How to Thrift for Decor

On By Maggie S.In Lifestyle

Decorating your manufactured home is one of the best things about homeownership. It’s so fun to make a space your own and reflect the things you love. However, furniture and décor can get expensive, but you shouldn’t have to limit your creativity. That’s where thrifting comes in. You can spend less and set your home up for comfortable living for you and your family. You have the freedom to leave the item as is or make a project out of it to fit your style. It can be as simple as a coat of paint, or you can reinvent the wheel.

Let’s dig into the process and some tips for how to thrift for décor. First, we’ll start with what to think through before you even hit the stores.

Before you go

  • Consider the style of your mobile home.
    • Walk around your house and try to see what unique characteristics stand out. Maybe your home has modern, industrial, or farmhouse details. Look to your kitchen, living space, or exterior for inspiration.
    • Next, consider what goes along with the style that you like and that reflects your interests.
  • Think goals and problem solving.
    • What do you want to achieve in your home? Whether you have a blank canvas with an empty home, or are looking to add more, or alter your space – think of how you want to feel in your home. Do you want to be relaxed, energized, or encouraged? There are so many things you can achieve through furniture and décor.
    • Next, think about any opportunity areas you want to solve with some creativity in your home. Maybe your space feels cluttered, and you need organization desperately. Perhaps your space is small, and you think outside the box to find ways to make storage in your home. You may have wall batten strips and want to find lightweight material décor to hang instead of heavy items that are hard on the walls.
  • Keep a list.
    • Now that you’ve thought through your home, style, and needs you can make a list of items you want and need. That way when you go shopping you have an idea of what you’re looking for and are ready to shop. Some popular recommended items to look out for are: complete lamps, mirrors, bookshelves, baskets, trays, etc.
Books, a planter with plant, and an hour glass in view.

At the store(s)

  • Go often and check in at obscure times.
    • Thrift stores have different inventory all the time. So, it’s important to keep a steady eye on them, especially seasonally as people clean out their homes. As much as you can with your schedule, it’s recommended to visit during the day on Mondays and Tuesdays, this is after the weekends when most people purge.
  • Keep a creative mind.
    • Don’t be limited by what you see. If you like some aspect of an item, keep in mind all the ways you could alter it. Stick to your list, but also leave a space for spontaneity – you might just find and create your perfect piece.
Cleaning supplies, spray bottle, limes, oranges, scrubber, and handheld broom.

When you get home

  • Prepping your items to enter your mobile home.
    • There are many methods for cleaning your newly thrifted items. There are three main things to consider: airing the items out, reducing/ ridding odor from the item, and cleaning the item. 
    • The easiest way to start is to put your items outside in the sun for a bit or in a garage/ covered area to let the item breathe. This will help to air the item out and get rid of any potential bugs. Try to keep your items dry and free from tight, humid places. Once you’ve done this you can separate items by what material they are made of, as certain materials will need different cleaning methods.
    • Next, if you have stronger, deep set-in smells that didn’t dissipate from the suggestion above, many thrifters put a bowl of baking soda in an item or if it’s the right material – mix it into the surface and scrub it in.
    • Lastly, it’s time to clean the items. The best bet for many materials is to wash it with an old rag, hot water, and a natural soap or vinegar. You might even soak some items in a bucket of hot water and let them sit. For items that are fabric in some capacity – you can spot clean the item. Some people suggest enzyme cleaners. A few other options are a steam cleaner and/ or a vacuum for things like drawers or cabinets. Once you’ve done this, if the item can go in the washer or the dishwasher, go ahead and give it a heavy-duty wash.
  • Making items your own. Now it’s time to make these items all your own if you so choose. Check out our Pinterest account for inspiration. We hope you love the final product from your thrifting finds!

Has this got you thinking that your mobile home can be the place you see in magazines? It can! It just takes some planning, creativity, and follow through. We hope that this has you interested in starting your home projects or finishing your last one!

Furniture Painting Inspiration!