Why I Thrift, Reason #1: To Save Money
This post is part of a five part series entitled, "Why I Thrift," beginning with this post, "Why I Thrift, Reason #1: To Save Money."
Almost everything in my house has come from thrift stores, yard sales, or found on the curb. Of the things bought new, a good portion were clearance, end-of-season, last season or in the scratch-and-dent bin. As a result, whenever people see my home, they ask two questions.
1. Why would you do that?
2. How do find such good stuff?
Of course the most obvious reason to thrift is to save money. Have you heard rumors about killer deals? It's all true. People chuck out amazing things, sometimes things worth quite a bit of money. And even your find isn't Antiques Roadshow material, it's still a thrill you pay $2 for something worth $20.
That's the key. The thrill. It is a thrill. Finding something good in a stack of junk: a thrill. Getting it for next to nothing: another thrill. Realizing you know the perfect way to use it for a one of a kind project? A total thrill. I live for all of that.
It changes you, too. When I started this adventure, I never shopped secondhand. I just assumed that anything good was new. But when I was first married, we didn't have enough money to buy what I wanted. And in some cases, I wouldn't have chosen to spend it if I had (case in point: $5,000 bathtubs).
Now that I could spend a little money, I don't want to. Doing it for less is too much fun. The only change is that my "bargains" have higher prices, like the hand-carved solid oak panel bed I bought for $750 that was $2500 new. Next to the free china cabinet, that bed was probably my best deal.
What about you? What's your best deal yet?
This five-part "Why I Thrift" series continues with "Why I Thrift, Reason #2: To Recycle."
Comments (45)
Well done you Angela! It really is great fun to find something nice for not all that much money and sometimes even for free. I do that too. Can't tell you about my best deal as I've had quite a few of those. Dutch people are very good at shopping for bargain prices and here the shops are very good during the sales when they can give 50 to 80 % off. My most recent good deals are on my blog right now. ;-)
Posted by yolanda elizabet | February 6, 2008 12:30 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 00:30
Angela, you have such a great eye for colour and design. Your thrift finds always fit in so well.
Posted by Jodie | February 6, 2008 1:04 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 01:04
I think you know I'm a thrifting junkie too! I love the thrill of finding something worth a lot for just a little. And even just the little cute treasures with no real value other than adding charm to my home. The best yard sale deal ever was the clawfoot bathtub my mom got for $20!!!
Posted by Emily | February 6, 2008 2:44 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 02:44
I have those exact black trays with floral designs. They belonged to my paternal grandmother who died in 1966 at the age of 81. I have always loved them and hope you love yours also.
Frances at Faire Garden
Posted by Frances | February 6, 2008 4:23 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:23
Hi Angela...my best deal has to be the 1800's wooden rocking horse that I bought for ten dollars at a garage sale...the garage was full of baby clothes and the horse was on the floor under a table, the lady said her sister found it in her barn. He was just waiting for me...all his paint was worn away...be still my heart!
Posted by Anonymous | February 6, 2008 4:39 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:39
Hi Angela, great deals; all of them. I like to shop at the antique shops in Guthrie. I find some great things. My best find lately was my buffet in the dining room. I got it for nearly nothing. In Edmond, a buffet which wasn't in as good condition, sold for $3,000. I got mine for $350.~~Dee
Posted by Dee/reddirtramblings | February 6, 2008 4:53 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:53
I really enjoy visiting your blog and seeing all of your ideas. I'm a thrifty shopper too and I totally agree, it is the thrill of finding something for way less than it actually costs.
Posted by Crafty Gardener | February 6, 2008 4:59 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 04:59
I think my best was 26 years ago when I found an iron bed for $5. at the first yard/estate sale I ever went to. Painted candy apple red it was the perfect "big boy bed" for my oldest son.
Janet
Posted by janet | February 6, 2008 7:04 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 07:04
Yes, I too am a "Secondhand Rose" through and through and have been for years. My four children were dressed to the nines from garage sales. These days, the used market is even better than when I began thrifting. We are such a disposable society! Today, I think that craigslist is a goldmine. I see the most amazing furniture deals! People today unload furniture almost like used clothing. Our best deal? I would have to say it was a used car we bought for $500 and drove for 10 years! My favorite thrifts? My beautiful milk glass collection.
