Hi there, my name is Allie of Little Mouse's House. I am a former preschool teacher turned stay at home mama. I blog about family, faith, adventures, DIY, and of course, thrifting!
I get asked all the time, "where did you get that??" in regards to what I'm wearing, what my daughter is wearing/playing with, or something in my house and more often than not, it was thrifted. I'd like to think I'm sort of a pro at finding treasure. It's something I really love doing and is not as hard as it might seem! You just have to know the tricks:
1. Take your time.
Shopping with a time limit is the worst. It isn't fun, it just becomes stressful and overwhelming. I try to only go thrifting when I have nothing else to do and nowhere else to be (at least not for awhile). This way you can actually ENJOY your shopping and it gives you more time to try out my other tips.
2. Do laps.
Sometimes thrift stores can be overwhelming; either being are huge or just completely disorganized. Because of this you might miss out on a great find just because there was too much going on on the shelf or on the rack. I do laps around the store at least twice, sometimes three times. I can't even tell you how many times I found something perfect the 2nd (or 3rd!) time around. It can't hurt to go back and take a second look.
3. Think of what it could be.
If you come across an old picture frame that is a hideous color, an oversized vintage dress, or a super comfy couch with a dated pattern don't give up on it just yet. Think of another way it could work for you. Can you spray paint the frame another color? Hem and/or take in the dress, or even use the fabric for a sewing project? Reupholster the couch? Just because an item looks blah the way it sits on the shelf, doesn't mean that it can't look great with a little fixing up. Use your imagination!
4. Don't be afraid to dig.
I find that the larger thrift stores are not as good at keeping up with their displays. Many times I go to the housewares section to look for bedding and I am faced with a towering pile of sheets and pillowcases that is taller than I am. Although it's easier to say, "oh forget it," DON'T! You never know what might be buried down there. That goes for all the sections of the store. Dig dig dig!
5. Keep at it.
Thrifting can be hit or miss. There have been times where even I can't find anything worthy of bringing home! But don't get discouraged. If you have a bad day of thrifting, maybe next time try a different store. Or even just try going at a different time of the day or week. Stores are constantly rotating stock so it could just be bad timing. Don't give up!
Visit Allie here...
Little Mouse's House
twitter/IG: @alliegrrrl
Now for some of my favorite linkups...
Salt & Pepper puppies at The Craft Zone.
This gorgeous painting at Number Fifty-Three.
And a story about having to break up with a thrift store at My Dear Watson. I've been there!
Okay, it's time to link up. With a new button, too! Remember this will be open for 2 WEEKS now so stop back and link up multiple posts if you'd like :)
