How to shop like a pro in secondhand shops
With these tips you can shop in secondhand stores like a pro.
Problem solved, checked
Whether you’re shopping for back-to-school clothes or stuff for your dorm, thrift stores are a great way to find unique items that won’t break your budget. You can buy used items from the comfort of your home online, in person at local thrift stores, or by spending a weekend browsing at flea markets.
Many thrift stores issue new donations daily, but the beginning of the month is a good time to shop thrift because of the many donations from people moving, especially if you live in a college town.
Secondhand shopping can be an adventure. Often the best treasures are hidden on a clothes rack or behind other items, so be prepared to spend some time treasure hunting.
Watch this video to learn how to shop thrift stores like a pro.
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To avoid impulse purchases, make a list of the things you need before you go shopping.
Buying second-hand items makes especially sense if you are looking for:
- books.
- Clothing.
- Kitchen items.
- Art.
- Furniture.
When buying clothes, look for high-quality fabrics such as wool, silk, cashmere and leather.
Many secondhand stores stock a wide variety of items, but some specialize in furniture and art.
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What you can do with old clothes
If you’re looking for secondhand clothing, take a moment to go through the clothes you already have and get rid of the items you no longer wear or that no longer fit you. Sort your clothes into these groups: keep, sell, donate and recycle.
Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your unworn clothes sustainably.
Pay attention to the clothes you keep and consider what pieces you need to fill the gaps in your wardrobe.
Some second-hand shops buy old clothes for cash or gift cards.
You can also list your items for sale online on marketplace apps. If you have high-end designer items, there are also online resale platforms that specialize in selling these items.
If you have a lot of items to sell other than clothing, hold a garage sale.
Consider donating old clothing or towels to a local nonprofit. Check the organization’s website to see if they accept donations and what items they do or do not accept. You may be able to deduct the charitable donations on your taxes.
An alternative to the traditional method of donation is to host a clothing swap party with your friends or in your community.
Before you throw the torn shirt in the trash, you should take the old clothes to a textile donation center. There may be facilities in your city or donation boxes in parking lots.
Check with retailers, as they may host clothing drives throughout the year and offer incentives for donations. For example, during the Denim Take Back event, Target offers a discount to anyone who donates old jeans.
