It was my first time furnishing and decorating an apartment as an adult. I saw empty rooms and felt overwhelmed. How was I to find these items? My then-girlfriend and I found some home goods from friends (a mattress and a bedframe from one friend and a futon and other things) and shopping at the local thrift shop for additional items (mismatched flatware or dishes). We were college students who had just moved to the United States. We needed more money or the knowledge to purchase new furniture. We didn’t know anything about IKEA, and they refused to deliver.
Twelve years later, we are married with two children and have learned much about decorating homes. However, we still love to Thrift a lot. We are not the only ones who feel this way. We’re not alone in our preference for used goods. This is likely due to increased awareness about the impact of consumerism on the climate crisis and pandemic-era frugality. GlobalData conducted a study, and thredUP aggregated it. The resale market saw a 58 percent increase in 2021, reaching a staggering $35 billion. According to the same survey, the resale industry will reach $82 billion by 2026. GlobalData’s consumer survey revealed that 50 percent of respondents knew fast fashion (inexpensive mass-produced clothing) could harm the environment. Sixty-three percent also chose to purchase secondhand clothes to save money.
This is just clothing. With rising costs and increasing awareness of the negative impact of rampant consumerism on the planet, more people are turning to secondhand shops, flea markets, and Facebook Marketplaces to find excellent home goods that are cheaper and better for the environment. They are doing good for the environment and saving a lot of money. A study done by Coupon Follows found that people who buy secondhand goods average $1,760 in annual savings.
Finding valuable pieces among the piles of potential treasures is the only problem. While one person’s trash might be another’s treasure, some items are too worn out to be taken home. This can lead to clutter in your home. What should you avoid when thrifting? What should you avoid buying? Here are some tips to help you find the best pre-owned items for your home.
Books, Pottery, Hard Furniture: For the First-time Thrifter
Bex Massey of Bramble & Fox, a UK-based vintage and hygiene shop, says that pottery and books are simple to find, don’t require careful planning, measuring, or measurement, and can be used in many ways. A shelf, a table, or a stool looks excellent when adorned with books and a stoneware vase of blooms. Other interior designers agreed.
