Let me share with you some best tips for home decor thrifting. Here’s what to look for and how to get the best deal when shopping for secondhand home decor.
Join me today in the second part of my thrifting home decor series. Today we want to talk about some best tips for home decor thrifting. Using thrifted home decor is a great way to decorate and change out decor. Thrifting home decor, especially vintage or antique decor is very popular right now and offers a very budget friendly option to those of us who like to decorate. Home decor can be found in many places, as we discussed in the last post, but how do we best find these great deals?
Here is part one of my thrifting home decor series where I go over exactly where to shop and find budget friendly home decor. https://behomeinspired.com/2022/04/29/where-to-shop-and-find-thrifted-home-decor/
I’d like to share with you some easy ways to help you find the best deals while out thrifting for home decor. Here are some things that you can do to prepare and keep in mind while out shopping. I hope these tips will keep your thrifting fun and enjoyable. So here we go….
1. Make a List
So first of all make a list. While it’s fun to go check out a garage sale or thrift shop with nothing in mind, having a list on your phone or in a notebook in your purse is helpful. This is because it can help us stay focused or at least remember to check for certain items. So write down which pieces of decor you may be wishing to find for your home.
2. Keep Samples in Your Purse
This is a great tip for any home decor shopping. You just never know when you see that perfect rug for example and wander if the colours would match in the living room. It’s super helpful to keep paint sample cards of your homes wall colours in your purse. Another idea would be to keep any fabric swatches of curtains, furniture or pillows with you to match up as well. This makes is really easy to pull out quickly and decide whether the item for sale would work in your home.
3. Measurements
Measuring is another great way to be ready to find that perfect deal while out thrifting. Take measurements of the spaces where you need a certain furniture piece to fit or the size of your window for curtains. Keep these measurements on your phone or in a notebook with you. Having these on hand will make it easier to decide if you want to purchase an item. Remember while some thrift stores may hold an item for you, most won’t and definitely not at a yard or garage sale. So often you need to make a quick decision before someone else buys it. Don’t forget to keep a tiny tape measure in your purse for measuring the thrifted items you’re looking at too.
4. Shop Early
Yes, we’ve all heard it…. the early bird gets the worm, or so they say. Try to find out where the moving sale or garage sale is going to be, what time it starts and try to be there on time. Obviously the nicest decor items and best deals are probably going to be taken first. If it’s a thrift shop, find out when they usually put out new items and shop early. Online shopping is similar, as we’ll discuss next.
5. Online Shopping Tips
Online shopping is a great way to find used home decor. Here are a few tips. You have to look at online thrifting sites often and frequently. Certain items sell really fast, especially if the person selling just wants to get rid of it and it’s a great deal. Try entering the area where you live, for more local finds if you want to pick up. Turning on notifications for certain searched items can also be helpful. When finding an item you want to purchase, reply quickly and pick it up promptly. Shop safely online, knowing how to buy and purchase safely.
6. How to Find a Great Deal
Know the decor piece and what it is worth. This will help you buy a good deal. It isn’t always possible to know what everything is worth but thanks to google on our phones, a quick search can show us results pretty easily. Ask how old the item is? Inspect it for wear and tear. Is it sturdy, missing pieces, broken? If you are willing to repair and fix up a piece, that is super. Thrifted home decor can make excellent DIY projects. So many pieces have amazing potential and with a little cleaning or paint can look so good in our homes.
7. Sales or Bartering
Garage sales or flea markets are usually the best places to ask for a deal. People are often willing to sell for less. Try bundle several items together and ask for a discount. Of course be reasonable and know your prices. At thrift stores, they often have sale days, offer furthers discounts on certain days or even offer discounts with a coupon.
Have Fun Home Decor Thrifting!
Grab a friend and head out for the day or even a few hours to see how much fun thrifting for home decor can be! Here are few last tips. Have cash on hand. Most garage sales, yards sales or flea markets are cash only. Secondly, driving a vehicle with extra trunk room is also a plus….just in case you find that perfect furniture piece for your home. Most of all I hope you have fun shopping and hopefully these best tips for home decor thrifting will help you find great deals for your home!
Stay tuned for part 3 of my home decor thrifting series. Have a wonderful week!
XO Rachel
Great ideas!! I am feeling very inspiring to go shopping!!
Good tips! I keep a measuring tape in my purse haha. But you’re right, I should keep measurements, too. There are a few spaces in my home that have weird spots and so I’m always looking for just the right thing that fits.
I am a die-hard thrifter. Love these tips…spot on. Oh, the thrill of the hunt!
Online thrifting requires you to be so speedy sometimes! The good things go so very quickly! And yes, being able to pick something up right away usually helps. Shopping for thrifted decor is so much fun though!
That was really helpful!!!!! Right on!