A Thrifter’s Guide To Goodwill

Entering a Goodwill store is an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re new to the scene. Clothing racks are tightly packed, shelves are overflowing, and there are so many customers scavenging for deals, but it’s a small price to pay for living sustainably while supporting a local non-profit. For those who wonder how others find the best stuff when you always leave discouraged and empty-handed, this post is for you! Keep reading for tips and tricks to get the most out of your Goodwill thrifting trip.

TAKE YOUR TIME. Your first mistake is not allowing yourself enough time to be thorough in your thrift hunt. Treasures aren’t meant to be found easily, so take your time and make every minute count. Committed thrift-shoppers arrive before the doors open, spend the day bouncing from store to store and circle back to check for new inventory. But, who has time for that? Instead, dedicate a minimum of two hours to fully immerse yourself into the selection, and be persistent. The more times you visit, the higher chance you have of scoring unbelievable finds.

MAKE A LIST. Decide on the motivation behind your trip to Goodwill. In need of a wardrobe refresh? Redecorating

the house? It’s wise to have an idea of what you’re searching for — kind of like going to a grocery store without a list, you either forget why you came in or buy far more than what you need. Categorizing your Goodwill trips into sections makes the experience far less overwhelming. Professional thrift-shoppers even keep a wish-list for specific items they’d like to find, but for beginners it’s best to keep your list as broad as possible.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND. Everything has potential. Let’s say you find the most adorable plant holder, but it’s broken. Innovation is part of human nature, so instead of letting it go, ask yourself “what can I do to upcycle this?” Chances are, there’s an easy and aesthetically pleasing solution if you keep an open mind. Plus, imperfections add a ton of character! Remember, every single piece of inventory came from someone’s donation, so adopting this mindset is paramount.

Thrifting at Goodwill is completely different than shopping at places like Target. There are no mannequins displaying the latest trending styles. There are no perfectly stocked aisles or pristine packaging for customer satisfaction. However, there is the undeniable fact that 96% of Goodwill's sales fund life-changing programs and services. There is the fact that the donations received are diverted from landfills to be given a second chance — much like the individuals served at Goodwill.

Let this be your Thrifter's Guide To Goodwill, and always remember: because of you, GOOD WILL HAPPEN.