Buying housewares at the thrift store can give your home a unique style. Some home-interior items that are passed over by others can be your ticket to an eco-chic design. It only takes a little extra time and energy, but it’s well worth it to take these items from scare to flair.
Here are a few ideas.

photo by backgarage

HOME ITEMS AND TRENDS: Popular units include bedding and kitchen items, such as storage containers, serving pieces, kitchen utensils and tools, cookware and bakeware. Look for small appliances, because you can find out whether you’ll enjoy using them before paying for a new one or replace broken appliances without shelling out a lot of money on a new one. For example, bread machines, home-canning supplies, dehydrators and slow cookers are cheap at thrift stores. Be sure to plug in electrical items to be certain they work. Missing a manual? Many can be found by calling the manufacturer. If they can’t provide one, try eBay or visit www.manualsonline.com for all types of publications.

– CRAFT SUPPLIES: If you can sew, there’s a lot of material that can be refashioned, such as clothing, sheets, curtains or tablecloths. You can often find patterns, yarn and craft magazines, too.

– WALL ART: Look for prints, paintings, needlework, etc. Or buy some wall art simply for the frames, pick up a library book on basic mat cutting and frame your own photos, collages or children’s artwork.

– HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: You can find seasonal place mats, tablecloths, cloth napkins, bedding, throw rugs, vases, candles (new) and candleholders, and mismatched silverware. If you visit frequently, are patient, and are looking for a specific item, you’ll find it at a thrift store. Many have brand-new items from department stores, too. Some merchandise is going to be common, but you can find unique and vintage items, too. This is especially true in the housewares department, where you can find collectible dishes and glassware.

– FURNITURE: While most is fine as is, if you can refinish, paint or do simple upholstering, there’s a lot of potential for budget decor. Consider area rugs and shelves, too.

WASHING: For toss pillows, look for pillows with zippers so you can remove the case and wash them. You can find quality covers and simply use your own toss pillows. You can swap out the cases with the change of the seasons. If you’re cleaning wood furniture, you need to determine what type of finish it has on it. Dust it with a soft cloth. To clean, use a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth and mineral spirits. For more cleaning information, visit www.nps.gov/history/museum/publications/conserveogram/07-01.pdf. For upholstered furniture, most couches have care-instruction labels. Follow the care label.

AVOID: Car seats, mattresses, helmets and underwear, which can be unsafe, unsanitary or totally unappealing. Check for safety recalls at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html.

TIPS: Know sales days and store policies. Some large thrift stores have multiples of the same item that are priced differently, and they won’t price adjust because they were stocked at different times. Some stores won’t sell any item that is missing a price tag. Don’t forget to inspect items closely for rips, missing pieces, stains, etc., because most items are sold “as is,” and many thrift stores don’t allow returns. Some stores will only do store exchanges, and sometimes it’s only on clothing. Finally, know quality brands and retail prices on new merchandise, your typical garage-sale finds or eBay.com to compare to thrift-store prices.

photo by PetitPoulailler

Buying preowned merchandise is often frugal — unless you buy something you don’t need or can’t use. When you come across what appears to be a good bargain, it’s tough to decide whether to grab it or walk away. Ask yourself the following before buying:

– Can I afford this?
– Does this purchase have other related costs involved?
– Am I informed on this item? Have I comparison shopped?
– Do I need this? Do I have room for this?
– Is there a lower-cost alternative?
– Will this purchase help me toward my goals?
– If I waited to purchase this item, would it be less expensive?

Sometimes, buyer’s remorse sets in when your purchase doesn’t work out . Consider the following common mistakes that are made during the thrill of the buy, so you can prevent buying something you’ll regret later.

ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTERS: Test electrical items before buying them. Some things look brand-new but don’t work. Laptops go through a lot of wear and tear. And there’s no warranty.

APPLIANCES: Used appliances can be inefficient. Consider passing on old freezers and refrigerators. With items like vacuums, test them before buying. While some require only a simple repair, it’s often best to buy new or refurbished.

CLOTHING AND SHOES: Carefully look clothing over for rips, tears, shrinkage and stains. Some clothing might smell like body odor, pet urine, tobacco or perfume that won’t come out even after multiple washings. Some people buy used shoes. Try them on to see whether they fit and are comfortable. Don’t waste money on poor-quality used shoes. Treat shoes with a disinfectant spray. You can also use baking soda, wadded newspaper, clean kitty litter or charcoal. Clothing sizes vary, so try it on, and bring a measuring tape or a garment from home for comparison.

