Tips for Scoring Great Finds at the Thrift Store

Location – look for a store in an upscale area, a retirement area, near a college, or near a tourist district. Did you know that hotels often take unclaimed clothing and electronics to the local thrift store? While on vacation, search for a thrift store in a tourist location. You can often score treasures to bring home for just a few dollars.

Fabric -develop a good eye for quality fabrics and learn to scan the racks this way. You can spot well-designed garments at a glance when you begin to recognize a quality wool, silk, or knit garment. Next, I  check the tag, size and condition.  Hold the garment up the light and check for holes.

Discount Days – know the discount days and sales at your local stores. Some offer a discount on certain days, certain items, certain tag colors, senior days,  or offer VIP cards to save all the time.  Ask at the register if they are running any special promotions and shop accordingly.  Showing up on the right day can mean the difference between a $10 thrift store find–or a $5 score.

Try on everything if at all possible.  Stains, holes, missing buttons and broken zippers are common candidates for the donation pile, but you may not spot a fatal flaw until you try the garment on.

Know your brands and know how those brands fit you. I know how my favorite brands are sized. When I spot one of those, I don’t even have to try it on or get it tailored.Many stores these days are organized by color or size, making finding those perfect items that much easier.

Get it tailored –  If you have the sewing skills, than you are ahead of the game. If not, find an inexpensive tailor. My dry cleaners does simple alterations for just a few dollars. I buy all of my work pants at the thrift store and usually need to have them hemmed. Factor in the cost of alterations to determine if that item is still a good deal. Often the answer is yes!

Keep a list. I have a list of needed items for my wardrobe and often find accessories to change up an outfit for very little money. I also keep a list of items that my friends and family may be looking for. Buy in the off season and buy next years sizes for your kids.

Buy out of season. If you spot a winter coat in the middle of summer, buy and it and store it. Our kids grow quickly. Buy ahead and keep an eye on future sizes.

Take a friend. My sister and I can divide up the thrift store and shop for each other. When we meet in the middle, we usually have a cart full of items to try on, some for her and some for me!

Be patient. It may take you quite a while to sort through everything and you may not end up with one item. Enjoy the process.

If you spot it, add it to your cart. You can edit at the end. In most cases, if you pass on an item, it will not be waiting for you the next time you visit.

One more tip… read the fashion magazines and take pictures of outfits or looks that you like. Trendy items can often be replicated with thrift store finds!

More With Less Today tip- I live in southern California and my family lives in New England. I bought a winter coat and snow boots at a Goodwill store in Connecticut during one of my visits and I leave them stored in my mom’s basement. I don’t have to stuff my winter gear  in my suitcase every time I visit. I just bundle up in a few sweatshirts or sweaters until I get there.

Shopping at thrift stores will change how you view department store and even discount store prices! What are some of your favorite thrift store scores? We would love to hear from you!