Upcycling, sometimes referred to as creative reuse, is a modern way of turning someone else’s trash into your treasure. Repurposing household items and vintage furniture is all the rage right now. Consumers are becoming more budget-conscious and environmentally aware, but still want their home decor to be beautiful and stylish. Upcycling allows furniture and household items that would have otherwise been disregarded to breathe new life with simple and budget-friendly upgrades.
During the warmer months there are countless yard sales each weekend. Check your local paper and online classifieds for upcoming events in your neighborhood.
Preparation is key when thrift shopping. First things first: bring cash. There probably won’t be an ATM on the seller’s front lawn. Making sure you have the appropriate gear will make your life much easier when on the hunt for a great find. Remember to bring a tote bag to hold smaller items, and newspaper to wrap breakable items. It’s also a good idea to bring a screwdriver or miniature toolkit, that way you can take larger items apart if they don’t fit in your car. A tape measure is also handy so you can be sure an item will fit in your home; keep in mind yard sales don’t tend to have a return policy!
Estate sales, garage sales, and thrift stores are great places to get inspiration and find your next DIY project. Look for timeless items that just need a little love. Remember that antique vases and bowls can be easily painted, decoupaged, or wrapped! When you’re thrifting you’re looking for quality, not necessarily style (that’s where your creative talent will come into play!)
Make sure you fully inspect furniture items before you buy them. Side tables, chairs, stools, and accent tables are a great place for a beginner to start!
You’re never going to know what you’ll find when you start thrifting. Read more about a beginner’s guide to thrifting in this article by Fix.com!
Author Bio: Dinah Wulf is a DIY expert. She runs a successful home décor, crafting, and DIY blog that has been recognized by Parenting.com, Circle of Moms, and Mashable. She holds a Masters of Arts in Speech Communications from California State University Fullerton.