So you’re interested in thrifting some furniture? Hooray! Furniture can be so expensive, so buying thrifted pieces can save you so much money. Keep reading for some of my best tips for thrifting furniture.
Thrift Tip 1: Bring a Measuring Tape
If you know you’re going to be looking at furniture, I always recommend bringing a measuring tape with you. It can be tempting to just eyeball the size of an item and decide if it will fit your space. It might work out, but you might also be wrong and then you’re stuck with a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit your space.
The bottom line here is better safe than sorry. Don’t waste your time or money by not measuring the item.
Thrift Tip 2: See Beyond the Dust
Depending on where you go thrifting, items may remain in the state that they were donated in. This might mean a thick layer of dust or dirt covering the item’s real beauty. If you’re willing to do a little cleaning, you can totally restore an item to its natural shine. A good all-purpose cleaner and a rag work wonders, believe me.
The bottom line here is to try to see beyond the dust covering an item. If you can tell that below the dirt is a gorgeous piece of furniture, it could be worth a little elbow grease!
Thrift Tip 3: Check for Bugs
I know, I know. This tip alone might have some of you vowing off thrifting forever, but it’s worth mentioning. Bed bugs are rampant and they can get into seams and crevices of furniture that aren’t immediately visible to the eye. While looking the piece over does not guarantee you caught everything, it is still a wise decision.
This is especially true for items you might see on the side of the road or put out in front of someone’s home.
I recommend checking the item for bugs, shed skin, or droppings. Seams in fabric, holes, and slots in the wood are all places they could be found. If you see anything that causes you concern, I honestly wouldn’t bring the item home. You may also want to consider informing the store/owner of what you found.
The bottom line here is that anything you choose to bring into your home could be a risk. Check over the item as best you can.
Thrift Tip 4: Determine How Much Work You’re Willing to Do
Thrifted items can range from brand new in the box to totally broken. I suggest before you start thrifting, you consider how much work you’re willing to put into the item you need. Do you want to be able to just wipe it down and move it in? Then you need to go for a well-maintained piece. Are you willing to repair and refinish an item? Then go ahead and pick up that slightly broken dresser.
I would also keep in mind that projects take time so if you really need a piece of furniture immediately, I wouldn’t take on a big project.
The bottom line here is to determine what time, energy, and money you’re willing to put into a thrifted piece.
Thrift Tip 5: Prepare Your Vehicle
Nothing will kill your thrifting buzz faster than paying for an item and realizing you have no room in your car for it. Make sure your car is as cleaned out as possible, especially if you need to put your seats down to fit the furniture.
You may also have to make arrangements for pick up. No matter how clean your Corolla is, you’re probably never going to fit an armoire in it. If you can’t take your item with you that day, make sure you ask the seller or store if they can hold it for you, before you buy it. You could also ask to borrow a friend’s truck if they have one.
Bringing an old sheet or blanket to put down might also be a good idea if you don’t want your car to get dirty.
The bottom line is to think about what you’re going to be transporting and how you will do it.
Thrift Tip 6: Bring Cash and your Card
This has not happened often, but the first time it did, I was so bummed. I found an item that I fell in love with at a flea market, and was ready to pay and pack up my new find. When I handed over my card the guy said ”cash only.” I stared blankly for a few seconds before thinking well now what?
I am not a person who carries cash and since I was alone, I couldn’t even borrow from a friend until I got home. If this happens, you’re left trying to track down an ATM or leave your precious thrifted find exactly where you found it.
Most stores will be able to take cards and many vendors have technology that allows card payment, but it’s a possibility that you will run into a situation that the vendor only accepts cash.
The bottom line here is to bring both methods of payment just in case.
I absolutely love thrifting and have done my fair share. If you’d like to see some of my favorite pieces I’ve thrifted, check them out here https://thisgirlathome.com/my-6-favorite-thrifted-pieces-of-furniture/
I hope these tips help you to have a fun and productive thrifting trip!
Comment below and tell me your thoughts on thrifting!