10 Thrift Shopping Strategies to Spot Secondhand Gold Every Time
Treasure Hunting Hacks: Simple Thrift Shopping Strategies to Spot Gems
Thrifting might look like luck from the outside, but the truth is—spotting secondhand gold comes down to strategy, not serendipity.
Sure some people stumbleupon hidden treasures while others walk away empty-handed—but seasoned thrifters know success lies in strategy—having a game plan.
The good news? I’m here to help you craft yours.
This blog builds on “THRIFTING 101: Top Places to Thrift Secondhand Treasures”, where we explored the best destinations for scoring amazing finds. Haven’t checked it out yet? Don’t worry, Bestie—you can read it here. Today, we’re diving into how to shop smarter, spot hidden gems, and turn every thrifting trip into a treasure hunt.
Because here's the truth—it's a little about luck—and a lot about strategy!
A seasoned thrifter knows it's about more than stumbling upon a lucky break. You make your luck with a well-honed thrift strategy and the determination to see it through. In this guide, I'll reveal 10 essential and actionable tips to help you shop smarter and spot secondhand treasures others miss—and gain the favor of the thrift gods.
1. Use Your Thrift Wishlist: Your Cart Deserves a Game Plan
Get organized before hitting the thrift stores! A wishlist ensures you stay focused and score the best secondhand treasures.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Thrifting without knowing what you’re looking for is like trying to find Waldo without knowing what the guy looks like…IMPOSSIBLE.
Listen Bestie, you can’t just walk into your local Goodwill, find shelves overflowing with random merchandise, and expect to walk out with a treasure trove of perfect finds. Especially if you’re new to thrifting and have no idea what you’re looking for.
Thrifting without purpose will have shelves looking like nothing more than piles of other people’s donated crap.
Trust me, You’ll leave disappointed and probably overwhelmed every single time!
Do yourself a favor and take time to make your thrift wishlist. From the second you walk into any thrift store or secondhand shop, your wishlist will act as your compass—strategically guiding you to the hidden treasures within.
If you’re walking in without a wishlist, you’re basically thrifting blind. 7 Must-Know Tips to Create Your Perfect Thrift Wishlist will help you get clear before you even hit the aisles. Still think thrifting is all luck? 9 Thryft Myths You Can Officially Stop Believing proves strategy always wins. And if you’re curious how trusting your gut can lead to pieces you actually love, Confessions of a Thrift Addict: How It All Began is where it all clicked for me.
Now that you’re armed with your thrift wishlist as your guide, it’s time to strategize timing. Knowing exactly when and where to shop is key to finding those wishlist treasures before someone else does.
2. Check New Merchandise First: The Best Stuff Goes Fast
First dibs = first finds! This beauty was a hidden gem at the bottom of a new cart, and I snagged it for just $9.99. Get there early—great stuff goes fast!
New arrivals are where the real thrift gold lives—hit them first before everyone else has a chance to scavenge.
First come, first served has never been more true than when it comes to thrifting.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be the first person in the store—It means you need to be the first one to new merchandise. Very different things!
Secondhand stores like Goodwill typically bring out fresh merchandise on carts and rolling racks. The hottest donations are often plucked from these carts long before having an opportunity to make it onto a shelf.
Make no mistake; thrifting is hot right now. Believe it or not, items trend (to some degree) at secondhand stores just like anywhere else.
Need I remind everyone of what I like to call the mushroom craze of 2023? Mushroom canisters, salt and pepper shakers, needlepoints, figurines, footstools… Shrooms were popping up everywhere!
In all seriousness, if you’re not scouring new merchandise, you’re leaving significant thrifting potential on the table!
However, even if you’re late to the party and miss the newest merchandise, don’t stress.
Fresh carts = first dibs. If you want to time your visit just right, 6 Best & Worst Times to Go Thrift Shopping breaks down the timing game. And for a strategy that keeps you ready to pounce when the good stuff rolls out, 8 Thrift Tips For Beginners: Secondhand Shopping Made Easy covers the essentials. For a mindset shift on letting go of “perfect” and embracing the charm of secondhand, Perfectly Imperfect: How Thrifting Helped Me Ditch Perfectionism is a must-read.
