9 Mistakes People Make When Shopping at Thrift Stores, According to Experts

Shopping at thrift stores is not only one of the most affordable ways to transform your wardrobe and décor, but also a great way to bring home unique pieces you might not find anywhere else. With some patience and a touch of luck, you are bound to stumble upon truly special items. However, it’s also easy to make mistakes, especially for those who are new to the art of thrifting. By following some of the most invaluable tricks of the trade, you’ll avoid these missteps while sourcing one-of-a-kind finds that will accentuate your personal style and make your space truly feel like your own.

Buying More Items Than You Need

"The number one mistake is buying way too many things," says Anaïs Chaumien, interior designer and owner of Design by Anaïs. "You see something that looks good, that is a great deal, so you think you have to bring it home." She cautions against purchasing every beautiful item you see and instead recommends that you go to the thrift store with a list of things you need and stick to it. 

Foregoing the Sniff Test

"It might sound gross, but foregoing the sniff test at the store could make for an even grosser experience once you bring your item home," says Ashley Poskin, an interior stylist and DIY expert. "I recently forgot to do this and brought home an adorable set of vintage hand embroidered pillowcases, only to discover they smelled like cigarette smoke once I got home. Unfortunately, this smell is one of the most difficult to remove, so back to the donation bin they went."

Neglecting to Consider the Aesthetic of Your Space

The items you purchase at thrift stores will ultimately need to fit with the look and feel of your home, and it’s easy to lose sight of your home’s aesthetic. Chaumien uses the example of an ornate vintage frame to explain this easy-to-make mistake. "Even if you love this vintage frame, if you have a super minimalist aesthetic, it won’t fit," she says. "You don’t want to buy it, come home, and discover you have no way to make it work."

Trying to Haggle

Though it may be tempting to try, haggling at thrift stores is almost never effective. "Cashiers are rarely responsible for pricing, so asking them to lower a price for you is just a waste of time and puts them in an awkward place," says Poskin. "My take on overpriced goods: I don’t need them, so I just walk away."

Forgetting to Take Measurements in Advance

"A little tip is to always have your home’s measurements somewhere with you," says Chaumien. Armed with these measurements, you can walk into any thrift store and easily check whether or not a piece you love will fit in your space. "I would also advise having a way to take measurements inside the store," she says. Having a measuring tape in your bag will do the trick.

Skipping Over the Details

The thrift store is a great place to find high-quality furniture in need of a little TLC at a great price, but not every fixer-upper is necessarily a good deal. "I’ve found some amazing deals on really cool furniture at thrift stores, but some were in need of new upholstery," says Poskin. "Don’t forget to consider the total cost of the chair you might have your eye on, including new upholstery. Your $24.99 deal could end up costing closer to $499."

Contributing to Clutter in Your Home

It’s hard to pass up cute and unique items during a trip to the thrift store, but bringing them all home only leads to clutter. "One great rule to deal with this is 'one in one out.'" Chaumien says. "If you fall in love with a super cute sculpture, buy it! But know that something has to go to make room for this new addition."

Bringing Framed Artwork Inside Immediately

Of course, it’s exciting to bring home a new piece of artwork, but you’ll want to inspect it thoroughly before taking it inside. "Once home, open the frame and inspect the layers," advises Poskin. "You might find bugs behind the glass, you might even find some cash stashed away, or you could find nothing. Either way, this is a good practice to get into and can help avoid bringing bed bugs into your home."

Forgetting to Check for Store Coupons

Believe it or not, even thrift stores are known to have coupons. "Most stores offer a 20 percent off coupon if you have a donation or if you’re on their mailing list," says Poskin. "So don’t forget to toss your donation bag in the car with you before you head out, and do hop online beforehand to sign up for their mailing list!"