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This is a guest post by Claire Mac
Charity shop shopping offers a unique and fulfilling shopping experience. There are so many benefits to shopping second hand from stopping items going into landfill to saving yourself a bit of money. With that being said, the process can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. You need to make charity shop shopping work for you… And here’s how.
The benefits of charity shop shopping
Firstly before we go into how to make charity shop shopping work for you, let’s take a little look at the benefits of being a second hand shopper.
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Environmental impact
Charity shop shopping and second hand clothes shopping have a hugely positive impact on the environment. By buying second hand you’re reducing the demand for new items, decreasing carbon footprint and you’re stopping items from piling up in landfills. Sustainability and promoting a circular economy is a huge benefactor of charity shop shopping.
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Cost savings
Charity shops generally sell items at a significantly lower price point than traditional retail stores. This makes it appealing to most, especially those budget conscious consumers like myself. Saving money on individual items helps you stretch your budget that little bit further which is essential during these times and the cost of living crisis.
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Supporting a good cause
Shopping in charity shops gives you that instant feel good factor! You’re directly helping support a mission of non-profit organisations. You’re doing a wonderful thing!
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Unique finds
Quite often charity shops will receive unique, one of a kind items. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, right? Whether you’re looking for fashion pieces, furniture or collectibles, charity shop shopping can be a fun and rewarding experience – Especially when you find those one of a kind showstopper pieces.
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Encourage reuse & recycling
Buying second hand promotes a reuse and recycle ethos. You’re helping divert waste from landfills which has a really positive effect on the environment.
How to make charity shop shopping work for you
Shopping in charity shops can feel super overwhelming. There’s a certain level of chaos that comes with shopping second hand and whilst I know it’s not for all, I think it’s something that should be embraced. Here’s how you can make charity shop shopping work for you.
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Research the charity shops in your local area
It’s worth taking the time to research the charity shops in your local area. Perhaps look to more affluent areas if you’re on a mission to hunt down more designer pieces. It’s worth researching different stores to see what they typically carry or what their general price point is. This will help you find the stores that best meet your needs and make the most out of your second hand shopping experience.
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Stock take what you already have
Before heading to the charity shops it’s important to take a stock take of what you already have at home. This helps to avoid duplicating any items and ensures you’re only buying what you truly need.
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Have an open mind
With that in mind however I do think it’s important to have an open mind when charity shop shopping. As there’s so many unique and different pieces available you might be surprised by what takes your fancy. I’d like to think that buying from a charity shop is the perfect excuse to try a new style, or go for something a little different.
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Check charity shops regularly
Charity shops receive new items on a daily basis so it’s a good idea to check them out regularly. Charity shop shopping can feel like a bit of a sport sometimes, but it’s worth popping in systematically to increase your chances of finding those perfect pieces.
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Consider the quality of the item
Just because something’s being sold for a fraction of the price it doesn’t mean you need to buy it. Be sure to carefully inspect items for quality, especially when it comes to homeware goods. Check for signs of wear and tear before you make your purchase to ensure the purchase will be a considered one.
Charity shop shopping offers so many different benefits to both the consumer and the community. But it needs to work for you! Hopefully these tips will maximise your shopping experience, because second hand shopping really is a wonderful thing! Are you a charity shop shopper? What’s been your best second hand purchase?
Author Bio
Claire Mac is a parenting and lifestyle blogger based in Teesside, in the North East of England. She draws experience from her own parenting journey, but the main focus on her blog is on the mother. She shows her audience how to embrace being themselves outside of motherhood and to follow their passions whether that be sustainability, interior design or self care. It’s a space not just for parents, but for those wanting to feel unapologetically themselves.