It’s a tale as old as time: a group of shoppers flocking the shelves for whatever the current trend is, influenced by social media that they quite literally will die without this product (cut to a picture of a water bottle with a slightly different design than the one that trended the month prior).
Mass consumerism in the United States has reached an all-time high thanks to the persuasion of social media. While it’s perfectly okay to snag some new, charming trinkets every now and then, the problem arises when we begin to mindlessly consume products that we simply do not need at an alarming rate.
Let’s dive into some items that you can almost always buy second-hand to reduce your spending and your contribution to landfills.
Dishes. Thrift stores consistently stock their shelves with new mugs, glasses, bowls, and plate sets. Whether you’re shopping for your new home or just want to spruce up your dinnerware, hitting up a thrift store for second-hand goods is the perfect way to reduce your waste and find unique products that will make your dinner parties the talk of the town.
Furthermore, thrifting is a fantastic way to collect beautiful barware. From bar carts to wine buckets to drinking glasses of all types, second-hand shops have what you need at a fraction of the cost.
Clothes. If you’re looking for inimitable clothing pieces that will make you stand out from the crowd, thrift stores are the way to go. While you may find some duds in your search, thrifting is perfect for finding both basics and unique pieces to liven up your closet. Definitely try looking second-hand first when shopping for items you need, such as coats, jackets, jeans, shirts, and bags.
Moreover, utilize thrift shops when you need business attire—such as blazers, heels, and blouses—that you most likely won’t wear outside of work or special events.
Storage. Don’t waste your money on brand new storage containers when you can find items at second-hand stores that work just as well. You can find a variety of baskets, jars, and trays for all your storage needs. This is where you can find unique pieces that will add color and flare to any room in your house.
Whether you’re searching for a jewelry holder, blanket basket, or just a cute container to hold all your miscellaneous items that never seem to have a home, thrift stores have what you need.
Décor. Now we can get to the fun part: décor galore. Second-hand shops are filled to the brim with dazzling trinkets, beautiful art, and the essentials you need to breathe some personality into your living space.
Thrift stores are the perfect places to stock up on practical items such as picture frames, vases, and lamps. You won’t go back once you get a taste of finding these treasures at such low prices compared to buying them brand new with outrageously high price tags.
If you’re looking to give some life to your plain, boring walls, look no further than your local second-hand shops where you can discover gorgeous paintings, vintage-looking mirrors, and various pieces that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Look for the little things, like small shelves or sconces, that will make your home cozy and individualistic.
Books. While thrift stores may not be the best site to go when looking for specific books or series, they are certainly a fantastic place to browse through if you’re looking to pick up some classics or coffee table books. There’s no need to buy brand new editions of works that have been published for decades.
Second-hand shops often have popular books—such as “Pride and Prejudice,” “The Catcher in the Rye,” the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games series, etc. —crammed together on the shelves, waiting for you to sift through them.
With the rise of consumption in America, now more than ever is it imperative that we invest more of our money into buying second-hand, especially for the items that we simply do not need to buy brand new. There are so many interesting pieces that you can find in thrift stores that will showcase your individuality and style without breaking the bank.
