Guest Post: Thrift Like A Pro

Today I'm doing something brand new: a guest post!  And this couldn't come at a better time, given Thursday's table debacle.  I met fellow bargain huntress Julia through Etsy, and she's here today to share some of her best thrift store shopping tips.  Prepare to be impressed:

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Hello!  I'm Julia from Goat Notes Blog, and a big thank you to Paige for inviting me to post here today. My blog is about living life intentionally and focusing on the things that matter most to you. Today I am going to share with you how I successfully outfitted my son’s entire nursery with second-hand finds with a budget of $300. I did it through what I like to call intentional thrifting.



Completed thrift list.



To start intentional thrifting, first make a thrift-list. Your list should include exactly what you need and want, much like a grocery list. List items in descending order of importance. For example, top items on my list were a crib, a changing table, and a rocking chair. Include specifics like quantity and color/themes. Write your list on something you can easily carry with you, as it will be your guide.



Crib from yard sale: $50.



Set a budget for yourself. In my case, I was willing to spend $300 total for all items needed. Next to each item on your thrift-list write in the maximum amount you are willing to spend. Setting a maximum price will keep you focused when shopping secondhand.



Changing table from yard sale: $40.



Once your thrift-list is complete, plan a day of thrifting. My typical thrift days start with at least 3 yard sales, followed by at least two thrift stores and ending with an antique or consignment store as they tend to be pricier and better for finding specialty items. Set a start time and a finish time for your day. Takes lots of water and snacks with you.



Nightlight from antique fair: $10.



Purchasing second hand takes a lot longer to find exactly what you are looking for, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t find everything on your list in one day. Plan several thrifting days and always take your thrift-list with you. When purchasing anything secondhand for children always check recalls and safety information before purchasing any item (some phones have a recall app you can download).

Some great resources for your next thrifting extravaganza:

Craigslist.org

freecycle.org

Peace & Love Swap

The Really, Really Free Market

Local thrift stores

Local consignment stores

Antique Fairs (If you are ever in the Bay Area, check out the Alameda Pointe Antiques Faire!)

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Excellent ideas!  I've never planned a thrift day, but clearly I need to give it a shot.  Thanks to Julia for sharing her wisdom.  Anybody else have some tips that have worked for them?