On any given weekend, whether you're wandering around town or visiting another part of the country for business or vacation, there's a good chance you spend at least part of Saturday or Sunday living frugally. No matter where life takes you, you're sure to find a flea market or thrift store worth exploring.
Frugality has never gone out of style, but it's certainly been having a big moment lately. It seems like my entire TikTok For You page is filled with clips of thrifty people and their amazing home finds. We're sharing a comprehensive recycling guide so you can hit all the thrift stores in town like a pro. Be sure to bookmark it and refer to it as needed. You're almost there to discover the major gems that will add lots of unique flair and charm to your home.
Visit your favorite money-saving places often
If you don't frequent your favorite flea market or thrift store, you'll never know what great treasures are there. Unfortunately, you may not hit the jackpot every time, but that's the fun part of thrifting. You never know when he's going to score a big score, or just a small trinket, and he'll find one or two. It's important to make sure that having a bad day at your favorite place doesn't mean you'll never be able to return. Vendors frequently receive new inventory, so stop by regularly each week if you have time. Free he is always wise to arrive at the market early in the day. At a thrift store, the items are always on the floor, so it's not as important to show up as soon as the store opens.
Provided by Allie Provost and Sarah Lyon
develop your sense of style
Most thrift stores and flea markets aren't very selective, so you'll be sifting through all sorts of items trying to find diamonds in the rough. Therefore, it's important to understand your design style ahead of time so you have a better idea of what you're looking for when you shop. For example, you may be drawn to coastal grandmotherly style and can't get enough of blue and white floral prints, wicker or wicker accessories, and elegant glassware. On the other hand, your style may lean towards Europe and you enjoy collecting brass candlesticks, ornate mirrors, and busts.
If you're not sure what home decor aesthetic is for you, take the time to read design magazines to learn what different styles look like and find the ones that speak to you and that you desire. Create a Pinterest board with images that reflect your look. You can always refer to these photos when shopping to determine whether the items you find are suitable for your decorating purposes.
think creatively
Keep in mind that not every item you find while thrifting needs to be used for its intended purpose. For example, I love picking up vintage crystal ashtrays to store jewelry or use as candle holders. A chic cocktail glass might make a great makeup brush holder on your vanity, and a brass trunk might double as a great coffee table (complete with blanket storage!). If you think beyond the obvious, you'll be surprised at what you start to notice while shopping.
Provided by Allie Provost and Sarah Lyon
Contact Instagram
How do you know if a thrift store or flea market will be a success or a total failure? You can never be completely sure what will happen on any particular visit, but especially if you're planning to travel to a new location. If you have a limited shopping schedule, it can be helpful to do some research online beforehand. I often use Google reviews to find out about a store's prices and inventory size, but of course I use Instagram to get a better idea of the actual products that are currently or have been sold in the past. (Many thrift stores maintain their own pages). If you're planning on traveling somewhere, make a list of potential thrift stores in your phone's Notes app and populate the map as you explore new shops while you're out and about. city.
Provided by Allie Provost and Sarah Lyon
Prepare your essentials
Last but not least, before you head out on your thrifting adventure, you need to make sure you leave the house with the right essentials, so to speak. I live in a big city and don't have a car, so Really Make sure you have a sturdy tote bag to hold your finds. Because you may need to take what you find to the subway. Or at least because you have to go out on the street to find an Uber. But if you're a frugal person, it's a good idea to carry a canvas or reusable tote bag with you no matter where you live. If you are participating in a flea market, vendors will most likely not offer you shopping bags of any kind. You also don't want to risk dropping and breaking your newly purchased special item. It is also a good idea to go to the flea market with some cash. Not all vendors accept credit cards or digital payments, but many do. Additionally, there may not be an ATM within walking distance when shopping. We also found that vendors may accept discounts on items if you are paying in cash. This is in part because paying with cash avoids credit card fees and the ability to receive a physical payment on the spot is appealing. spot!
Other items you may want to bring include a charged cell phone (this will help you take photos of things in the “maybe” category; stylish for reference when shopping or for approval); It's important to double-check that that great piece of furniture will actually fit in the space you intended, especially if you're going to enter it through the front door. ). I like to wear a belt bag when shopping to keep these small essentials close at hand and safe.
Do not arrive with a list
It's best to go to the thrift store with an open mind, rather than zeroing in on specific items you absolutely need. If you can't understand shopping without a list, try reorganizing things to search for general categories (e.g. “home entertainment accessories”) rather than tracking pitchers of a specific size or brand. . Most of my favorite recycled items were complete surprises. I never expected to find a vintage Dior suitcase at a flea market or a beautiful brass cashpot at Goodwill for just $7. Again, the thrill of the hunt is what makes thrifting so fun and special, and what makes you want to come back every time.
