Thrift store shopping takes patience and self-control, but you can find some of the best items at consignment shops like Community Family Thrift Store. There’s a strategy to becoming an efficient thrifter, and if you do it often enough, you can end up with great finds at much lower prices than you would at a standard retail store.

But how do you become a thrifting superhero? In this article, we will give you 5 tips on how to thrift like a boss.

Thrifting is envouge these days, as more and more people are starting to give pre-loved clothing and merchandise a second-home. You can find one-of-a-kind pieces at unbelievable prices and by purchasing pre-owned items you are in effect keeping them from being tossed into dumps and landfills and doing your part to help the environment. That’s a win-win in my book.

If you’re a newbie to the art of thrifting it can seem a bit daunting at first, but the rewards far outweigh any challenges and if you follow some simple guidelines you can walk away with some fabulous items at even more fabulous prices.

To help your next visit to the thrift store a pleasant one, here are 6 tips to consider:

 1) Make a List and Check it Twice

Shopping of any kind without a list can lead to bad choices and walking out of the store without the one thing you went in there for. So, it’s always a great idea to make a shopping list when thrift shopping. Use your smartphone to make a list of must-have items and check them off as you go along. That way you don’t miss any important items and are able to stay focused and on budget. Having pictures of the items you need is also a great idea. You can show them to the store clerks and they will be able to let you know if the items are in stock and where they are located in the store.

2) Dress for the Task at Hand

In an effort to give customers access to more merchandise, some thrift stores utilize every inch of available showroom space for display purposes. This sometimes leaves little to no room for a changing room. Couple this with the fact that some thrift stores do not offer exchanges or returns makes it even more important that you make sure your purchases fit you properly. One way to get around guessing if items fit is to actually try them on but with limited changing room, this can be a challenge. We recommend that that you wear form-fitting clothing, this way you can simply slip on the items over your existing clothing if a changing room is not available.

Pro tip: You can easily spend hours in a good thrift store so wearing comfortable clothing especially shoes is essential for walking the isles to find those perfect items to re-home.

3) Become a Master of The Scan

Looking at every single item in-store can be rather time-consuming and who really wants to spend their entire Saturday just looking at items. Depending on the size of the store you shop in, taking time to look at every item can become time-consuming. Instead of aimlessly wandering the isles, you should learn to master the art of the scan. Start at the top of the aisle and scan for items that instantly pull your eye based on your preferred color palette and aesthetics. Honing these skills will take some time, so sharpen your skills over each visit and in time you will become a true thrift Jedi Master.

It’s easy to miss a small hole here or a stain there amid the shopping excitement, so take your time going over your finds before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a thrift store in your area check out the Community Family Thrift group of stores.

4) Customize and Personalize

We all have different body sizes and shapes so in truth no one size fits all. That being said it’s perfectly fine to customize your thrift finds to suit your personal taste and body. Simple modifications such as hemming or adding rhinestones can change the look and fit of a garment without too much effort. For larger, more complex fixes consider using a tailor’s services to transform that must-have piece to better fit you.

Thrift store items are generally one-offs so chances are they may not have the same item in a different size. This in and of itself is not a deterrent, as many items can be altered to fit a smaller and sometimes larger size. Be sure to inspect the item before purchasing to ensure that if need be it can be tailored to your liking.

5) Befriend Your Local Thrift Store Staff

Grandma used to always say you make more friends with honey than with vinegar. Once you find a good thrift store be sure to make friends with the staff. They are there to assist you and are always ready to show you where all the “cool stuff” is. They know the store like the back of their hands and can guide you along your shopping journey. And hey, who doesn’t need a shopping buddy to let them know if that blouse on aisle 3 matches with that pants on aisle 6.

Looking How A Refreshing Thrift Store Near You?

Thrifting is a fun experience if you plan well for it. If you are looking for a thrifting experience that is second to none check out the Community Family Thrift group of stores. We have locations in Boca Raton, Hialeah, North Miami, and Margate. Check us out, you are sure to find the right items at great prices.