Mollie Johnson: How to thrift like a pro

In the MIT Grad Blog, Mollie Johnson (ESL) outlines how to make the most out of your next thrifting spree. 

Thrifting is more than just a trend – it’s a smart way for college students to save money, find unique items, and contribute to sustainability. Whether you’re an experienced thrifter or just starting, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your next thrift store adventure. Take it from a former thrift store employee – I have 5.5 (on and off) years of experience working at a thrift store.

1. Know how thrift stores operate
Typically, when thrift stores receive donations, they sort through the items to determine what to sell and how to sell it. Spoiler alert: large thrift stores do NOT wash the clothes that come in. Think about it: if you receive 5,000 donations a day, would you spend the money and effort cleaning all of those items with no guarantee that they’ll sell? Instead, associates will sort through clothing and only sell what looks clean and undamaged. Of course, every once and a while things will slip through the cracks, but at a good thrift store, you shouldn’t see many of these items. Because these items are unwashed when on the sales floor, it’s important to follow the Golden Rule of thrifting: Always wash before using!

2. Inspect your finds
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a good find, but always take a moment to inspect items for any damage. Check clothing for stains, tears, or missing buttons, and make sure zippers work. If you find something you love that needs minor repairs, weigh the cost of fixing it against the item’s value. Sometimes, a small repair or stain remover can still make it a worthwhile purchase.