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

If you enjoy the excitement of searching for second-hand items, be aware of these common errors to avoid when going on your next thrift store adventure.

By following some of the most valuable insider tips, you'll steer clear of common mistakes and discover one-of-a-kind items that will perfectly reflect your personal style and make your space truly feel like home.

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• Owner of Design by Anais
• Interior designer and do-it-yourself specialist

19 Things You Should Never Buy at a Thrift Store, According to Experts

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 warns against buying every beautiful item you see and advises 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 weird, but skipping the sniff test at the store could lead to an even weirder experience once you get home," says Ashley Poskin, an interior stylist and DIY expert. "I recently forgot to do this and brought home a 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 hardest to get rid of, so they had to go back to the donation bin.

2. Consider the colors, textures, and patterns you use

The items you buy at thrift stores need to match the style of your home in the end, and it's simple to lose sight of what your home's style is. Chaumien uses the example of a fancy old frame to explain this common mistake. "Even if you love this old frame, if you have a super simple home style, it won't fit," she says. "You don't want to buy it, come home, and find out you have no way to use it."

How to Shop Like a Pro at the Thrift Store

Trying to Haggle

It's often not worth trying to haggle at thrift stores. "Cashiers are usually not responsible for setting prices, so asking them to lower a price is a waste of time and makes them uncomfortable," Poskin states. "My approach to overpriced items is to simply walk away since I don't need them."

* **Quality Issues**: Failure to

"It's a good idea to have the dimensions of your home with you at all times," says Chaumien. With these measurements, you can walk into any thrift store and quickly check if a piece you like will fit in your space. "I also recommend taking measurements inside the store," she says. Having a measuring tape in your bag will make it easy to do so.

Skipping Over the Details

This thrift store is a great place to find high-quality furniture that just needs a little work at a low price, but not every used item is a good bargain. "I've found some fantastic deals on really cool furniture at thrift stores, but some needed new upholstery," says Poskin. "Don't forget to think about the total cost of the chair you're eyeing, including the price of new upholstery. Your $24.99 discount could end up costing you closer to $499."

* **Lack of maintenance**: Not regularly cleaning and maintaining your living space can contribute to clutter, as dust, dirt, and other

It's difficult to resist adorable and one-of-a-kind items when browsing a thrift store, but collecting them all can result in clutter. "One good rule to follow is 'one in, one out,'" says Chaumien. "If you develop a strong attachment to a charming sculpture, buy it! However, be aware that something must be removed to make room for this new acquisition."

Bringing Framed Artwork into Your Home

It's certainly thrilling to bring home a new piece of artwork, but first, it's a good idea to thoroughly inspect it before taking it inside. "Once you're home, open the frame and take a closer look at the layers," suggests Poskin. "You might discover hidden insects behind the glass, or even some unexpected cash stashed away, or you might not find anything. Regardless, it's a good habit to get into and can help prevent bed bugs from getting into your home.

Identifying Antique Items When You Come Across Them

By following these simple steps, you can ensure you never miss out on potential savings again.

It's a surprise, but even thrift stores have coupons available. "Most stores offer a 20 percent discount coupon if you make a donation or if you're on their email list," Poskin points out. "So don't forget to throw your donation bag in the car with you before you leave, and do take a minute to sign up for their email list online beforehand!"

Martha Stewart