9 Things You Must Do to Save More at Thrift Stores!

I love Thrift Stores, especially in the winter when garage sale season is non-existent. But even at the thrift stores, my frugal eyes are on the lookout! There is no way; 6 bucks for this shirt goes back on the rack!

Here are 9 Tips to save you MORE at Thrift Stores!

Shop on the Right Day

The first thing you need to do if you’re a serious Thrift Store shopper is to find out when your local store restocks its merchandise. Some stores have a set day each week when they bring out new items. Other stores may restock more frequently or at less predictable times.

Once you have this information, you can plan your shopping trips accordingly. Shopping on the right day will prevent you from missing out on the best items and give you access to the freshest merchandise.

When you enter the store, check what color is on sale that day. If they do not do a color code, ask what the day’s special is.

Then to maximize your savings, only look at items in that category. But always look at these items first! Ex. Good Will has their sign right up on the front door, and many of the kid’s clothes are $1, so when blue things are 50% off, you will get shirts for $0.50! And that’s the amount I like to pay:)

Sign up for their rewards program.

Goodwill and Volunteers of America do this. After spending x amount of money, you get a percentage off usually. Goodwill, they ask for your number, and Volunteers of America has a punch card. ( or at least they did a month or two ago; I haven’t used mine in that long)

Follow the store on social media

Follow their social media pages and websites for coupons, extra savings days, or new items they receive. For example, volunteers of America have coupons that change every month and are available to print.

Check out Online Stores

Shop their online stores.  Goodwill has theirs here. You can find their stores on their websites or social media accounts. ReStore ( Habitat for Humanity) often post its new items on its Facebook pages. Many will let you buy with just a click!

Plus, you can shop so many used clothing items online now- with websites like Thredup– which is a really fun used clothing website.

Look for Goodwill Clearance Stores’ ” Dirty Goodwill”

This is one of the goldmines, but if you haven’t heard of Goodwill clearance stores- this is life-changing. Check to see if you have a ‘Dirty Goodwill”. They aren’t all over the place, but if you have one near you- the price is per pound of clothing. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and start digging for deals.

I did a video below on our latest Goodwill bins haul. I also shared an article on how the Goodwill bins are different and so much cheaper than your regular Goodwill.

Know what you’re looking for

One of the pitfalls of Thrift Store shopping can be getting easily overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items available. To avoid this, make a mental or physical list of what you’re looking for before you go. This doesn’t have to be overly specific.

For example, you might decide you need a new dress for an upcoming wedding or a new set of curtains for your guest room. Having a general idea of what you’re searching for will help you focus your attention and avoid getting sidetracked by other items that catch your eye.

Inspect carefully before you buy

Thrift Stores often get items donated from various sources, and not every item will be in pristine condition. Before you commit to purchasing something, inspect it carefully for signs of wear and tear, stains, or other damage.

If you find something that you really love, but has a flaw, consider whether it’s something you can repair or modify. Sometimes a simple alteration, like sewing on a new button or removing a stain, can breathe new life into an otherwise unusable item.

Be patient

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when you’re Thrift Store shopping is to be patient. Finding the perfect item at the perfect price can sometimes take time.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for on your first trip. You never know what other treasures may turn up in the coming weeks. Finally, remember to be mindful of your purchases. Just because something is a great price doesn’t mean it’s a great deal if you never use it.

Pinterest to Repurpose

Use Pinterest, Baby! Let your mind be open to pieces that could become something fantastic in your home. Let yourself try something new and enjoy.

If you are looking for furniture or home decor, there are usually many great finds; when they are a bit outdated, they need a makeover! With Pinterest and YouTube, anyone can have some fun trying to repurpose an item!

Saving money is always a great feeling, and there’s never a bad time to start! Thrift stores are a great place to start for anyone looking for ways to find great deals while enjoying shopping. With these five tips, you’re sure to save more than ever before when it comes to the thrift store!

Remember to always look at items from the special or color-coded category first. Also, download their apps and sign up for their rewards program to join in on additional savings. Who knows? You might walk away with some amazing finds without breaking the bank in the process!

What tips do you have to share to help us save EVEN more money for thrift stores???