece of hotel hallway art, but that frame could be perfect for the macaroni art your nephew made for your birthday.

Keep an Open Mind

I know: I told you to make a list. I told you not to settle for “good enough.” So, how are you supposed to “keep an open mind?” Shopping is an art, not a science. You should always be asking, “What if?”

Does that chair match the room better than the one you wanted? Would it cost less to reupholster that couch than to buy a new one? Those pants aren't what you were looking for, but could you plan an outfit around them? Put your creativity into it, and remember that the best deal of all is having fun!