So…you’re taking the thrift store plunge!  Surviving your first thrift store run is easy when you’re prepared.  Just think of it as a trip to the outlet malls, but without those sweltering/freezing trips between shops and just a tad bit more chaos.  

Finding Your Thrift Stores

Step one is find your stores.  If you have a Goodwill in the area, they’re a perfect place to start.  Cincinnati residents can find the closest store via Ohio Valley Goodwill.  I suggest starting your shopping experience at the Fairfield Crossings Goodwill Store.  It is by far the best in the area, with many items coming directly from local stores (AKA Brand. Spanking. New).  Their large jewelry counter is a plus.  I personally seek out beaded items and novelty necklaces when I go.

A note to the northern residents:  Dayton area thrift stores don’t run the devastatingly good sales that Cincinnati does.  Definitely a day thrifting in Cincinnati is in order if you’re in dire need of new threads.  However, all is not lost if you can’t make it south.  Dayton area Goodwill stores tend to carry higher-quality items and the stores look and feel more like a normal shopping experience.  They also have daily “tag sales” where you can save by seeking out particular plastic tags. Dayton area shoppers should seek out the North Fairfield Road or E. Dorothy Lane locations.  The Genntown Road location in Lebanon is tops, too.

Shop Like a (Thrift Store) Pro

Hey guess, what?  Thrift stores have carts, and you need to grab one when you get in.  Even if you aren’t sure what you’ll find, having a cart helps you grab and go, and sort later.  Since everything on the shelf is unique, you certainly don’t want to leave something behind while thinking about it.  Always mind your aisle manners; during high traffic times stores are pretty packed so leave your cart at the aisle end while browsing in-between rows.

Shopping in a normal store is browsing.  Thrift store shopping is getting fully involved into the racks and digging out your best find.  Consider what you’re after and start at the end of that rack and work your way to the other side taking a glance at each item.  Pretty soon you’ll get the swing of eliminating items by color or fabric without having to fully look at each piece.

Let’s Discuss Shoes

You may have heard to never thrift shoes.  Well…that’s not entirely true.  Shoe are an interesting beast because how many of us have purchased a pair for a certain occasion or outfit and worn them once then discarded them?  Or how about that regretted impulse buy of the sky high heals that looked so cute in the box but were a terror on your wide feet?  It’s due to the aforementioned that thrifting shoes are a-ok if the soles and insides look (very) minimally worn.  Just be sure to toss them in the wash on delicate when you get home and let air dry.

From the Store to Your Closet

As discussed in my Thrift Store Basics, everything you think about buying should be tried on.  This not only helps you find any defects, but also ensures that it fits in case the sizing is odd or the item is tailored.

Always, always take your items from the car and straight to the washing machine.  For me, this caution isn’t a second hand thing; I’m this paranoid about clothing I get from ANY store.  Always dry for 30 minutes in medium-high heat.  If your item is delicate, just dry it alone to prevent snagging on other items.

I hope this helps get you going on your first thrifting experience.  Let me know what gems you find!