TOYS: Many used toys are broken or missing parts. If it’s battery-operated, check to make sure it works. Be aware of any toys that have been recalled or contain lead.

GLASSWARE AND COLLECTIBLES: Check for chips and cracks. They can sometimes be hard to see at first glance. Many holiday decorations can be found inexpensively during post-holiday clearance sales, so it might be worth passing it up at a thrift store. Beware of reproductions, replicas and counterfeits when shopping for collectibles, jewelry, sunglasses, fragrances and handbags. How can you spot a knockoff? Look for misspelled trademarks, missing labels, etc. In other words, be informed on originals.

DVDS AND GAMES: If you’re looking for newer movies and games, you’re better off buying from movie and game stores that sell preowned releases. If you’re at a garage sale, you can ask the seller about the condition of the products. You can find great deals on older releases at thrift stores, but you’re taking a chance on the condition, so ask about their return policy.

FRAMES: If it includes art, check that it’s not warped or damaged. If it’s an empty frame, avoid buying a custom size that you’ll probably never find anything to fit in it.

LAMPS: Plug them in to make sure they work. If it doesn’t have a lampshade, it can get costly to find a replacement shade.

KITCHENWARE: Check bakeware for rust, scratches and a nonstick surface. With cutlery, look for silver or stainless steel. Be sure that plates and bowls are food-safe.

CLOCKS AND WATCHES: These items can be tricky. They might appear to work but aren’t accurate. They can sometimes be found in their original boxes and look brand-new. Test them out in your cart while you shop to see whether they keep proper time.

Lastly, avoid buying used mattresses, helmets and baby gear for safety reasons. Check for recalls at www.recalls.gov. Be aware of retail costs on items, too. Often, you’ll discover many items aren’t a deal at all. For example, with clothing, check your labels. Brands from discount stores can sometimes be sold more expensively at thrift stores. You can check eBay.com to compare prices, too.

Have you bought any secondhand items you regret? Let me know your secondhand flops or buying tips.

photo by mayr

Buying used isn’t for everyone, and that’s terrific news. That means there’s more for the rest of us. The prices on just about everything are out of control, so more and more people are practicing frugality to beat the high cost of living. While some people will continue to buy things new, many admit they wish they hadn’t wasted the money.

Let’s consider everything you’ve bought brand shiny new in the past year. How much do you think you could have comfortably bought used? I’ll share my top-12 list of everyday items you can buy used, so you can potentially save hundreds of dollars this year. Not only that — they often have enough usable life for you to pass them on, too. Think price and planet.

TOYS AND GAMES: Wash used toys, and they’re as good as new. Many kids quickly grow tired of toys or simply outgrow them, so there’s never a shortage of them available used or free. Preowned video games are sold at a considerable discount. You can trade back your old games, too. Consider just bikes and outdoor play equipment, and the savings add up quickly. Many youth bikes, scooters and roller blades are rarely used before outgrown. And how many times have you seen Little Tikes items at garage sales and even on the curb?

BABY ITEMS: Babies grow fast, so clothing (this can be applied to the entire family) and gear can be found cheaply secondhand. If you’re buying gear, check for recalls at www.cpsc.gov and www.recalls.gov. Let people know you’re open to hand-me-downs, too. What you save can go straight to the baby’s college fund.

CARS: Let someone else take the depreciation hit. To avoid problems, research before buying. Know the value of the car, and get a mechanic’s inspection and opinion. Test drive and check the car’s history at Auto Check (www.autocheck.com).

RECREATIONAL ITEMS: Campers, boats, motorcycles, jetski and athletic and fitness gear are some of the higher ticket items that should be bought used for a considerable discount. Heck, You can even look for hot tubs, too. The best part? You can use these items and often trade up later.

MUSIC AND MOVIES: Cassettes, CDs, DVDs and instruments are often sold after the owner has lost interest. It’s difficult to know whether a child will maintain interest in an instrument, so buying used is a practical decision. Used instruments can be donated at places such as Charity Music Inc. (www.charitymusic.org/websiteindex.html). Instruments are loaned at no charge to disadvantaged children.

HOUSEWARES: Even professional designers look for secondhand accessories. You can find great deals for your home on items such as appliances, tableware, linens and framed art, to name a few — all for a fraction of the cost.

FORMAL DRESSES: It’s become fashionable to wear used vintage formal gowns. Teens attending the prom have a chance to wear a unique dress that was probably worn only once by someone else. Consider paying it forward after the prom by donating it. The Glass Slipper Project (www.glassslipperproject.org/yostate.htm) has a listing of programs that accept them. Help make the prom special for someone else.

