While garage sale season is still a ways off in many parts of the country, thrift stores are teeming with items people recently got rid of to make room for their new holiday presents. This is the perfect time to go out and look for deals!
Map it
Check out the yellow pages or look online for thrift second hand shops in your area. Even if you think you know all the good places, you may be surprised to find one you have never visited before down the street. Since not all thrift stores are goldmines, expanding upon your normal haunts makes it more likely you’ll strike gold.
Plan it
Like any other store, a thrift store can become a money pit. If you have some definite needs, like summer shorts for the kids or a replacement for a recently broken casserole dish, write it down. Don’t forget to make notes of sizes. List any wants you have on the list, but write the maximum amount you are willing to spend next to it. If you have nothing you really need, then just decide before going the max amount you are able to spend. You can still cash in on a good deal on something you didn’t think of this way, but you won’t be tempted to go overboard.
Expand it
Check out Craigslist for any craft shows, church bazaars or antique shows going on. Make sure there is no entry fee before planning to go. If there is some books or music on your list, write down the address to a couple used book or music stores. Thrifting isn’t limited to thrift stores, second hand and artisan goods are fun to browse and you are likely to find a deal.
Bring it
Write down measurements of family members you are shopping for, any colors you are trying to match or other specifics. Take some bottled water and snacks in the car. One thing thrift stores in my area have been cashing in on is register sales of soda and candy—don’t fall victim to these! If you are bringing children, bring a dollar or two in quarters so they can pick out their own treasures from the toys. They learn that good toys don’t always come in a box, and they learn budgeting as they try to stretch their quarters over several stores.
Share it
Invite a friend along on your adventure or take the family. It’s more fun to have someone with you when you laugh at the outrageous purple striped bell-bottoms you find, or to share in the excitement of a good deal on that casserole dish. Put something tasty in the crockpot before you leave to shop so when you return you have a no-work lunch ready to serve as you sort through your purchases or compare notes. For an afternoon of shopping, make cookies or another sweet the night before. Then after you are done retire home to finish visiting over sweets and coffee. This turns the day’s events into a real treat.
While not as frugal as garage sales, thrifting is still one of my favorite pastimes. After awhile you will have your favorite stores. You will also intuitively know which thrift store to visit for housewares and which has the best clothes. Have fun!
What are some of your ideas for a frugal yet fun weekend? Share them in the comments!
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