How to avoid excessive inventory purchases in the second-hand store

We’ve all fallen into the same secondhand trap: The items are used and affordable, so it’s OK to be careless – especially when it comes to things that are meant to help you organize.

However, buying multiple unnecessary items just because they are cheap does not help bring order to your home. In fact, it becomes part of the problem and contributes to more clutter.

To avoid this trap when looking for frugal storage ideas, professional home organizers always follow these five rules.

1. Shop consciously

Rustic open shelf above a stoneware sink in a white kitchen

(Photo credit: Nkuku)

Before shopping, it is important declutter the room you are buying storage for first and make a list of the items you need to organize the rest. Creating this intention before you leave the house is a Golden rule for organization at home to prevent you from coming home with more than you need.

To avoid spending too much money on storage items that don’t serve you, recommends Brenda Scott, professional organizer and owner of Tidy My Space. She says, “Only shop when you need something specific. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and more clutter in your home. Know what you need and can use.”

2. Bring measurements

A woman's hands place a white storage divider into a bathroom drawer under a sink.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Another good way to avoid buying second-hand pieces that don’t fit your home is to go to the store with measurements in hand, suggests Amélie Saint-Jaques, professional organizer and founder of Amélie Organized.

She says, “When purchasing organizational supplies, it’s important to first know what you’re storing and where. You need these parameters to make sure your supplies are appropriate – for example, that they’re the right size to store your items and that they’ll fit on your shelves. You don’t want to buy shelf risers only to find that they’re too wide or too tall for your shelves.”

When Dimensions for drawer organizeruse a tape measure and write down the dimensions on a piece of paper or your phone, or On a large piece of paper, draw the outline of your drawer. You can then lay it out in the store and place several organizers on top of it to find the perfect layout before you go out.

Remember to consider the depth of your drawer to make sure you can still close it with the organizers inserted.

3. Quality control

Glasses with decanted food in a row on a shelf

One disadvantage of shopping at a second-hand store is that not everything matches or is in top condition. After all, everything is second-hand.

Meaghan Kessman, professional home organizer and owner of the eponymous organizing company, reminds us to always “check durability and cleanliness before buying” to ensure your purchases maximize storage space in any room rather than hinder it.

Some pieces could be cleaned up or repaired, but don’t take anything that would be too much work for you. A storage piece is only useful if it’s functional. If you leave it on your counter and promise to fix it “soon,” it’s just junk.

4. Set a budget

Multiple Acrylic Bathroom Drawer Organizers

Just because you shop at thrift stores doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a budget. “Limiting your spending helps you make thoughtful purchases,” Meaghan continues.

This can also help you avoid overspending on one item, especially when looking for larger or multiple storage pieces at vintage fairs and markets, as costs add up quickly.

5. Choose versatile options

A minimalist, tidy laundry closet with laundry baskets and storage baskets on neat shelves

When you shop for storage items at the thrift store, you’ll often find pieces that don’t quite fit your needs. That’s why Audra George, professional home organizer and owner of Pretty Neat, Oklahoma, recommends buying versatile pieces that can be used in a variety of ways.

“Choose items that are versatile and can be adapted to your needs over time,” she advises. This will help you avoid items ending up back in the thrift store within a few months of purchase.

To avoid unnecessary expenses, check out our list of storage products that professional organizers can’t live without and get timeless inspiration for storage in your home.

If you can’t organize without spending money, the thrift store is your next best option to keep costs down. If you can’t find what you need at the thrift store, consider shopping around your home first, reusing old containers and decluttering without throwing anything away to make your home organization sustainable and reduce your plastic use.

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