FURNITURE: Consider floor models to get deep discounts. Antique furniture is interesting and unusual. For next to nothing, you can find quality used furniture that needs only upholstering or a little sanding or paint. Furnishing an office can be expensive, but with liquidations, closeouts and plenty of resellers, it doesn’t make sense to buy new.

CRAFT SUPPLIES: Whether it’s small items like yarn or big items like a kiln, craft hobbies don’t have to be hard on your wallet. Have craft supplies collecting dust? Consider joining a craft swap. Swap-bot (www.swap-bot.com) has swap listings and helps organize swaps.

BOOKS: Textbooks are expensive, so buying used cuts costs. Places such as Abe Books (www.abebooks.com) can help you find titles for less. Or try Direct Textbook (www.directtextbook.com) which compares prices from 30 bookstores. Between libraries, used bookstores, garage sales and thrift stores, books can be found cheap or free. You can buy books or donate to help support literacy at Better World Books (www.betterworldbooks.com). Consider swapping books you’re done reading and pick up some you want to read by visiting Paperback swap (www.paperbackswap.com) or your local used bookstore. Before throwing books away, consider donating them to organizations such as Books for Soldiers (www.booksforsoldiers.com) and Books for the Barrios (www.booksforthebarrios.com).

GARDENING SUPPLIES: Split perennials with friends, neighbors and family. Place an ad looking for used reclaimed and repurposed materials such as brick, mulch, grass clippings, stones/rocks from farmer’s fields and wood. You might be able to get these items free, too. Shop garage sales for tools and garden machinery such as mowers, saws, hedge clippers, etc.

HOUSES: Many older homes are better constructed and have more character than their newer counterparts. In many areas, they are on larger lots, on a street where all the homes are architecturally different and with mature landscaping, too. Often, buyers can get more features for their money in an older home than by building new. You might find hidden treasures, too.

Bargain shoppers of all ages and incomes know that thrift stores have hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, such as surprise deals on home furnishings, books, antiques, clothing and electronics. Many items are new and make wonderful gifts. This makes them the perfect place for those looking out of necessity, savings, collecting or for fun.

Whether you’re a newbie or a regular, keep the following in mind to get the most out of your shopping experience.

CALL AHEAD: Make a simple phone call and learn store policies. You’ll want to know if they take returns and what methods of payments they accept. While you’re on the phone, ask them whether they have specific merchandise marked down on certain days and how they work their sales. Find out how often they restock and whether they have dressing rooms, too.

THINGS TO BRING: Bring spare batteries with you to test electronic items before you buy them. Consider packing a small toolbox in your car in case you need to disassemble items, such as furniture or fitness equipment, to fit in your vehicle. Bring baby wipes to see whether smudges or scratches wipe off. They’re great for washing your hands after going through racks and shelves, too.

Don’t forget a handy list of merchandise that includes information such as gift ideas, average retail cost and clothing sizes. A tape measure is a good item for measuring furniture or picture frames. If the thrift store doesn’t have a dressing room, wear form-fitted clothing so you can try clothes on.

CLOTHING TIPS: Take your time going through racks. Display racks aren’t always organized like they are in department stores. Often, shoppers will gather up clothing in one size and leave it on the ends of racks, so you might find baby items mixed in with teen sizes. Know your fabrics and brands, and check labels so you can tell high-quality clothing from the cheap stuff. This will also help you recognize fabrics that need extra care. Look clothing over closely and check it for missing buttons, stains and rips. Think out of season, because you’ll find clothes for all seasons on the racks.

BE INFORMED: Be familiar with department-store prices. Some prices at thrift stores are obvious deals, but others aren’t deals at all. This is where your list comes into play. Don’t buy something that has an “as is” sticker on it unless you know it’s in working order. Be sure to check safety standards and recalls, especially on baby items. If you have computer access, sheck www.cpsc.gov and www.recalls.gov.

FURNITURE TIPS: Don’t pass up furniture simply because it’s a little scratched or not exactly what you want. If the price is low enough, you can use slipcovers, refinish it or repaint it and still save money.

ADDITIONAL TIPS: Try shopping during the winter. There’s typically more inventory because of increased donations. Don’t forget to check your receipts to be sure you were charged properly. Thrift stores can be great places to purchase low-cost goods for resale, and, if you’re a crafter, look for items such as high-quality fabrics or nonserged sweaters for unraveling.

Over the weekend, I was getting twitchy from not thriftin’. (read: different than the twitchy from change jinglers) It’s my “me time” and I’ve found that when I don’t carve out that time for myself, the upcoming week can be almost unbearable. Not for me, but for those around me. lol

I decided to broaden my horizons and check out the thrift stores in a neighboring city. It’s about a twenty-five minute drive, instead of a three minute drive, but I’m so glad I went.

