6 ways to thrift for your home like a pro in Calgary
As the cost of living in Calgary increases, it’s important to save where you can — especially when it comes to decorating your home, which can really stretch your wallet.
So whether you’re putting together your first apartment on a budget, giving your space a fresh new vibe, or want to feel like you scored big without breaking the bank, thrifting home goods is the way to go.
Because let’s face it, there’s something extra satisfying about finding that perfect vintage lamp or quirky dishware that no one else has. Plus, with each find, you’re contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle by giving items a second life.
With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips to help you thrift home goods in Calgary like a pro. Goodbye mass-produced items at big-box stores and hello to one-of-a-kind pieces with a story!
Know where to shop
Not all thrift stores are created equal, so it’s good to have a few spots in mind. When it comes to new or gently-used items, Habitat for Humanity ReStores are your go-to for the best products.
With two convenient locations in Calgary, you can find furniture, appliances, home decor, and more at up to 80 per cent below retail pricing.
To help you feel extra good about your purchase, the funds generated are used to fund the local Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta affordable homeownership program. So you’re not just finding gems for yourself, you’re helping local families buy a home of their own.
Be a frequent shopper
Many thrift stores, like ReStore, are constantly receiving new donations — with new arrivals happening every single day. That means that their inventory is constantly changing.
The more you shop at thrift stores, the better your chances of spotting that unique find. So make stopping by your favourite spots a regular occurrence.
Make a list, but stay open-minded
Thrift shopping can take a while, and it’s easy to get distracted. Putting together a list of items and dimension requirements can help you remember what you’re there for, along with any size or dimension requirements.
This is especially useful for bigger pieces like tables or picture frames. Nothing’s worse than bringing something home only to realize it doesn’t fit the space you had in mind.
At the same time, while great to have a general idea of what you need, part of the fun of thrifting is stumbling upon unexpected treasures. If something catches your eye, you can ask yourself: how can I make this work?
Use your imagination
Speaking of making things work, don’t be afraid to get creative. Some things might not look perfect at first glance, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into something fabulous.
Small changes, like swapping out old drawer handles and painting an old vase, can breathe new life into thrifted finds.
Watch out for quality
It’s easy to get excited about a cheap price tag, but make sure the item you’re looking at is in good shape. Check for cracks, stains, or any damage that could make it a no-go.
If you can handle putting a bit of DIY energy into an item, then those cracks and stains mean more savings for you.
Take a vintage wooden side table with a few scratches, for instance (inspo here!). Those imperfections can be sanded down and refinished, giving it a fresh look without the hefty price tag of a brand-new one. Just keep in mind what you feel comfortable DIYing.
Check online and social media
Lots of thrift stores in Calgary now have online shopping tools to help you see new stock faster — making it easy to thrift from the comfort of your own home.
Many stores now have social media channels that are dedicated to sharing new in store products.
Find even more home decor thrifting tips, shop online, or find your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore today.
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