Preparing to Thrift - a handy guide

There are over 11 thousand charity shops in the UK and RoI. [CRA website]. If, like me, that fact makes you feel warm inside like you are a kid in a sweet shop at Christmas, then you (like me) need a plan of attack to ensure you approach shopping at them in a systematic way that results in you leaving these treasure troves with some favourite gems of your very own.

A lot of my success with thrifting comes down to years of experimentation and eventually a pretty systematic approach that starts before even leaving the house!

Steps one to three are general long term tips. You can revisit step 4 onward as reminder on the day you plan to go thrifting...

Step 1

Find some time one day to actually EXPLORE YOUR WARDROBE. Note the general colour palette, the shapes you tend to be drawn toward and also items you bought but don't like / wear (as well as, if you can, why they are redundant which will indicate how to avoid repeating those mistakes).

Step 2

Decide if there is anything you dislike enough to let go of and separate out those pieces (could you take them down to the charity shops with you and donate them?! or could you gift them to someone who will love them?) 

Step 3

Day to day, as you are dressing, make a mental note of anything you consistently reach for in your closet - and items you would reach for IF you had something that went with it. Write those somethings down in a list, along with items you like from magazines / online etc, either digitally or on a pad and keep the list with you. This is because you may see an item that will make that Paisley skirt you have work in your wardrobe, or you may have your eye on a blue velvet jacket from a magazine clipping, and see a similar item at the charity shops. The list will jog your memory about items that will help your wardrobe work better for you! 

On the day you go....

Step 4

Wear a practical outfit to thrift. Leggings, jeans or a skirt, slip-on shoes or boots and a cami with a jumper is my usual outfit of choice. Skirts can easily be tried on over leggings and they are quick to remove to try jeans etc. A cami means you can try blouses, jumpers and jackets or coats more easily too (especially if there is a queue for the changing room). Take a long strapped bag so you can have your hands free to rummage! Keep your list nearby for reference, as well as perhaps my THRIFT CHEAT SHEET! 

Step 5

Make sure you're fed and watered before setting off. Take a snack if you're planning an extensive trip (I love sesame snaps!) and clear your boot if you have one as you never know what you'll find.

Step 6

Take bags for your purchases (mine were thrifted!) I also like to have a couple of blankets in the car for wrapping furniture / ornaments / picture frames to prevent damage on the way home. 

Step 7

Start with a section that's not overwhelming to you (perhaps your list is mostly knitwear or dresses). Remember, you do not have to cover everything all in one trip. Keep popping into different shops whenever you feel like a browse; new items are donated all the time. Enjoy it and try to drag a companion! 

Step 8

Return home and enjoy unpacking your finds! Wash before wearing (+\- carry out any repairs).

Repeat as regularly as you like! I like to call it Rinse&Repeat !