So, off I drove to the next closest thrift stores. I hit SA and Goodwill. Both were great. I was pleasantly surprised. The SA was awesome. The prices weren’t inflated like my local SA. The store was neat and orderly too. I did see something quite funny. (funny to me anyway) On the wall, behind the checkout counter was a huge sign. It had about 15 names on it and the title was “People that wrote bad checks”. WOW. I didn’t know anyone still did that. (wrote signs not wrote bad checks)

I walked out with my “goods”. I found a pretty crystal vase, collectible spice rack, glass serving dish, and a large bubble bowl. I saw quite a few items that I resisted because I just didn’t see a real need to purchase them. (ie. lucite purse, additional serving dishes, and vintage cannister set) I even had a fleeting thought on marginal utility and total utility that stopped me from purchasing more serving dishes. lol Man. Why can’t I just be “normal”?

Next stop was Goodwill. It was also clean and orderly, but I didn’t purchase anything. The store didn’t have as much inventory as the SA, prices were slightly higher, and it didn’t have anything that I was interested in. A couple of items caught my eye as a great buy for someone, but I didn’t want them or need them. (brand new in the box smore maker kit, remington typewriter, luggage, and glass birds for holiday decor)

I see a lot of items that would be great to resell on ebay. I’m not into ebay anymore like I used to be, but it’s definitely something to consider.

I am on the lookout for luggage. Not to use as luggage, but to store items in my downstairs linen closet. I’m looking to collect some retro Samsonite pieces. Specifically, mod round cases (hat boxes) and train cases. I saw a set on ebay and should have bid. *sigh* Snooze I lose. Let me know if you come across any in your travels. I’m interested in pink, but am open to other colors too.

I’ll be sharing something bright and cheery with my “new to me” bubble bowl in the next few days, so I’m not posting a pic of that yet.

For those that are wondering what is going on with my table, wellllll this is so not like me, but it’s still sitting downstairs and only sanded. If I told you everything that has been going on over here in the last two weeks, you wouldn’t believe me.

Here’s the pics:

Before I share my thrift store table that I’m faux painting, I wanted to show you my vase and tumbler I picked up yesterday at the thrift store.

The vase will go on my kitchen window sill with my miniature colored bottles that I use as vases.

I also purchased a set of white glass footed tumblers, but not to use as drinking glasses. I needed something unique to hold toothbrushes in our bathrooms. Please please no comments on the toothbrushes. Have mercy!

Some of you might remember this repurposed flower pot. It’s also in my bathroom. While I was grabbing the tumbler, I thought why not share this too.

Lastly, here’s my latest project. It’s the “before” picture of my ever so beauteous (HA!) thrift store coffee table. I picked it up a few months ago. It will be used in my family/game room. Errr, if I don’t totally make it look worse. Is that even possible? lol

What I liked about this table was the size, price, and detailing. It’s so not me, but it spoke to me and I think I can do something fabu. I’ll update when I’m done. I sanded it today.

Have you refurbished, repurposed, or reused something in your home decor lately?

I’ve been posting and blogging my thrift store deals at some of the other sister sites. I decided any thrift store finds that focus on accomplishing a mini project, I’ll start sharing here.

As some of you know, I’ve been a minimalist for years. I’m changing my views a bit in some areas. One of those areas are my walls. I’m determined to have pictures on all the walls in my home.

My project has been thriftin’ for pictures. It’s inexpensive and I like the idea of giving items a “second life.”

Here are some of my most recent finds:

None are anything to brag about, but all are in great condition and will go well in different areas of my home. Best of all, the pricetag. Very inexpensive!

How about these? Scare or Flair? rofl I blogged it on one of my other sites as my tacky find of the week.

photo by Lance McCord
Are you saving your hard-earned money by shopping at thrift stores? Why pay retail when you can purchase many items secondhand for the fraction of the cost? No one knows it’s previously owned, unless you’re like I am and many others that LOVE bragging how we got an item for a steal! It’s a definite way to ease your budget and environmentally friendly too. Shopping secondhand is like a treasure hunt. It takes time to learn how to bargain shop, but you can become a money-saving thrift store shopper by planning ahead and being prepared.

Know What You Want or Need
You may not find items you’re interested in during your first visit, so keep a wishlist of items handy in a notebook. Know your size and the sizes of family and friends. Consider color and style preferences too. Go through your closet and home to have a good idea of items you’d like to add to your wardrobe and decor. Write down household dimensions in your notebook. It’s not fun to find what appears to be the perfect items, but you’re not sure if they’ll fit. Bring a tape measurer just in case too.

