I’ve been carrying a small tape measure in my purse for a long time for various uses in thrifting. Lately I’ve been on the lookout for an inexpensive wall clock and found it helpful to have some AAA and AA batteries because stores don’t seem to have any ‘tester’ batteries available but my humongous purse (thrifted!) is getting heavy.
I’ve put all these in a a small (thrifted!) tote to keep in my car since I never know when I’ll pass a thrift store and just have to check it out.
What items should I add?
Bonus tip because I’m not sure it needs a whole other post: BFF has taken thrifting so far that his semi-retirement job is for an estate sale company. I went to a sale with him once and fell in love with a small desk. I asked him if it would fit in his car and discovered that he has memorized the exact interior dimensions of his car’s cargo area, both with and without the rear seats folded down. I scored the desk! When I got home I put the interior measurements of my car in my Notes app because my brain was already full.
My Go Bag for thrift store shopping, what should I add?
byu/Purlz1st inFrugal
Posted by Purlz1st
7 Comments
ok this is kinda random but do u ever bring like a small flashlight or your phone battery pack? I’ve walked into some dim thrift spots and felt like I couldn’t really check details properly lol.. also curious how u decide what’s worth it in the moment… I always overthink and end up leaving stuff behind then thinking abt it later 😅
Great idea! I have a dressmakers tape in my purse, the floppy kind. Yes I have a bigger purse but a thrifting go bag is a good idea. For me I would throw in a pair of socks for trying shoes on, bc I might be wearing Birks or something.
I also have a note to self on my phone of the sizes and measurements that I might need. Of course I have to add to this constantly but you learn how important this info is as you go 🤷🏻♀️
If you’re looking for a set of speakers, a USBC to headphone converter and 3.5″ cable so you can actually test the speakers (assuming your phone doesn’t have a headphone port.)
Rapid lead paint test kit?
I keep a running list of measurements for things I want/need in my notes list. (Currently on the hunt for a bookshelf for a specific nook, and a medicine cabinet with a defined depth dimension.)
It keeps me honest to wait out for the glass slipper instead of buying an ok piece that I’ll eventually replace.
My measuring tape is on a keychain so I can clip it to my purse without losing it into my black hole of a bag.
You can also keep a notes app of your current body measurements! Lots of thrift stores closed their changing rooms during covid and this lets you measure on the rack. (I also have my partner’s measurements saved so I don’t buy things that won’t fit!)
Edited to add: I also have been known to carry fabric swatches/yarn pieces/paint chips if I want to color match or am looking for an accessory for a specific item!
Magnet to test metals
Edit: fat fingers
Photos of rooms on phone so double check right colour, stain remover pen to see if stain removable, led tester strip if you buy vintage kitchen stuff, cash just in case debit down, garage bags in car so throw linen in and tie up to let sit for a few days to ensure no bugs, list of what you are looking for based on running list have at home, measurements, and know how to do image search to get info on items