Thrifting Furniture 101: My Real-Life Guide to Finding the Good Stuff, Ranked.
Where to Find the Best Used Furniture Near You
Stop wasting money on crap you want and start thinking about what you really need.
Hi, I’m Nicole, a washed-up entrepreneur and your new bff.
Before you go thrifting in your town, ask yourself:
Is this a need or a want?
Does it serve a purpose?
Is it just nice to look at?
Take a minute and think about why you’re going thrifting.
Is it because you need a dresser to save you from your exploding closet?
Or is it because you want something to hang on the wall that you’ll actually enjoy looking at?
Don’t leave the house without reading this entire post.
Figure out why you’re going shopping. Don’t be aimless anymore. Keep everything I say in mind and you’ll be on the right track.
My Thrifting Start
I’ll never forget my first thrifting experience with a few bucks of cold, hard cash.
I was probably around 14 years old when I walked to the local thrift store in Caldwell, Idaho — and walked out with a bunch of cool sk8er-kid clothes. I was in shock. Then I was addicted.
Fast forward to 18, when I thrifted my dream mid-century modern record player for my first apartment — and the rest is history.
How I Thrift Today
These days (and literally every day), I don’t spend money willy-nilly.
I’ve understood that money doesn’t grow on trees since I was a kid.
Before I leave the house — whether it’s for something I need or want — I look around for a few things to donate. Usually, there’s already a pile waiting for me in the back of my car.
On top of that, I look for things around my home that hold some resale value and try to get a little cash out of something I’m not using to pay for something I will use.
Yes, you can justify any purchase (especially if it’s pretty). But I urge you to fill your home with pieces that tell your story — things with sentimental value or personal history.
That’s pretty much the gist of everything I do before I even think about thrifting in real life.
How to Think Like a Designer Before You Thrift
If you want to think like a designer — or at least like someone who knows what the fuck they’re doing — do these three things before you leave the house:
Bring a tape measure.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve regretted skipping this.
Take photos of your space.
This helps you make informed decisions and keeps your finds cohesive with what you already have.
Have a plan.
What size, shape, or color are you looking for?
What style — vintage or modern?
Even a loose idea helps you thrift like an expert.
These small steps will help you think like a designer and someone who’s smart with their money.
Slow Design > Everything Else
I’ve never fallen for the lie that credit cards are good.
Debt can make you feel worse than any unfinished space.
Want that $500 chair? Put away $100 for five months instead of throwing it on your Visa.
I believe in slow design — taking your time and using your story to build your dream home, no matter how long it takes.
And I’ll always spend as little as humanly possible because I believe real life happens outside the home, too.
Let’s be honest — every time I leave the house, it costs $100.
Nicole’s Tried & True Thrift Rankings
I can’t let you go without sharing my tried-and-true tips.
I’ve been thrifting since sixth grade and yard-selling since I could walk.
Here are my top places to thrift the good stuff, ranked from worst to best:
4️⃣ Yard Sales
I don’t know what yard sales are like in your town, but over here in Sacramento, they feel… rough.
It’s usually everything people didn’t want to throw away or donate — and now they want you to pay to haul it off.
I love a yard sale full of interesting or useful items (and I totally get needing to make a buck), but there’s gotta be a better way.
3️⃣ Thrift Stores
This is where everything that didn’t sell at consignment, estate, or yard sales ends up.
I’ve scored amazing pieces, but that’s probably luck.
Thrift stores are hit-or-miss, but if you’re in a hurry or on a tight budget, they’re a solid resource.
2️⃣ Vintage & Consignment Shops
I love these shops — even though I usually know where they’re sourcing from and what they probably paid.
That never stops me.
Vintage and consignment shops are efficient ways to find quality, unique pieces without meeting strangers in driveways.
1️⃣ Estate Sales
Furniture at estate sales varies by city and even neighborhood, but they’re absolute gold mines of the past.
Think about why estate sales happen.
I love shopping them not just for the weird and wonderful finds, but because I know my cash is probably helping a family through a hard time.
Estate sales are like lemonade stands — I never pass one up.
Thrifting isn’t about luck — it’s about purpose, timing, and knowing your story.
If you’ve read this far, thank you from the bottom of my red heart.
Go slow, spend smart, and only bring home things that make your space feel more like you.
Or else you’re gonna be stuck for-ev-er.
Want more? Join the rebellion against junk, and always thrift responsibly.
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