Don’t just impulsively buy just because it’s cheap though. If you won’t use, don’t buy it. Thrift store shopping can be addictive. Keep in mind that you may find continuous great deals on clothes as an example, but do you need another five sweaters just because they’re cheap?

Be flexible and think creatively. Don’t forget to consider possible gifts or things that can be recycled into something else. You may come across a skirt and not initially want it, but maybe the fabric could be utilized to create something wonderful or with minor alterations it could become a personal favorite.

Before You Head Out
Dress comfortably and practical. You may want to try clothing on or be rummaging through merchandise near the floor or in boxes.

Eat something before you leave home. There are times the cash out lines are a long wait. It’s possible you could be out shopping a couple of hours too.

Be sure to have enough extra cash with you in case there are unexpected surprise items you find while shopping. Many thrift stores only accept cash. It would be very disappointing if you came across a super deal and didn’t bring enough money.

It’s important to have a good idea of what items cost when brand new before you go. A little golden rule to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t pay more than half the retail cost of the item when new.

Try to go shopping by yourself. This is ideal because you won’t have competition, a crying child, or an antsy spouse. I know some people think the experience is best shared with others, but when you both spot the perfect bargain or others are rushing you–well don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Scope Out The Shops
Thrift stores are all diverse. Some stores have higher prices, emphasize clothing or household goods, or may have more toys. Get to know which store locations have the best types of certain merchandise. Know the price ranges for the particular items you’re looking for at each shop. You can add a pricebook section to your thrift store notebook.

Merchandise always changes and it changes rapidly. An item that is there one day, most likely won’t be there the next. You can talk to the owners/managers and inform them of items you are looking for. You can request that they contact you when particular items arrive. Not every thrift store will do this, but there’s no harm in asking. My local thrift store manager called me and let me know when an oak dining set was brought into the store.

Take Your Time
Don’t skim racks. Go through them slowly. Browse the entire store. It’s an adventure to experience. Some items may be overlooked or be misplaced elsewhere in the store. It takes time to get accustomed to the displays at thrift stores. Items aren’t always displayed by color and size or as neatly as in retail stores. Your initial reaction upon just peeking around, may have you thinking there’s nothing but dirty junk. There’s definitely more than junk there! Remember what you may think is trash is another man’s treasure.

Be Selective
Don’t forget to inspect closely and plug in electrical items to be certain they work. Look over the items for torn seams, missing buttons or pieces, chips, tears, etc.

If an item has a couple of different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money. As an example, you may find a great basket and are trying to decide if it’s worth buying. Can you think of alternative ways it can be used in the near future?

Look for dept store tags. Many thrift store items are brand new with tags. Look at the tags to verify sizes too. Try items on to be certain they fit since items are sold “as is” and many thrift stores don’t allow returns.

Doublecheck for safety! Here’s a handy safety checklist. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/thrift/thrftck.html

Best Times to Shop
Many thrift stores have regularly scheduled discount days. Many shops do color coded tag discount days, seasonal discounts, or discount by department. Shop regularly or get acquainted with the employees to be alerted about sales. If you’re too shy to do that, you can try tracking the sales in your thrift store notebook and see if there is a schedule. My local thrift store has color coded tag discount days and then offers additional discounts during holidays.

Thrift store donations are at their peak in December. Many people are donating items, so they can write off on their taxes. There are also heavy donations made by individuals and corporations when the seasons change or it’s near the holidays. Spring and Summer is also a good time to shop because many people donate their leftover garage sale items. Try and drop in frequently and early morning to get the best results. There’s never a bad time to shop at a thrift store!

Pay It Forward
Donate items you no longer want to your local thrift store and encourage others to do the same. Many of these donations help support programs in your community. You can contact your local thrift store for their donation policies. These donations are tax-deductible. Here’s some information on determining the fair market value of your donated items. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf

Now you’re better prepared with some basics to begin the hunt. The possibilities are endless. You can shop for yourself, friends, family, or even to resell at places like ebay.com. Yes. You can even MAKE money shopping at thrift stores. Thrift store shopping is a simple abundance with bragging rights. It’s fun and guilt-free too. If you aren’t convinced by all the benefits of thrift store shopping, that’s ok. There’s more for the rest of us treasure hunters. It just doesn’t always make “cents” to shop retail.

As seen on Dr. Laura http://www.drlaura.com/sah/budget.html?mode=view&tile=1&id=11470