Thrift Stores and second hand stores *CAN* be your friend!
Thrift Stores are not always filled with USED up stuff. Back in the days when everyone saved for a rainy days or reused clothes into blankets or rugs! thrift stores selection was USED up! Barely usable, an alternative to nakedness... The saying, beggars can't be choosers rained true. These days, we as Americans, move so often ditching perfectly good items in the trash or if the rest of us are lucky , it get's donated to thrift stores or second chance stores. Some city dumps have second chance collection spots so usable, good products and items can be reused. Those items are given or staffed by second chance stores.
These second chance stores vary a little from thrift stores in that they employ or train second chance folks... those minor misdemeanor people who need a job reference or support while cleaning up or performing community service. Thrift stores usually are run as fundraiser stores for a cause or organization staffed by volunteers supporting that cause. End result is the same, people doing it and their reason is different, both help many people !
The general thrift stores most people think of are: click each to visit sites to locate a store in your area.
Some you might not...
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore's Materials are donated to them to use in the homes they build or for them to sell to build the homes !
- Stores affiliated with local churches (will vary in your location) .....
- Stores affiliated with rehab projects affiliated with local churches .....
- Animal rescue organizations have started stores ! It used to have garage sales or raffles, their needs are so great these days that they have stores! WOW...
Think of the above mentioned stores as a lower cost remodel source! Want to change the look of the room economically? Change your faucets, lighting, change the door knobs or repaint an accent wall you are done looking at! It's all there : ) A minimum of 50% off new and adjusted for condition.
Artist's, look to these stores as a source for diverse items to use! All will be less than new. Mosaic makes, they have TONS of tile, no really tons of tile to sift through. Metal yard art or painters, collage folks, ear ring or jewelry makers, unique parts of broken or damaged computers, appliances, even drapery hardware make for some interesting jewelry... Photographers needing frames? Use the molding and other wood trim as a budget solution to your framing needs. Or add/ use other items to accentuate the photo subject or portrait. Paint or stain them to further customize the frame. What a gold mine!
Seamstresses, thrift stores have a lot of useful, unique fabrics to use! New to you Curtains are already made! Cheaper than making yourselves and you can adjust them saving a lot of time! Crochet or knit, yarn by the bags! Thrift stores get a WIDE selection of materials to choose from.
Home schooler's or parents of inquisitive kids... or maybe you are interested in How things work! Buy a used appliance, take it apart and see what's inside! Ask for the broken appliances and they *might* be free. With so many thrift/second chance stores into recycling, it might be a hit or miss on free... Form a relationship with a store or volunteer at your favorite store, your selection will be greatly increased as you will see merchandise 1st!
Recycle it after you are finished and you have reused an item!
Not a crafty, arty person? Donate just about anything to the above stores for US to use : ) Many locations do not take mattresses, but honestly, that is the only item I have ever had turned away at a donation station!
Have fun and share your pics and ideas using the reused items from thrift stores.
I will add them to the frugal living page! (*if G-rated).
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