the much-requested how to find clothes at thrift stores post

I asked… you answered. I shared my thrifted $1.50 Madewell shirt on my Instagram stories a couple days ago, and 97% of you voted you wanted to hear more about how I find awesome deals at thrift and consignment stores! Also p.s. if you’re not following me, you should! And introduce yourself!

So a little background, first of all. I’m obsessed with thrifting. I love a really good deal and I dislike cheaply made clothes, so without being a person who spends hundreds of dollars of on clothes every month, I can still spoil myself with some goodies - WITHIN our budget.

In the video below, I walk you through all these points, but I love a good list so here is my list of pointers for finding good thrift store scores:

  • First of all- have a budget. What is your clothes budget for you, the husband, and kids for the month? If you have no idea how to budget or the thought of it overwhelms you, I highly recommend taking Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and/or reading The Total Money Makeover.

  • Pull your clothes budget out in cash. For two reasons: It’s SO easy to overspend, and secondly because if you find only one thing for $2 and their card minimum is $10, you’re outta luck and the cute top you just found for $2.

  • If you don’t have a budget or your closet is already overflowing with things you don’t love, do you have clothes you could bring to a consignment store and sell, or sell on moms group sites?

  • Have a goal in mind when you go to the store. Don’t get overwhelmed. Sometimes the smaller stores are better because there’s just less to sort through. Also think: What do you already have that just doesn’t have the right pants/right shirt to go with it? Have an outfit or a style in mind.

  • Don’t buy it if it’s stained, ripped, or the wrong size, unless you’re absolutely certain that you can fix it or get it altered for a good price. 

  • Know the brands/style you want to go for. I’ve already said this, but it’s so much easier to find something in mountains of used clothes if you know what you’re looking for.

  • Go without kids. Thrifting can be so fun, but also challenging, so when you’re distracted or telling them to get off the floor and out of the clothes racks you might miss your best find!

  • Try on the clothes!! If it’s not a “heck yes” it’s a “heck no.” Don’t buy it if you don’t love it.

  • If you’re new to an area, or just don’t really know where to start, ask your friends where they go to donate their clothes, or even a quick Google search for your area might come up with some helpful reviews!

I hope this helps! Let me know in the comments anything that helps you when you’re looking for bargain clothes!

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