Whether you are planning a move or in the middle of a big spring refresh, nothing feels better than a trip to your local thrift store. While thrift stores can get overwhelmed with duplicates of certain items, here are the top items they always want more of!
Home Decor
Thrifting for quality home decor has taken off in the past few years. While you may be tired of that rug or lamp, someone else will find it a gem! Take your gently used lamps, vases, curtains, rugs, and even art to the store to pass it on.
Quality Clothing For All Seasons
After home decor, quality clothing is another find shoppers look for most at thrift stores. Gently used, everyday clothing is a valuable donation that people can wear right away. In particular, jeans, jackets, sweaters, and professional attire are especially helpful because they serve people who need affordable options for their everyday life.
Professional And Business Attire
Work-ready clothing (including suits, dress shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, and dress shoes) help people entering or reentering the workforce who need affordable options for interviews and new jobs. Donating business attire that is still in great shape directly supports individuals who are working to rebuild their careers and their independence.
Household Goods And Kitchenware
Relieve yourself of that extra dish set that just takes up space in your cabinets! Items like pots, pans, dishes, glassware, utensils, and small kitchen appliances are always in demand at thrift stores. These everyday essentials are affordable options for people setting up a home for the first time or starting over after a major life transition.
Appliances
Appliances are also a great donation to thrift stores. People are always looking for refrigerators, air conditioning units, and washing machines/dryers. Small appliances are also helpful (think Instant Pots, air fryers, or coffee machines). Check with your thrift store before you go — some locations have different rules about appliances they will accept.
Furniture
Shoppers look for budget-friendly furniture at thrift stores. In order to be accepted, furniture must be gently used and in good condition. In particular, dressers, tables, chairs, and bookshelves are key pieces thrift stores sell quickly.
Working Electronics
Lamps, small audio systems, computer monitors, and other functional devices that still work are excellent and extremely useful donations. Plus, donating them keeps them out of landfills that are quickly filling up.
Books, Games, And Educational Materials
Books, puzzles, board games, and educational materials are always popular with thrift store shoppers, many who are looking for affordable ways to entertain and educate their children. Donated books and games also appeal to teachers, students, and lifelong learners who enjoy discovering quality reading materials at thrift stores.
Seasonal Items And Holiday Decorations
Holiday decor including ornaments, decorations, and themed household items are always a valued find at a thrift store. These items tend to rotate quickly depending on the time of year and give shoppers an affordable way to celebrate holidays and seasonal traditions.
Accessories
As you go through your closet, bring the accessories you no longer want to your nearest thrift store. Handbags, belts, scarves, jewelry, and shoes are affordable ways to refresh a wardrobe.
To find the nearest thrift store to you in the Kirkland area, click here.