Every vocation requires the right set of tools and thrifting is no different. Prepare, prepare, prepare. With the right plan, tools and attitude, thrifting can be both a highly rewarding and pleasurable endeavor. Here’s what you need.
1. SUV or pickup truck
It's always best to venture out thrifting in a bigger vehicle, if possible, but I did see a man with a convertible Miata at the Goodwill with a club chair and ottoman tied down in his back seat. Sometimes you’ve got to nab bargains with the resources at hand.
2. Full tank of gas
You don't want to be running on “E” when you're on a mission to shop all the thrifts in one day. Fill up the night before so you’ll begin your expedition with a clear head. And you know if you stop at the Gas and Sip in the morning you’ll end up with a package—or two—of those little chocolate donuts and that 10 a.m. sugar rush will preface the 1 p.m. yawns.
3. Cash
Don’t buy into the myth of the cashless society--at least not yet--many smaller shops only accept real dough. I like to use a crossbody purse to free both hands to tote my finds and allow easy access to my bankroll. It’s so 80's and so uncool that it’s almost cool, but the fanny pack is a great utilitarian toolbox for thrifters. I see scrunchies making a comeback, perhaps the fanny pack’s renaissance is up next.
4. I Phone
You need a camera to take photos and send to possible thrift find recipients such as clients, friend or family--always something great out there, maybe not for you, but for someone else. A camera also comes in handy if you see a man driving a convertible Miata at the Goodwill with a club chair and ottoman tied down in his back seat. Lesson learned!
5. Comfortable shoes
It was Cheers mailman Cliff Clavin who famously declared “if you’re not wearing comfortable shoes, life is just chaos. You'll be thankful when you wear a good pair of tennis shoes instead of platforms when you're racing against the other thrifters to check out the new donations coming off the truck.
6. GPS
You don't want to end up out in no-man's land somewhere between Walmart (cold chills) and the Waffle House (acid reflux). Every explorer needs a map, better still a high tech map that politely guides you.
7. Packing Blankets
Thrift finds are second hand so most pieces have imperfections, however you want to wrap them up to avoid further nicks and scratches. It wouldn't be good to break a mirror and have 7 years thrifters bad luck!
8. Bunji cords/rope
Former scouts may opt for rope, however if your knot tying skills are underwhelming, bunji cords are great for securing furniture as it stacks up.
9. Measuring tape
Don’t show up to your vehicle with a piece that’s to big to travel. I get wish lists from clients for specific furniture and measurements so a measuring tape is a great thrifting accoutrement.
10. Swiss army knife
Great for cutting rope and remember there's a corkscrew to uncork a bottle of wine at end the day!
11. Screwdriver
Always keep flathead and phillips head screw driver close at hand in case you have to unscrew the legs of an oversize table to load it into the car. Otherwise you’ll have to march your fanny pack over to the guy in the Miata and borrow one.
12. Good pair of eyeglasses or jeweler's loop
Great for inspecting marks on rare pottery, signatures on possible valuable painting, tags and brands on furniture and labels on designer clothes.
13. Medium size cardboard box
Great way to hold small breakables so they don't roll around in your vehicle.
14. Couple of beach towels
Use these to wrap lamps or smaller items and if you need a break you can pull over and hit the beach!
15. Snacks/ water- power bars, apples for energy.
Thrift shopping is super fun but you need to keep the blood sugar up if you’re in for the duration—and not with those little wax-coated chocolate donuts from the Gas and Sip. Note: Don’t drink too much water because some thrifts don't offer public restrooms.
16. Willpower
This is one of the hardest things about being a thrifter. There is so much great stuff but you need to set boundaries with yourself of what to buy and take home. Otherwise, you'll end up with closets full of never-used clothes and a garage full of unfinished projects!
17. Thrifter friend
The best thrifting happens with a kindred spirit. This could be your bestie, a family member, your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. Thrifting is so much more fun when shared(although most men won't tolerate thrift shopping for more than 15 minutes, I'm lucky, mine loves shopping second hand!)
If you're with a friend it can be tricky because if you're hunting for the same thing, (and most likely you have the same taste) there could be a possible stand off to see who gets the thrift prize. My theory is that there are more than enough thrift treasures for everyone and there's a constant flow of new merchandise rolling in so everyone always finds something fun!
Now that you’ve got your tools, let the thrifting begin.
And please share your tips!