The Ultimate Thrifter's Toolkit: Must-Have Tools for Successful Thrifting
Recently I’ve received so many questions from friends and family around what my tips and tricks are for thrifting. So, I’ve decided to write this little article to help those new to thrifting vintage décor and collectibles. Having the right tools can really and truly make your treasure hunting adventure more enjoyable and successful.
In recent years thrifting has become more than just a trend, heck, it is a way of life for so many who are looking for a sustainable and cost-effective way to shop. Not to mention, the treasure hunter in all of us gets to scratch that itch rummaging through bins and scouring the packed shelves of the local thrift. I am always astounded at what amazing treasures I can find with regular visits. The type-A planner in me even created thrift circuits so I can efficiently hit up 2 or 3 before kid pick-up.
I’m about seven years into thrifting regularly and many of my great thrift finds make up some of the coolest décor in my house today (which has become a very colorful ‘wizardy-apothecary-mid-century’ maximalist paradise). I’m sure one of these days I’ll get around to making a post about it. Till then, you can catch some sneak peeks on Instagram.
Below are what I consider to be some of the best tools and tips to have while thrifting so you can find the hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
First and foremost, it is really tempting to bring a bunch of physical tools. DON’T. You’re going to need to have your arms free (and no, this isn’t to push away other people who are lunging for the same treasure on the shelf). You’re going to have to handle each and every item of interest. You’ll need to turn it over in your hands and look for makers marks or defects/damage.
A Small Cross-Body Bag is more than enough to hold your wallet, cash, smartphone, and some of the very few other physical tools you’ll need. I got a great fanny pack for my birthday several years ago and I use it as a cross body bag, but just about any small crossbody that fits snuggly in front of your body will work.
Consider your smartphone to be your thrifting sidekick, your thrifting Swiss Army Knife of sorts. Keep in mind, I have a newer iPhone so some of these things might not be available on older models or from other brands:
In addition to scouting out the in-store deals such as color tag discounts, you can subscribe to a thrift’s email or text distribution, and they often provide exclusive discounts and loyalty programs for their shoppers.
With apps like Etsy and eBay, you can search for specific items and compare prices. Remember to look at what items ultimately sold for before you get excited! Some sellers price high and never actually sell or they accept lower offers to close the deal. As a rule, I always confirm 3 sources for an item to make sure I’ve identified it correctly and the price is right.
Additionally, Google Lens is a great option if you’re trying to determine if something is actually vintage or collectible, but keep in mind, it isn’t foolproof. Don’t be surprised if your lovely orange mid-century vase is identified as a glass of orange juice or your cute bird figurine is identified as a live bird.
I’m an elder millennial so my eyes are absolutely not as good as they used to be. I make frequent use of the magnifier and flashlight apps because the stores can be dimly lit, and it's easy to miss some details on items. These apps can help you inspect items more thoroughly. You'll be able to check for imperfections, hidden brand labels, or damage that might be concealed in the shadows.
My personal motto for a long time was, “we’ll make space”, but recently I discovered the measuring app on my phone, and this has been a game changer. I don’t need to carry an unwieldy measuring tape anymore, and it gets the job done. Gone are the days of the nerve-wracking drive home with a barely closed trunk. With this app you’ll be able to easily verify whether a piece will fit your space at home.
Ditch a notebook and pen and leverage your phone’s notes app. It’s handy for jotting things down or using a quick copy paste from your online search. Bonus you don’t look weird using it in the middle of the crowded aisle. It looks as if you are merely texting your dear ol’ mom.
If you’re like me, you like to make sure your life soundtrack is playing as often as possible. In my opinion thrifting is the perfect venue to bring some earbuds. Not only can you pump out cool jams, but you can also call your significant other to help justify why you must have another mid-century chair upholstered in vintage velvet floral – oh wait that’s just me.
Now, that we have covered the multitude of things your phone can do let’s dive into some of the physical items I like to have with me:
I usually bring one reusable shopping bag – or even better, a thrifted tote with cool design! At least in my area they have started charging for bags. I’d rather take the eco-friendlier and more practical route with my own bag. It helps me stay organized and is very sturdy for carrying heavy items.
About a year ago I purchased a jewelry loupe online, and I haven’t looked back. This little lighted super magnifier is terrific if you’re looking to identify hand pulled lithography or an imperfection in a cool piece of vintage glass. It is incredibly compact so it easily fits into your pocket or crossbody bag.
I’m also definitely the glass collecting maniac that carries a UV flashlight. There are some pretty small portable models available. These lights can be used to detect collectible antique and vintage glass including Vaseline glass or glass that contains cadmium. Make sure the one you purchase is a portable UV 365nm light to get the best glow under varying store lighting. Here are a couple of cool examples from my insta.
Vaseline Glass (also called Uranium/Canary glass among others)
While many thrift stores now accept cards, having some cash on hand is still a smart move. Some smaller, independently run thrift shops might prefer cash, and haggling for a better price can be more effective when you pay in cash. I’ve also been to some stores that discount for certain credit cards or provide coupons for donations so anything is fair game. Make sure to ask an employee so you can find the optimal way to get the best deals.
Finally, I’ll leave you with one word about what to wear during your thrifting excursion and that word is: Comfortable. Thrifting often involves lots of walking, bending, kneeling, and standing, so dressing for comfort is key. You want to have the energy and patience to thoroughly explore the thrift store. Not to mention things can get a bit grimy, so hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are essential for sanitizing your hands and occasionally your clothes.
Thrifting is an art, and the right tools can turn your thrift shopping experience into a rewarding adventure. Whether you're looking for unique vintage decor or collectibles, these essential tools will enhance your thrifting journey and help you discover hidden treasures. With your smartphone and hand sanitizer you really can’t go wrong! You'll be well-equipped to make the most of your thrift shopping experience. Please share your thrifting experiences with me in the comments. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Till then, happy thrifting!