What is Thrifting and How to Get Started

What is thrifting? Explore the benefits of thrifting and find out how it can help you discover one-of-a-kind items at affordable prices. Let’s chat all about it in front of our cozy fireplace.

What is Thrifting?

Thrifting refers to the act of shopping at thrift stores, second-hand stores, or consignment shops to find used or pre-owned items at affordable prices. It is a popular practice among individuals who are looking for unique or vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, home decor, books, and other items.

Thrift stores are typically non-profit or charitable organizations that accept donations of gently used items from individuals and businesses. These items are then sorted, priced, and sold in the thrift store. The proceeds from these sales often support the organization’s mission or charitable causes.

Thrifting offers several benefits. First, it allows people to find one-of-a-kind or vintage items that may not be available in traditional retail stores. Second, it is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of shopping, as it gives items a second life instead of contributing to the demand for new products. Lastly, thrifting can be more budget-friendly, as items in thrift stores are generally priced at a fraction of their original cost.

When bargain shopping, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

Thrifting can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to discover unique treasures while being environmentally conscious and budget-friendly.

Benefits of Thrifting

There are several benefits to thrifting, which is why it has become a popular practice among many individuals. Here are some key benefits of thrifting:

Thrifting with the Gals

It’s the third Thursday of the month, which means it’s time for your favorite blog series, Thrifting with the Gals. This is a monthly blog series where my friends and I share vintage finds, tips, tricks, and home decorations from around the country. You may sign up here for Dabbling & Decorating and never miss a post.

If you are joining me today from Rachel over at The Pond’s Farmhouse, welcome! I am going to bookmark Rachel’s post on What to Look For in Thrift Stores this Year. She has the best thrifting ideas, for sure!

Our guest host, Lora from Create and Ponder, is also joining us this month.

This past year, Thrifting with the Gals was a whirlwind of vintage finds, second-hand shops, thrifty DIYs, and restoring my parents’ Coastal Maine home—and it was just plain all-around fun!

Set Individual Shopping Goals

This year, I really wanted to set some thrifting goals for myself.

So, I started a fire in the fireplace, poured a cup of coffee, and started thinking about what thrifting is and what goals I could set for success.

1. To Buy Less & Thrift More

My first goal is to buy less and thrift more, which means I don’t want to buy things that I don’t need.

And to be more goal-oriented when I’m out Thrifting with the Gals.

This is also partly the reason I created today’s blog post, to help myself stay focused on:

You may also enjoy The Best After Christmas Home Decor Ideas and Tips post.

2. What is Thrifting Vision Boards?

Create vision boards for thrift shopping with a decor purpose in mind.

Thrifting isn’t always planned, as we all know.

A drive-by yard sale, a new second-hand shop, a flea market, etc., can all pop up so unexpectedly, and like yourself, I can never pass one by…

Therefore, having a vision board that reflects my shopping goals and decor needs will be very helpful, especially on those surprise pop-ups.

You may learn all about vision boards here.

Here is one of the first vision boards I created. I’m still swooning over all this vintage inspiration today.

3. Sell, Donate, and Organize

Years ago, while living in Connecticut, I had a booth at a vintage barn that I enjoyed collecting and selling for.

I enjoy bargain and vintage shopping so much that I’m thinking of goal #3 as an extension of Thrifting with the Gals for this year.

I want to start up a consignment booth like this one here, preferably near our home in Vermont.

Update

Learn more about the vintage booth in the window that I opened in this very shop in Manchester, Vermont, in these posts:

You may also enjoy the 13 + Best-Loved Vintage Antiques and Uniques post.

4. Thrift My Homes

Maine Home | Thrifting Goals

This year, I want to take the time to go through our attic in Maine. It’s filled with antiques, my mother’s collectibles, old family photos, quilts, and so much more.

I’d like to go through it all this year, creating and styling unique treasures for the home with all the heirlooms this attic keeps.

Update

I tackled the attic and check out these posts to see the heirlooms I found:

• How to Fold and Display Heirloom Quilts
• Vintage Braiding Rug Stand | A Mother’s Day Reflection

Vermont Home | Thrifting Goals

This year, at our Vermont home, I am determined to clean out our basement and sell many of the thrifty goodies that it, too, holds. Making donations and reselling are all part of that thrifting experience.

Just not any family heirlooms here…

Thrift Stores Near Me

You may find this Vintage Shops Near Me: Vermont to Maine post helpful for your own thrifting excursions.

You may also enjoy the 13+ Best Thrift Store Decor Ideas and Vintage Decorating post.

Set Your Own Goals

Ready to head out thrifting? Set your own goals today before you head out.

Here’s a template you can download to help get you started.

You may also enjoy seeing This Season’s Thrifting Trends.

What to Look for Thrifting

• Vintage Rugs
• Vintage Braided Rugs
• Vintage Wall Pictures and Frames
• Crocks
• Ironstone
• Vintage Kitchen Mixers
• Vintage Bread Boards
• Bedroom Pine Cabinets
• Rectangle Pine Dining Room Tables
• Vintage Bedroom Items
  • Vanity Tables
  • Hairbrushes and Hand Mirrors
  • Bedside Tables
  • Cozy Chairs or Bench
  • Pillows
  • Vintage Clothes Hangers
  • Atomizers and Perfume Bottles
• Seasonal Coffee Table Decor
• Vintage Drapes

Let me know in the comment section below.

Check out this 13 Best Thrift Store Decor Ideas and Vintage Decorating post.

Next up on today’s Thrifting with the Gals Blog Tour is my friend Kristin from White Arrows Home, who has the most beautiful log cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and today she’s sharing her Top Thrifting Finds this Month!

Join The Thrifting With the Gals Posts