Posted by midwestgal | February 6, 2008 7:43 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 07:43
Hi Angela,
I can't wait to read the "how" part of this. To me, it seems to take an extraordinary amount of time to find the treasures among the junk!
--Robin (Bumblebee)
Posted by Robin (Bumblebee) | February 6, 2008 7:50 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 07:50
I got a $499 iron and glass chandelier for $75 dollars--and all because I ASKED! I say never be afraid to ask for a deeper discount--especially if something just needs a little TLC and you can give it.
I love the collected over time look your home has because of all your vintage treasures!
Posted by Jennifer P. | February 6, 2008 8:10 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 08:10
It becomes an obsession, doesn't it? You have me wanting to hit the thrift store right now! I'm not sure what my best bargain is. I think I love them all equally.
Posted by Jen | February 6, 2008 8:48 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 08:48
I am the thrift-recycle queen in the family!
After reading your post I got thinking is there anything new in our home?
Yes the mattress' stove, washer n dryer!
Everything else is thrifted, curb side treasures or yard and estate sale finds!
I shop resale, antique and thrift shops before heading to the new furniture stores!
I too love the thrill of the hunt!
Hugz, Dolly
Posted by from my cherry heart | February 6, 2008 9:17 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 09:17
Aw, dangit! I was going to do a post about my neverending thrift store shopping habits, but now you'll think I'm being a copycat.
Posted by Renee | February 6, 2008 9:31 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 09:31
I love the flowers painted on the trays. They are cool! I am not much of a thrifter, although my younger sister is. She finds the most incredible things.
I'm looking forward to hearing your thrift-hunting tips.
Posted by kate | February 6, 2008 9:52 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 09:52
I never "got" the runner's high thing (maybe because i drive everywhere). But I do get that thrifting high when I score something wonderful. I don't know how you do it... but you always score such great stuff!
Posted by happy zombie | February 6, 2008 11:08 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 11:08
I totally agree with you ! Although I will sometimes buy things just because they are a good deal,I have found a few treasures that make up for the duds.
I would have to say that my favorite thrift is a 9ft. long solid oak cabinet that has a Royal Doulton sink in it.I found it in the classifieds and the woman that sold it said that it came from an old science lab.I paid $200 which at the time was a fortune because my dh and I were newly married and money was tight.
:-) Barbara
Posted by Barbara | February 6, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 11:31
Wow, what great deals you're able to find. This may get me thrifting yet-lol.
Posted by Lisa | February 6, 2008 11:41 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 11:41
Dear Angela!
Thank you so very very much for all your comments to my blog... I really
appreciate them....you are so sweet and nice! Nice to know that you´re
feeling better... yes the dresser was from IKEA... it was not used...and we
paid maybe 25% of the real price for it at the auction. I love thrifts!!!! The thrill is amazing....!!! Usually I only buy
old things but I felt that the dresser was great in Sarah´s room. Some years ago IKEA
has a serie of furnitures and things looked like it was from the 1700
century...it was so nice and I´m sorry that they don´t have them anymore....
Cottage Magpie is very nice and I admire you that you have a so great layout, interesting posters and great photos... its cosy...!!! :)
I hope you´ll have a nice week... see you soon again!
Annie
PS: Yes we mangle in Sweden... sheets, tablecloths, towels and pillow cases.... :)Don´t you????
Posted by Annie | February 6, 2008 11:57 AM
Posted on February 6, 2008 11:57
Love this. You have such great finds!!! I may have to some visit you for all of the great thrifting;)
JenR
Posted by Jen Rizzo | February 6, 2008 12:06 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 12:06
Dear Angela,
It is always such a treat to read your blog. You put so much thought and insight into your posts.
