Welcome back to the Randolph Towers Blog! Today we are focusing on thrift shopping since August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. Read our post for a few thrifting tips and then head to your favorite thrift shop here in Arlington, VA.
Set a Budget
Before you head out, have an idea for how much you want to spend. Bring 15 to 30 dollars in cash to the thrift store. If you’re looking for a bigger item (a table or a dresser, for example), bring up to 50 dollars with you. It can be easy to go overboard at a thrift store and justify your purchases with that age-old excuse, “but it was on sale!” Prevent clutter from collecting in your apartment by bringing cash and sticking to your budget, even when it’s tough.
Explore the Store
Search every rack at your local thrift store — and we mean every rack. Look around the store to find the perfect item. Sort through the racks to find your perfect blazer, look through all of the shoes, and check out the home goods section. Browse the books, look for music, and check the bikes. You never know where (or when) you’ll strike gold.
Bring Someone Along
Bring a friend to bounce ideas off of, ask for a second opinion, and have fun with while you shop! Your friend will have some fun ideas for that classic t-shirt or blazer you found on the racks. You’ll also be able to try on wacky, crazy things you never would in “real life.” Bring a friend thrift shopping sometime this month!
Examine Items Thoroughly
Before buying, check clothes for stains, loose threading, missing buttons, and other potential problems or damage. Turn items inside out, too, for a full assessment. If you’re considering an electronic purchase, plug it in to be sure it still works. Even books should be scanned for missing or damaged pages. Any and all damage should be noted before making a purchase. Consider if it is worth the cost and if any repairs may be needed.
These are just a few tips to ensure your thrift shopping experience is enjoyable and that you are happy with your purchases. What other tips would you add? Share them in the comments below. Thanks for reading our post. Good luck in your thrifting endeavors!