I am always looking for a bargain and for quicker, easier ways of doing things. If you are too, this thrifting haul example and tips for finding the best deals fast is for you!
Hoodies for my 11 year old
I asked her how many she thought she needed, and she vehemently responded, “ALL of them!”
Tees for her to wear and also with which to make Pinterest crafts.
Ah! The freedom to use my sewing scissors and cut things with abandon!
Pants and leggings. The black ones are to cut off and wear under her skirts. Sometimes the staffers catch a brand which resells well, such as Justice or Pink, and mark it up quite a bit, but often you can find them for the standard price, like I did today.
Summer skirts. On Poshmark and ThredUp, all of these go for at least $10. Know the brands you want, and whether or not you’ve found a good deal. If you’re unsure, look it up in store.
Dress for almost 3 year old. It’s actually a 24 month size-don’t be afraid to try things on. And once we tried it on, I couldn’t talk her into taking it off again.
Pro tip: just roll with it. I only bought her this because sometimes it’s easier to fork over $2.88 than listen to the incessant whining.
A few items for me. I’m thinking of making the capris into Bermudas. Only buy things to alter if you’re actually going to do it! The top is actually Motherhood maternity, but for $.44, I don’t really care!
Wear a skirt while you shop and it’s easy to just try something on in right there in the aisle.
A couple of skirts for 13 year old.
I also got a pair of Keens for 9 year old. They were the most expensive item at $8.88.
The total cost: $89 and change!
Total time spent: Under an hour.
Kids along: Three
I discovered thrifting in my 20s, when I went into a store I didn’t realize was consignment, and found my favorite Express sweater for less than 1/3 of what I had paid for it. That was lightbulb moment for me.
Why pay mall prices when you can get the exact same thing second hand and way cheaper?
With some experience under my belt buying for my own wardrobe and some house wares, I found thrifting to be a freeing way of life, especially once I quit teaching and more and more kids came along.
Now, homeschooling six kids on one income, I have to be frugal and fast. Here are some more of my best tips:
Go with as few of kids as possible
The more kids you have along the less able you are to think.
Try to take the kids who you are shopping for with you.
I bought some Keens for Cadrian today which he doesn’t really love because he’d prefer to wear socks and tennis shoes!
Really kid? Are you sure you’re mine?!
If I would have had him with me, I would have known he didn’t like them–and wouldn’t you know, shoes aren’t returnable. I can resell them or save them for Denton.
Keep a running list of needs
On the side of my fridge, I write down the things I’m on the lookout for. This includes when I realize someone has outgrown shoes and what size they need, or that they need a white shirt for this event. Or if I saw a cute DIY on YouTube, I’ll write down the items I want to watch for.
Set a time limit.
I usually go thrifting when my boys are in tutoring. That gives me about 50 minutes to choose items and pay. The time limit makes me make quick decisions and I’m less likely to buy something I only like (versus love) unless it’s $.44.
Go often.
I go to the same Goodwill a couple times a month. Sometimes I buy very little, sometimes I find a lot that will work. The inventory is always changing and different colored items are on sale or clearance.
Know the return policy.
I buy things too for my kids who might not be with me that I can return just in case they don’t love it. (I didn’t realize that shoes weren’t returnable until today! See how important that tip is!!)
It’s sometimes easier to not have them with me, have them try stuff on at home, and return it if it doesn’t work. I’m usually ok with donating it back too if I miss the return deadline, since most kid’s clothes are only $2.88.
Know the deals.
At Goodwill, they have a color of tag that is cheaper that day. Today for instance, anything with pink or yellow tags were 2 for $.88. Sometimes it’s “only” half off, but you still want to pay attention to the signage.
Go early.
I can never do this because of homeschool, but the color of the day is pretty picked over by 2 pm when I can go.
What are some of your favorite tips for getting the best deals?