There are so many aspects that I love about shopping secondhand. I have a chance to find quirky, and even new, craft supplies. Brand new red fun fur yarn for fifty cents a skein? Yes, please. The options for vintage accessories at low prices are plentiful if you're willing to look. And it always feels good to give an unwanted object a second life. On the eve of my great jaunt across Wisconsin to attend the 100-Mile Yard Sale, I've decided to share some thrifty tips.
My favorite haunts include the usual suspects - Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. John Vianney Thrift stores as well as estate and yard sales. I have a lot of tips for how to choose a good thrift store or sale, but today I'm sharing the tips of the things I use to find the diamonds in the rough. These are the things in my traveling toolbox, do you use anything I might need to add to it?
Traveling Toolbox
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Sewer's Measuring Tape - after all, you should know if that bookcase is going to fit in your house... or even your car, and all rolled up the tape fits in your pocket
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Magnet - let's you know what is plain metal and what might be more
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Wet Wipes - I keep these in my car because one never knows what sticky substance you'll find on your fingers after rummaging
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Bags - self-explanitory
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Socks - if you're ever going to try on shoes, you're going to need socks.
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Water Bottle and Snacks - these are especially good to have when hopping between yard sales or even thrift stores as they'll save you a pricey lunch.
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Sunscreen - what can I say? I burn easily and when I'm out at yard sales, I'll be spending a lot of time under the sun.
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Cash - always cash, always small bills, always makes it easier. It also helps me keep a budget, plus I always know if I find something ridiculously amazing there's gotta be an ATM nearby.
Those are all the things I carry with me on a regular basis while I'm thrifting. If you've got any extra tips, I'm always eager to learn.