I hope that this finds everyone safe and well during this unprecedented time in our lives.

I think there is a pot of gold (or two or three or more) waiting for us thrifters when the thrift shops start opening up again. But caution and patience will be the key.

Everyone has been home for weeks now and most of us have been cleaning out our drawers, closets, attics, storage and more. The trunk of my car has at least eight shopping bags waiting to be dropped off plus lots of home decor. I think the abundance of donations is going to be amazing and there will some outstanding scores for all of us thrifters. But you must exercise caution and patience when you do start thrift shopping again.

Depending on your level of comfort will decide when you start visiting thrift shops after they reopen your area to businesses. I personally will wait a couple of weeks before I start shopping. But I will arm myself with large plastic bags to put the clothes in before they go in my car. It would also be a good idea to spray with disinfectant before you put the items in your car (depending on the fabrics of course). You must also make sure that everything is washed as soon as possible. Better to be safe than sorry.

Let’s be positive, there will be deals to be had so make sure you have your comfortable thrift shopping clothes on! It will be the best thrifting that we have seen in years. Depending on the amounts of donations, this windfall could last a few months.

I think that thrifting is going to surge as the economy may be rough for a while. People have lost their jobs and have to clothes themselves, their partners and children. I believe that people will be more open to thrifting than in the past. And we all know, once you step in the thrift shop, it can be love at first sight —- and you just keep going back. The thrill of the exceptional find.

People are also more earth conscious as well and I hope that that makes a difference. As it stands, 84 percent of all unwanted clothes end up in landfills, according to Newsweek.

Pricing may be different when the stores open depending on the thrift store or charity and the amount of donations they have in stock.

I am finding that some thrift stores use comparable pricing to EBay while other shops price to empty the shelves/racks. Either way; you are helping some GREAT charities and small business owners not to mention helping the planet by not having clothes end up in landfills. It is a win-win.

I wish you happy and exciting thrift shop adventures when the stores reopen. Stay well and healthy and make sure you practice social distancing.

Look for the rainbows and the pots of gold, I promise, they will be there waiting for you.

Toni from TonionThrifting

P.S. Thanks Alice for the great pictures of the double rainbow! xoxo