Are you new to thrifting? Or maybe it’s just too overwhelming for you but you still want to try it since it’s so eco-friendly? Well, I’ve compiled all of my eco tips along with a few from my friend Alyssa (give her a follow) so you can start thrifting like a pro today!

But, of course, learn about why thrifting is so much better for the planet in this video.

Have a wishlist

Sometimes you thrift for fun, but if you’re on a mission, have your wishlist ready to go. And no, I don’t mean “size 12 black jeans from Old Navy.” That will probably end in disappointment. Just do something vague like “black pants,” and “white purse,” or “strappy sandals.” You will rarely find an exact match while thrifting, and that is the beauty of it. Have an open mind to unique and close-enough finds!

But, if you do want something hyper-specific…

Try online thrifting

Maybe you’re like me and you really love a certain cut of shorts that you know nothing will ever replicate. Well, online thrifting DOES allow you to search for specific items like “size 14 REI women’s hiking pants.” It still will take patience but this is your best bet for finding exactly what you need in a relatively quick way.

Have patience

As I already mentioned, you gotta be patient. It’s definitely possible to walk into a thrift store and find just what you need in a few moments, but it’s not that likely. You’re working off of secondhand inventory based on what your neighbors are donating. You may have to try several stores or the same store once a week when they restock new items. You may have to spend several minutes per rack sifting through all of the goodies to find what speaks to you. Some items may be placed in the wrong spots, too. So, keep an eye out for anything and take your time.

Go on a day with the right mindset

I don’t know about you, but I can’t just thrift on a whim. I have to be in the right headspace because thrifting can tire and overwhelm me. I have to be energized, in a good mood, and ready to tackle any hunger, overstimulation, and setbacks. If you’re like me, perhaps wait until the vibe is right so that you can make the most out of your thrifting process.

Prevent overstimulation

For me, even when I’m in the right headspace, I still have to prepare to be overstimulated by lights and sounds and smells and textures. This may look like wearing gloves if you’re digging through bins and brining hand sanitizer to decontaminate after touching a lot of new items (thrift stores rarely wash their inventory). Perhaps you bring headphones and a playlist to tune out other noises. For me this is also planning in snack and drink breaks whether that’s taking lunch in between stores or getting home in time to get a snack. Truly, do whatever works for you and your needs!

Think through your purchases

Yup, you can still overconsume thrifted goods. In fact, it may be easier since it’s cheaper. But we should still think before we buy. Here are a few things to consider:

Fabric content

Is this a natural material that will hold up overtime? Is it cheap fast fashion that will break down and wear out quickly?

Is the item still in good condition?

Look over items for holes, snags, stains, rips, and other damage. Yes, you can mend these things, but maybe it’s priced too high for the damage. Maybe you don’t have the time or desire to mend that certain problem.

Can you mend it or turn it into something you love (sewing, dyeing, pill shavers)

But maybe you’re ready for a challenge! Perhaps something fits really well, but it’s not your color, try a bottle of dye. I thrifted a pair of jeans once that fit like a glove, but the main button was missing, so I added my own at home. If that cozy sweatshirt is on your thrift list but it’s a little pilled, get a pill shaver to remove the pills.

Will you actually use it

Of course, the question as old as time: will you actually use this item? Again, it can be easy to thrift something cause it’s cheap. But do you have a place to store it? If it’s decor, where will you hang it? Do you already have something at home that fits this purpose?

You can learn more about how to break up with overconsumption in this video.

One in, one out

If you’re trying not to have too many items in your home, it may be a good idea to declutter as you thrift. If you find a new mug, declutter an older one. If you thrift a new bag, donate an old one. Of course, this doesn’t have to be standard, but it can be a good practice for reducing clutter and also giving back to your thrift stores (though, thrift stores are not THE answer, we need to also consume less. Learn more about the nuance of thrift stores in this video).

Be comfy

I also cannot go thrifting in clothing that makes me uncomfortable. I wanna feel confident when I thrift, but also be able to tolerate the clothing and shoes I wear that day. This also looks like wearing something that is easy to try stuff on over top of. Many thrift stores never had changing rooms, but even more don’t seem to have them now, post-COVID. So, wear leggings, a tight tank top, a body suit, or whatever works for you so that you can try stuff on in the aisle. Trying stuff on is another tip of mind to prevent returns (which some stores don’t allow), save time, and save money.

Look at everything!

The best finds happen when you DIG through the stores. I never would’ve found my cherished Sequoia shirt had I not checked the men’s section. I wouldn’t have this dope tapestry had I not checked this obscure piece of fabric at a garage sale. You get the idea. You never know what treasures are hiding in weird places, in incorrect aisles, or stuck between two tightly-packed items.

Bring your bags!

Always bring a reusable bag with you, period, but especially to the thrift! Many thrift stores don’t have bags or rely on donated bags. So, save them a bag, extend that bag’s life a little longer by bringing your own. You may even get a discount!

I also like to do this since I often hit up multiple stores, it can prevent multiple bags if I just get a few small things at each store.

Tips from Alyssa

Check out Alyssa’s full video here, but here are some of her tips I’ve never considered before:

Bring a measuring tape

Maybe you’re looking for a perfectly-sized basket. You’re going to need to measure it to make sure it’ll fit in your drawer or cabinet when you get home. Or, you can take your own measurements and just measure the clothes to see if they fit, if you want to avoid trying things on. A tiny one can come in handy for a lot of reasons!

Don’t forget cash

I’m a perpetual card-user, so this tip was a good one for me! Some stores are cash only, or some only accept card payments at a certain price point. It’s a good idea to have cash for these situations. It may also save you on fees!

Vision board

Alyssa’s best advice is to thrift based on a mood or vibe. It’s easier to go thrifting for green items, or brass accessories, or floral print, instead of a very specific item. This may also make it feel more like a treasure hunt instead.

Again, be sure to give her a follow!

That’s all of MY tips (and Alyssa’s), but what are your thrifting tips? Let us know how to thrift below!

Thanks for reading this all the way to the end. I hope that you learned something, especially why thrifting is so important. I truly think shopping secondhand is one of the best things we can do for the planet.

As always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)

Emma

Beginner Tips for Thrifting that Anyone can Benefit From