Some of the best treasures are pieces other thrifters toss aside. Let’s talk about why discard carts are an often-overlooked goldmine for thrifters.
3. Peruse Discard Carts: Regret Piles Equal Jackpot Potential
One person's discard is another person's jackpot! I found this vintage swan planter in the discard pile and couldn’t resist bringing it home. Don't skip those carts—they're full of surprises!
Don’t sleep on the discard carts—that’s where second thoughts become your best finds.
Ok, I’m officially convinced thrift stores and secondhand shops are where everyone’s decisive nature goes to die—No judgement, mine included.
Because somehow, even a perfect wishlist item can spark an internal debate about whether or not it’s worthy of purchase.
You’ll be standing there looking at something you know you want, know you’ve been looking for, and still ask yourself…
Is the condition good enough?
Is the price too high?
This isn’t exactly the one I was hoping to find, should I hold out for something better?
Do I really need it?
In some cases, a final decision isn’t made until the person reaches the checkout, meaning the unwanted items will conveniently find their way onto discard carts. In fact, it’s so common for people to change their mind at the last second that my local Goodwill keeps a cart located next to the checkout for the unwanted items.
All those cast offs are fair game, so don’t miss out on picking through those gems too.
One thrifter’s “no thanks” is your new favorite thing. If you’re overwhelmed by too many options (and don’t know where to look first), 11 Reasons Thrift Shopping Feels Overwhelming (Tips To Fix It) has your back. Want help spotting functional gems in the chaos? How to Thrift Stylish Storage Solutions for Any Space (coming soon) will sharpen your eye. And for a rulebook on what to grab (and what to leave behind), 8 Thrifting Do’s and Don’ts for Secondhand Shopping Success will keep your cart full of wins.
After exploring the discard cart and spotting potential gems, it’s time to think about the bigger picture.
A strategic approach to navigating the store can help you uncover even more treasures—efficiently and effectively.
4. Map Your Store Route: Because Wandering Isn’t a Strategy
A solid game plan means never wandering aimlessly—for me that always means checking mirrors and artwork first—because gems like this one don’t last long.
Wandering aimlessly wastes time—mapping your thrift route helps you hit the hot spots before your energy (or the good stuff) runs out.
So I’m also convinced thrifting magically transforms our attention spans into that of a small child. We want to be everywhere and look at everything all at once.
Without some semblance of discipline and self-control, you’ll probably bounce around the thrift store like a pinball. After wandering back and forth between clothing racks and random aisles, you’ll likely leave empty-handed.
If you want to hone your ability to spot hidden treasures, you need to learn how to shop effectively. So I recommend committing to shopping the same established route every time you walk into a thrift store.
Start in the same section every time you shop, regardless of where you shop. Work through the aisles by moving in the same direction every time.
For example, I’m the most interested in shopping for furniture and home decor. Every time I thrift, I look at the furniture first. Then I move to large wall decor such as mirrors and art. After working through those sections, I make my way through the aisles. I slowly move from one end to the other by looking at items from the top shelf to the bottom.
After looking at home decor, I move on to apparel and accessories. I start by looking at shoes, handbags, and coats. Lastly, I’ll peruse the clothing.
Thrifting the same route every time I shop allows me to maintain focus throughout the store. I prioritize the categories of interest, ensuring I don’t unintentionally skip any sections.
A solid game plan beats aimless browsing every time. Mastering the Bids: How to Navigate Goodwill Auctions Like a Pro can help you think beyond aisles and start strategizing like a pro. If you’re still figuring out what kind of thrift vibe fits you best, Ditching Generic: How I Made My Apartment My Thrifted Masterpiece (coming soon) shows how mapping your style can be just as important as mapping your route. And if you’re stuck between baskets or bins (or beige vs bold), Thrifted Over Catalog: Discover the Personality of Thrifted Charm (coming soon) helps you tune into what really suits you.
