The Clever Thrift Store Shopping Method That Can Help You Save Money

So much of the thrill of thrifting is thanks to the fact that the stock of your typical secondhand store is a complete mystery. Items from all eras and origins can be found hidden on the shelves, but a lot of the time, you have to sift through piles of bland or damaged products to locate these hidden gems. Because of this, when you find something that's interesting or of value, it can feel like you hit the jackpot. Bringing every quality item you find home, however, is an easy way to waste your money and end up with a space full of useless clutter. Don't let overconsumption get you down — with this simple thrifting method, you can still enjoy seeking and finding without actually hauling items back to your house.

Called "catch-and-release" thrifting, it's all about spotting beautiful items, admiring them, and leaving them on the shelf for another lucky shopper to find. If you're at all familiar with fishing, you already understand the origin of this term and how this strategy can help to encourage sustainability without sacrificing fun. Of course, if you find a really good "catch" that will actually be useful in your home, you're welcome to snag it for yourself, but putting items back after admiring or documenting them helps to turn thrifting into a fun activity rather than a money-waster. Keeping this strategy in mind can help you be more mindful about the purchases you make, give you a chance to connect with others, and might even help to break harmful overconsumption habits in other parts of your life.

Before you even step into the thrift store, you should set a few goals. One of the best tips for thrifting home decor is to go in with a specific set of wants. If you're only looking for a new side table, for example, only allow yourself to buy this one item, and "catch and release" anything else you see. If you're simply thrifting for the thrill, it can also be fun to not buy anything at all — leave your wallet in the car to reduce temptation, and treat your trip through the aisles like a fun scavenger hunt rather than an excuse to spend your hard-earned money. Sometimes, the appeal lies in simply getting out of the house and having an activity, so it pays to be honest with yourself when it comes to what you're really craving when you head to the store.

If you do happen to stumble across something that's unique or high-quality, now's your chance to document your find. Of course, sharing what you see isn't necessary, but it can be fun to take a picture to send to friends, use for further research at home, or post on social media. There are tons of Facebook groups to join if you're an obsessive thrift shopper, but you can also look to Reddit or share your finds on a dedicated Instagram page. If you do decide to post what you've found, you'll likely end up with at least a few comments giving you more context on the item, commending your catch, or joining in to joke about the funny things you stumble upon on thrift store shelves. Who knows — you might even make a new friend or two!