Thrifting has exploded in popularity in the last few years, becoming a beloved way to source one-of-a-kind items to furnish home spaces. It gives people the unique opportunity to mix old and new pieces and curate a design style that’s all their own.
“Adding secondhand pieces gives a home warmth and soul that cannot be achieved with all brand new things,” Cynthia Harper, a DIY content creator known for her thrift flips, tells The Spruce. “It creates rooms that feel collected over time rather than like a page from a catalog.”
When it comes to navigating through secondhand shops, it can be challenging to know where exactly to start, how to find items you love, and how to expertly style them in your current spaces.
To help you get started on your thrifting journey, we’ve designed the ultimate guide full of must-know beginner basics, expert thrifting tricks, and tips on turning a rare find into a forever piece you’ll cherish forever.
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If you’re new to thrifting or haven’t found the right routine, we highlighted the best times to shop, what to know before you go, and tips for creating a budget that feels reasonable.
As a new thrifter, it’s essential to be patient and be willing to dig through various bins to find hidden treasures, Harper says.
Since most items may be at discounted prices, it can be tempting to buy everything you added to your cart, but only commit to the ones that you can’t live without, Harper recommends.
“It can be tempting to purchase something secondhand just because it’s affordable and a good deal, but doing that will leave you with a cluttered home you don’t really love,” Harper says.