With your route mapped out, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems—literally! Treasures can hide in plain sight if you don’t know where to look.
5. Look High & Low: Treasures Hide Where Lazy Shoppers Don’t Look
High and low are where the real gems hide! I scored this silverplated lazy susan tray for just $4.99 off the top shelf—if it was at eye level, it would've been gone in a heartbeat. Don't overlook those out-of-sight spots!
The best treasures aren’t always at eye level—get ready to crouch, stretch, and dig a little deeper.
Let’s get real for a second—Most well-known thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army can be considered organized chaos, at best.
Merchandise is quite literally piling up and spilling over onto the floor, which can be incredibly overwhelming. However, a failure to search through piles of rubble at your feet can mean hidden treasures left behind.
The real trick to a successful thrift trip is to leave no stone unturned and no shelf uninspected.
Get in the habit of squatting down to dig through bottom shelves. Put your calf muscles and tiptoes to work checking for forgotten items on the top shelf.
Do the little bit of extra work it takes to spot the hidden treasures that less seasoned thrifters mistakenly leave behind. Because I can promise you there are some real gems going unnoticed!
The best pieces aren’t always front and center—sometimes they’re just above eye level (or buried behind a pile of chaos). For tips on spotting quality furniture in unexpected corners, Furniture Finds: Smart Tips for Thrifting Perfect Secondhand Pieces (coming soon) is your go-to. If the overwhelm of digging has ever made you freeze, 11 Reasons Thrift Shopping Feels Overwhelming (Tips To Fix It) will help you push through it. And when you’re ready to graduate from shelf-surfing to big-league sourcing, Thrift Stores: A Beginner’s Steppingstone to Estate Sales and Auctions lays the groundwork.
After you’ve scanned the shelves, it’s time to get hands-on. Some of the best finds are buried under piles or tucked behind less desirable items.
6. Move Items Around: It’s Almost Like Digging For Gold
Digging through the shelves = hidden treasures! I would’ve missed this iridescent Fenton glass Christmas tree if I hadn't been willing to move things around. Sometimes, the best finds are buried deep!
Hidden gems don’t always sit pretty up front—sometimes you’ve gotta dig a little.
I’m happy to report that my local Goodwill seems to be the dumping ground for all the unwanted treasures in my area. It means there is a never ending supply of stuff passing through. It also means that shelves are overflowing, and merchandise is stacked like a not-so-expertly played game of Jenga.
With that much inventory there can be any number of valuable items hidden from plain sight. The only hope of unearthing them is picking things up and moving them around.
Baskets and bins are packed to the brim, dishes stacked on top of each other, and shelves so overloaded that anything in the back is buried beneath the front-row chaos.
So never do yourself the disservice of missing out on the potential thrift of a lifetime because you couldn’t be bothered to dig around a bit. Consider yourself the archeologist of the thrifting world. It’s your job to discover the untold treasures buried within!
Thrift shelves don’t restock themselves neatly—sometimes you’ve got to do a little excavating. If you’re wondering what’s worth the dig and what’s best left behind, Fix It or Skip It: Essential Considerations for Secondhand Treasures (coming soon) has your back. Want to shop like someone who always “just happens” to find the good stuff? My Secret to Thrift Scores So Good, It Feels Like Cheating! (coming soon) spills my go-to strategies. And if you’re second-guessing what you see on the shelf, Talk Thrifting to Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Lingo will help you decode it like a pro.
While digging can uncover great finds, don’t limit yourself to just one area of the store. Treasures can pop up in the most unexpected places!
7. Walk Every Aisle: Even the Boring Ones Deserve A Look
Never skip an aisle—especially the "boring" ones! I found these vintage Syroco shelves stuffed in with the pots and pans. Hidden gems are everywhere if you’re willing to look!