By the way, I've entered your name into my Pampered Package Giveaway!
oxox
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer Grey | February 6, 2008 12:13 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 12:13
My DH and I are yard salers and dumpster divers...our best deal came when we rented our very first apartment when we got married 16 years ago. We had nothing, we were both fresh out of college, and we paid the previous tenant (an elderly lady who was moving to assisted living) $100 for the stuff she left behind. Most of it was junk--an old tweedy couch, a card table and two chairs, a metal wardrobe--but she left a china cupboard and sideboard that I believe are from the 1920s or 30s. They have traveled to every home we've had since then, and we always get comments on them.
Posted by Janelle | February 6, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 12:31
Aside from the thrill of the chase and the extra money in the bank, thrifting is good for the environment. It's recycling at its finest!
Posted by Barbara Jacksier | February 6, 2008 12:58 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 12:58
Almost everything in my home came from a garage sale, thrift shop or free by the side of the road. I love the thrill of the hunt, the feeling of success at getting a bargain and the fun of having a unique home and finding creative ways to use my "finds". Even if I had lots of money I'd still probably shop that way. It's just fun!
Rhondi xo
Posted by rhondi | February 6, 2008 2:00 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:00
I wish I had your knack for finding treasures.
I keep thinking this is probably a good time of year to hit the thrift stores but so far all it's been is a good idea!
Posted by lucinda | February 6, 2008 6:06 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:06
I like to buy used items because I like to be creative. There is something very rewarding about buying something for "next to nothing", giving it a coat of paint and bringing back to life! I love it!
Posted by Jill from foreverandeverhouse.blogspot.com | February 6, 2008 6:52 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:52
Angela,
I've been through some brutal bidding wars on ebay for some black toleware....haven't won yet, I'm too green at this ha! Love your treasures!!!
Hugs,
Rose
Posted by Rose | February 6, 2008 6:56 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:56
I, too, love a good thrift find! I can't decide what my favourite is, but I do know that next week, I'm going to make the rounds and search for bargains. They are a great pick-me-up!!
Linda
p.s. so glad you are feeling better...I missed you and your great posts!!
Posted by linda | February 6, 2008 7:44 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 19:44
Hi Angela,
thanks for stopping by! I like your finds, you have such a good taste. I wish we had here in Serbia such places to find used, cheap beautiful things.
Wish you a great day! Suzy
Posted by Suzy | February 6, 2008 11:40 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 23:40
I don't thrift on a regular basis but I have a close friend who does and her enthusiasm is rubbing off on me. To her it's like a treasure hunt and when I make a trip to the Goodwill that's exactly how I feel. I usually am looking at the books and stuff for the house, ie knick-knacks. It's fun.
Posted by Connie W | February 7, 2008 5:11 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 05:11
YEA!!!! for thrifting and garbage picking!
Nearly my entire house is furnished with roadside, thrift store, or grandma's attic finds.
My best find was an old arched door armoir/cupboard that I found on the curb, set out for garbage pickup.
The hinges were rusted through and I found some mouse droppings in the bottom...but after a thorough cleaning, new paint, and some minor repairs it has an honored spot in my sewing room.
Indeed a thrill!
Kimberly :)
Oh BTW...my living room paint color is called Sea Drops, but I can't remember where it came from. :(
Posted by Niesz Vintage Home | February 7, 2008 8:29 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 08:29
I agree, thrifting is so much fun. For me, it's largely the thrill of the hunt, never knowing what treasure you'll uncover today. Love the trays.
Posted by Jacki | February 7, 2008 1:41 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 13:41
Oh, yeah! The thrill of the hung totally describes me too. I started it to save money, but not can't stand to pay full price for anything & if I can get good stuff for next to nothing, it makes my day. Love those bargains, as you know!
And I love tole trays too. I've been lucky enough to find 2 of them at yardsales.
Rhoda
Posted by Rhoda | February 7, 2008 4:27 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 16:27
Oh, I love your thrifty finds!! So fun to see what you can get for little or nothing.
My best finds are the free things that I've gotten, like my sofa table that just needed a little beadboard on the top and a dresser and matching vanity that are still packed away and waiting a new paint job.
