Thrifting Rules I Follow as a Minimal-ish Mom
I love the adrenaline rush that comes with getting a good deal. I love big signs that say 50% off or the thrill of swiping through a thrift store rack and finding a hidden gem. Every purchase feels better when you know you're getting a good deal.
But what happens when you run out of space for all those “good deals?” Clothes pile high with tags still on, discount home decor fills bins and bins, and suddenly you no longer have space to store things never mind an actual use for all those discount items.
Hear me on this: It’s not a good deal if you don’t need it.
That simple mantra created a powerful change in my shopping habits, and it started me on a journey to becoming what I call minimal-ish. Rewiring my bargain-hunting brain has been a long process and I'm constantly looking for ways to become more and more mindful of what I bring into my home. This led me to create some guidelines for myself especially when it comes to thrift shopping. I've got seven thrifting rules I follow to ensure clutter stays at the thrift store and only essential items come home with me.
Here's my list of thrifting rules and I would love to hear yours in the comments!
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1. I make a thrifting list
I keep a list of things I'm looking for and I don’t enter sections I don’t intend to shop in. I know if I wander over and look at the baskets, I will end up going home with a few more baskets and I have enough. If I am shopping online, scrolling through thredUP, and I scroll over to the little boys' dress shirts, I know I'm gonna buy a bunch of cute little shirts for my boys, even though they have enough.
I always thought it was silly to keep a list for the thrift store, but I find if I go looking for specific items, I'm often able to find those items, and more importantly, not buy what I don't need.
2. Thrifted items must have “favourite potential”
I know, I have enough dresses right now. I hardly wear jeans, so one or two pairs is enough for me. So if I'm going to buy one of those items, it has to have the potential to be my new favorite, and possibly even replace something in my closet.
3. I need to be able to use thrifted items right away
I no longer buy clothes that I think I might upcycle or things I’ll need to fix. I also don’t buy clothes that might fit me one day. We buy clothes for our bodies not bodies for our clothes.
4. I need to be able to picture the item in my home
I need to know where I'm going to store it and how I'm going to use it. And if not, it doesn't get to come home with me. If I have an overflowing bin of sweaters at home, I know I don’t have room for more.
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5. I only thrift clothes in specific colours
This applies both to me and to my kids. Sometimes I'm tempted to buy a shirt for my daughter because its only a couple bucks, but if it's bright orange, I know I'm not going to put her in it. I don't like that colour.
6. I don’t thrift some items
For my kids, I don't thrift pants anymore. I used to, and I had all kinds of random pants that didn't match anything, and that made it very challenging to pick outfits for them. Now I thrift shirts and dresses and dress shirts and that good stuff, but I buy new pants and I only buy black pants so that making outfits is nice and simple.
I no longer thrift t-shirts for myself. I love thrifting one-of-a-kind blouses and dresses and even staple items like jeans, but I’m often frustrated hunting for a perfect black t-shirt at the thrift store.
7. I implement a waiting period
When possible, I implement a waiting period. That's one of the reasons I love online thrift shopping with ThredUP. I can fill up my cart with items and know they will be held for 24 hours. I can think about it and come back later. This helps me make more intentional decisions and see my total before hitting “checkout.”
With the season of motherhood that I'm in right now, I rarely do in-store shopping for anything. I love being able to use thredUP and still get that thrift store experience from the comfort of my couch without having to load everyone up in the car.
If you have never tried online thrift shopping, I highly, highly recommend it. I've been finding so many good dresses for myself lately on thredUP and many cute clothes for the kid!
Final Thoughts
Remember, it's not a good deal if you don't need it. My husband gets tired of me telling him that one, but it's just the truth!
Let me know below if you have thrifting rules too, or if you’re feeling inspired to make some!