Even if you’re ‘just looking for decor,’ walking every aisle is how unexpected gems end up in your cart.
Listen Bestie, I’m happy to report that my local Goodwill seems to be the dumping ground for all the unwanted treasures in my area.
It means there is a never-ending supply of stuff passing through. It also means that shelves are overflowing, and merchandise is stacked like a not-so-expertly played game of Jenga.
It also means any number of valuable items can be hidden from plain sight at any given time.
The only hope of unearthing these treasures is picking things up and moving them around.
I get it, it can be Never do yourself the disservice of missing out on the potential thrift of a lifetime because you couldn’t be bothered to dig around a bit. Consider yourself the archeologist of the thrifting world. It’s your job to discover the untold treasures buried within!
While digging can uncover great finds, don’t limit yourself to just one area of the store. Treasures can pop up in the most unexpected places!
You came in for decor and somehow left with a lamp—and that’s the magic of walking every aisle. If you’re not sure what’s worth grabbing (and what to skip), Talk Thrifting to Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Lingo breaks down the terms and tags. For ideas on making even random finds feel personal and intentional, 6 Tips to Personalize Your Space with Thrifted Finds is full of smart styling tips. And if you're ready to explore new places and new aisles, Where to Thrift: 12 Options For Secondhand Shopping (pros & cons) will expand your treasure map.
8. Practice Patience: Don’t rush a Good Thrift Moment
Good things come to those who wait! This coffee bar is a perfect example of how patient shopping leads to the best secondhand finds. Take your time—your dream style will come together!
Thrifting isn’t a sprint—it’s a very long marathon that rewards the ones who don’t give up after one empty cart.
It’s not about racing through the aisles as quickly as you can, simply because you’ve convinced yourself the treasure you’re hoping to find is down the next aisle…and the next one, and the aisle after that.
Constantly thinking you’ll spot hidden treasures down the next aisle is like a gambler playing slots and believing the next pull of the handle will hit the jackpot.
There is NEVER a guarantee.
Thrifting is about the patience it takes to meticulously comb through aisles full of “junk.” Patience to spot hidden treasures.
Fantasizing about what’s down the next aisle is a distraction. And racing to beat other shoppers through the store is impractical.
Instead, take your time, don’t rush, and don’t worry about what’s around the corner. Peruse with intention by focusing on what’s in front of you.
The best finds don’t always show up on the first shelf—or the first trip. If thrift regret is your toxic trait, No Regrets: Insider Secrets to Thrifting Without Buyer’s Remorse (coming soon) will change your ways. For a little thrift therapy and a reminder that we all have our “why didn’t I grab it?” moments, Thrifting: Where Gut-Wrenching Feels and Hidden Treasures Collide (coming soon) hits home. And if rushing has you spiraling or second-guessing, Conquer Thrift Anxiety: Your Guide to Secondhand Shopping With Confidence brings calm to the chaos.
Even after you’ve taken your time with the first pass, don’t be too quick to give up the hunt. A second lap can reveal treasures you may have overlooked.
9. Take a Second Lap: Because Thrift Magic Loves A Double Take
Thrift magic happens on the second lap! I almost missed this ornate iron mirror, but taking a second look led to the find of the day. Never rush—sometimes the best treasures are hiding in plain sight!
Once you’ve combed through the aisles and are sure you’ve rescued every treasure that can be found, take another lap.
I encourage you to take a second lap for two reasons:
Just because you’ve carefully combed through each aisle doesn’t mean you haven’t mistakenly overlooked something.
Think of it like scouring your apartment for a lost set of keys.
You’re bound to find them someplace you’ve already looked. Thrifting is no different.
Regardless of how carefully you think you’ve searched the first time, there is always something you’ve missed on the first go-round. Not necessarily an item worthy of a purchase every time, but something you hadn’t noticed that’s worth a second look.
People are fickle creatures. They will carry something around the entire store only to decide they don’t want to purchase it. Ahem… speaking from experience, I’m guilty as charged.