Linda
Posted by Linda Albrecht | February 7, 2008 4:36 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 16:36
Angela-
so many but the really special one is an antique pie safe we bought years ago for $125 and it is appraised for $2500...it is what they use to put their pies in out on the back porch so they could cool...I use it to hold china and glass ware in my dining room...lots of furniture pieces like that in my home that I bought for a few dollars...nice to watch them all increase in value as they become harder to find!
best,
carol
Posted by carol eldridge | February 7, 2008 5:30 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 17:30
Hi Angela,
Oh I am so happy I stumbled across your site. Now I don't know what to do first, go second hand shopping or sew some pillows (I have all the ingrediants)!
Maybe I should clean my house first so I have someplace to show off my new treasures :-)
Posted by Melanie | February 7, 2008 6:11 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 18:11
I bought a whole set of Shakepeare's plays published in 1901 for $1.00!
Posted by Tara | February 8, 2008 6:17 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 18:17
Love all your thrift store finds! I thrift a lot too - don't always find something but the key is to go frequently (at least in this town).
Manuela
Posted by The Feathered Nest (Manuela's) | February 9, 2008 12:25 PM
Posted on February 9, 2008 12:25
Hi Ang3ela, we adore thrifting, just came back from vacation and found some goodies, although true bargains are now very hard to come by here in Aus anyway! Still very enjoyable and fun though! Our best by lately was a lot of vintage prom/50's dresses at a yard sale, the owneer ha=d no idea, they were in need of some reapis, got eight of them all for about $10 and they are probably worth more than $100 each on places like ebay now! Could not belive our luck! But they are not for sale, parting with such treasures is impossible! Great post as always :) Jenn and jacqui
Posted by Jenn and Jacqui | February 10, 2008 6:59 PM
Posted on February 10, 2008 18:59
You have found some beautiful items!! I love them all. I love finding things at Estate Sales & Thrift Stores and lets not forget Ebay!! Thanks for sharing!! Connie
Posted by Connie | February 12, 2008 8:07 AM
Posted on February 12, 2008 08:07
How fun - I just wrote about my love of thrifting this past Monday on my blog! My best score ever was a beautiful wool skirt with the $125 or so price tag still hanging on it for $1.75. : )
Posted by Mary | February 13, 2008 10:43 AM
Posted on February 13, 2008 10:43
LOVE this post! My favorite thrift store find was a pair of sterling silver salt and pepper shakers that matched a pair I inherited from my Mother!...are you ready??? They were ONE DOLLAR!
Posted by Julie Size | February 13, 2008 12:41 PM
Posted on February 13, 2008 12:41
I too "thrift" because I can and I jsut love finding a bargain. But it kills me when I have snobby friends who would never set foot in a secondhand store or flea market or consignment store but they love ALL the stuff you have! Cracks me up! I think my favorite deal so far has been a bedroom set (looks cottagey-like pickled oak) for my daughter that I paid $ 500 for the 3 pieces at a consignment store; we had suffered a flood and needed something quickly within our budget and there it was! Love that it's a high bed (high off ground with sleigh back.
Posted by KateB | May 27, 2008 11:07 PM
Posted on May 27, 2008 23:07
I love this series - most of the items in my house are either free or little cost from family members, friends, yard sales, flea markets, antique auctions or yes, the garbage. You would, well maybe not you but some would, be surprise what people throw out. Items that just need a little T.L.C. The most money I have spent on an item (excluding electronics and appliances) in our home is an antique dresser my DH bought from my mother for $250, she was asking $800 for it but gave my DH a deal that he could pass up, lol!!!
Posted by Gretchen | May 28, 2008 5:47 AM
Posted on May 28, 2008 05:47
Well, i haven't found any amazing deals like you, but this past week I bought some things of Craigslist. I got four items for $13, and I got a gorgeous chair that was made in Italy and is in near perfect condition for only $20! Oh, and I got a HUGE mirror that I just love for $30, and she said she paid either several hundred or a thousand. Either way, I think it was a great deal.
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 4:18 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 04:18