How often do you visit thrift stores?

**tbs727** · 02-09-2009, 02:57 PM

I'm really not sure how often I should try to visit my local thrift shop. I have two that I really like, and lately have been visiting them every week or so. Do you think that is too often? Not often enough?

How often do you go?

**Spirit Deer** · 02-09-2009, 03:11 PM

Are you looking for anything in particular? Do you have a large family, so need lots of things?

We used to make the rounds to our favorites at least weekly when we lived in Minneapolis and had eight kids at home. Now that it's the two of us, we don't need much and the nearest thrift store is fifty miles away, so we don't get to them very often. When we do go, we seldom buy much. We're working on reducing the clutter and disorganization brought on by, you guessed it, all the secondhand bargains we've gotten over the years. Lately, it's finally sunk in that a dollar spent at a thrift shop is still a dollar spent. So we try to limit it to things that we actually need or really, really, really, really, really, really, really want.

So I guess your question is one only you can answer, based on your own circumstances.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-09-2009, 03:18 PM

We use to visit them often, however we have now slowed down. When we need something that we think we can get at a thrift store we go, otherwise we don't visit them.

We are downsizing this year and so we are being very careful what comes into our home. Thrift stores can be a real downfall if you like buying things, especially considering the prices are usually so low.

**IntlMom** · 02-09-2009, 03:36 PM

If I go in one once a year, it's alot for me.

I just never do. (but then, you know me, the "anti-stuff" girl!!)

**JanieD** · 02-09-2009, 04:00 PM

I've read once a week is often enough, but it may depend on your location & what your shopping for. I use to go once every few months, but didn't find much of a selection. I've starting going with a friend about once a week recently. I think for me I'll need to "pace" myself. I love a bargain & tend to collect stuff. So, the one in & one out rule will be a must as I find new treasues!

**Grainlady** · 02-09-2009, 05:19 PM

I go once every month or two when there's cash in the thrift store budget and I'm usually looking for something in particular. Uncontrolled spending isn't good anywhere - even thrift stores and garage sales - which is why we have a budgeted amount.

Whatever I purchase has to have a use or purpose. I include the trip on my weekly shopping day and will go to one or two of the thrift stores.

Goodwill had dollar day Saturday, so that was worth stopping in for, especially since their prices have gone up so much recently.

**Spirit Deer** · 02-09-2009, 06:32 PM

We've added to the 'must have a purpose' rule around here. It's become 'must have a place to be stored' to that. It's amazing how much easier it's become to say no to something if the only place we can think to store it is on the pool table.

**Early Bird** · 02-09-2009, 07:08 PM

I have to confess to going weekly.

We have a tiny local thrift store, with funny hours. But I have found some wonderful (and useful) things there. Most of these were recent purchases:

Queen-size down comforter $5. Stained, and with a small tear. I mended the tear; washed it with bleach and borax; let it dry in the sun; and the stains are gone.
high-end dept store name-brand clothes. For example, today, I'm wearing an Eddie Bauer nylon/angora sweater over a Lands' End turtleneck -- each bought for less than $3.
my Cuisinart ($10 at the thrift store)
large hand-knit wool afghan (about $3)
Queen-size sheets (about $5 for the set -- 100% cotton).
Navy cashmere sweater.
costume jewelry. Because you never know when you'll want to spice up your church outfit with a hummingbird pin.
Nice shirts and sweaters for the kids.
Books! Wonderful books! Hardbound copies of The Good Earth ($1); Little Women ($1); and some filled-with-color-pictures books on interior design ($1 each)
A Leslie Fay wool coat ($4).
A London Fog jacket ($2.50)

However, there are some things I never find there: high-end knitting supplies; tablecloths; plus-size skirts.

**phoeny_moonstar** · 02-10-2009, 04:56 AM

I usually don't go that often, not for lack of wanting to just lack of transportation. But I would love to go bi-weekly.

**cissylu** · 02-10-2009, 06:05 AM

I like to go to the thrift stores. I ever so pften don`t have a set time.

**YankeeMom** · 02-10-2009, 08:12 AM

I'd love to go weekly, it just doesn't happen.
I'm lucky if I can get up there 1-2x/month.

**PrairieRose** · 02-10-2009, 09:18 AM

I probably go once a month but I have to drive at least 20 miles to the only one near me. If I'm in town, I go, if I have time and they're open (strange hours and days). When I'm in the city, alone with time to kill I'll run by a couple there. I don't think you're going too often unless you think you're spending too much....if that's the case then just set a weekly allowance for what you can spend.

If you don't spend one week you could add that amount to the *hopes to find a nice piece of furniture* or something else that you'd like envelope......

**Early Bird** · 02-10-2009, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by PrairieRose

I probably go once a month but I have to drive at least 20 miles to the only one near me. If I'm in town, I go, if I have time and they're open (strange hours and days). When I'm in the city, alone with time to kill I'll run by a couple there. I don't think you're going too often unless you think you're spending too much....if that's the case then just set a weekly allowance for what you can spend.

If you don't spend one week you could add that amount to the *hopes to find a nice piece of furniture* or something else that you'd like envelope......

Just wanted to say that I think that is a wonderful idea. Going often increases your chances of finding something good.

Since my thrift store is a mile away; I combine it with a grocery run during one of their 'open' times.

**Patty A** · 02-10-2009, 11:02 AM

I try to go twice a month. Many people I know go once a week, and some only go when they are looking for some special item. Knowing when people "purge" some of the stuff they have really helps. Example. Many people purge right before or right after Christmas. Its a great time to pick up things you need for next year to decorate for Christmas with. Spring is a great time to pick up clothes, most people toss many things during the "spring cleaning" time of the year. I also am a basket collector, so my whole idea in going twice a month is looking for bargins on baskets.
But I have to admit, I don't just check out the basket items, I look all around. I always set a budget to keep to for thrifting, that way you know before you go what you can afford to "play" with. I also keep a list of needs, so you can be on the look out for those.

**tbs727** · 02-10-2009, 11:02 AM

I should have mentioned that I am a money hoarder.

I don't buy anything unless it will be well used and is at least 90% off from it's original cost or what it would cost to buy new. Recently, I have been looking for decorative items and linens. I have also bought 3 pairs of shoes, snow boots, hiking sandals, and red heels. All that I will wear until they are worn out. I guess since I find something useful that will save me money each time I go, I can keep up with this schedule.