As previously established, once someone has changed their mind, the unwanted items will conveniently find their way back to the shelves or discard carts. That means those unwanted items are now ripe for the picking!
If you’ve got a few extra minutes, always take a second lap—Because you might be leaving a real gem behind without even knowing it.
You didn’t miss it—it just wasn’t ready to reveal itself on the first lap. Taking a second pass is one of those tiny things that makes a huge difference. If you’re new to the game, Thrifter’s Trap: Rookie Thrifting Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid (coming soon) breaks down what else you might be skipping. For quick-hit tactics that sharpen your skills even more, Treasure Hunting Hacks: Quick Tips for My Busy Thrifting Besties (coming soon) is made for speed-sifters. And if you’re wondering when to loop back and when to move on, Dream Deals: Practical Tips for Shopping Secondhand Bedding (coming soon) covers timing in all the right ways.
Sure, a second lap helps—but sometimes the best finds come from having an extra set of eyes (and a friend who knows your style better than you do).
10. Thrift with Friends: How Collaboration Finds Treasures
Thrift with friends for double the fun—and double the finds! These vintage crystal coasters in a silverplated stand would’ve slipped right by me if my fiancé hadn’t pointed them out. Collaboration = treasures!
Think you’ve exhausted all your options after a second lap? Think again. There’s one last secret weapon that can help you spot hidden gems you might otherwise miss—teaming up with a trusted friend.
Thrifting with friends isn’t just more fun—it doubles your chances of spotting the good stuff you might’ve missed solo.
You know how they say two heads are better than one? Well, four eyes are better than two.
Thrifting with a friend who knows your style is a great way to help make sure you’re not overlooking any of those hidden gems.
Sometimes, regardless of how hard we think we are looking, there’s that thing staring us in the face that we NEVER really see. It's the lost key phenomenon all over again. Just like with keys, it can be helpful to have the eyes of a friend pointing things out.
That said, a word of caution: Be careful about thrifting with a friend whose taste is too similar to yours. Instead of pointing out one another’s missed opportunities, you’ll find yourself in a wickedly competitive game of scavenger hunt. You’re both searching for the same things, and someone’s bound to lose.
You might not think it’s a big deal, but I’ve seen besties throw hands for less.
Consider yourself warned!
A second set of eyes can be the difference between almost and “OMG how did you find that?” If you’re tag-teaming the racks, 12 Thrift Etiquette Tips Every Shopper Should Know helps you avoid cart-related conflicts. For friend groups starting at the most common spot—Goodwill—Goodwill: The Ultimate Stepping Stone To Secondhand Shopping Success is your go-to guide. And if you’re ready to turn that casual thrift run into a full-on home transformation, Turning My Thrifted Gallery Wall Into A Pinterest Board, But Better (coming soon) shows what teamwork can create.
From Hacks to Hauls: You’re Ready to Spot the Good Stuff
From shelf to candle snuffer, everything on this display is thrifted! Put these tips into action, and you'll be amazed at what treasures you can find. Thrift your way to a stylish home—no magic wand required!
Thrifting isn’t just shopping—it’s a treasure hunt, an art, and an adventure! With these 10 actionable tips, you’re equipped to shop smarter, spot hidden gems, and transform every thrifting trip into a winning one. Whether you’re scanning discard carts, sticking to your wishlist, or teaming up with your bestie, these strategies will help you find those secondhand treasures like a pro.
But the key to truly next-level thrifting lies in planning. That’s why the next blog in our series is a must-read. In 7 Must-Know Tips to Create Your Perfect Thrift Wishlist we’ll teach you how to build the ultimate compass for your thrifting adventures. A well-crafted wishlist is your secret weapon for staying focused, saving money, and finding exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.
Now it’s your turn to share! What are your go-to thrifting tips? Have a success story about an amazing thrift find? Drop a comment below or join our community of thrifting besties on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for even more tips, inspiration, and thrifted treasures.
Until next time, happy treasure hunting, Bestie!