11 Thrift Store Shopping Tips for Finding the Hidden Gems

Pay attention to furniture details

If you find the perfect sofa or another piece of furniture that has the perfect color, shape, and the right price, then you have to know exactly the dimensions of your doors and whether they will fit in the place where you want to put them. 

“Before buying furniture, it’s a good idea to measure the width of your doors, the width of your ‘turns’ and if the furniture is going to a second floor, figure out if it will fit in a stairwell,” says Barney Daley, owner, Value Thrift Shop. “Take a photo of your space and the colors of your walls and carpeting to make sure your new furniture will also fit the décor.”

Disinfect any item before bringing it home

Whether we are talking about clothes, pieces of furniture or home accessories, one of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when choosing thrift stores is to disinfect any object before bringing it home. 

“The state of Pennsylvania requires upholstery, pillows, stuffed animals, and other fabric items be treated with a special disinfectant to rid of any pests or germs,” says Daley. “Do not bring used furniture into your home until it has been treated or ask the seller to treat it prior to leaving the thrift store.”

First time shopping at a thrift store

If you choose to shop at a thrift store for the first time you can be disappointed, because you won’t find something that you like, but don’t let it discourage you. 

“Having an open mind is definitely key. Keep your first couple trips short and sweet and stick to one or two sections of a thrift store to see what you can find,” notes Beldner. “Whether you want to add clothing pieces to your wardrobe, household items to your new home, or are looking for a new piece of furniture that needs a little love, the thrill of not knowing what you’re going to find is guaranteed to keep you coming back!” said Beldner.