Junction Tuesdays: Before you shop, prepare for some down and dirty thrifting

Thrift stores are havens for naked barbies.
These ladies are much more glamorous.

So you’ve figured out why you're thrifting and what you’re looking for. You have your destinations all mapped out and are ready to take the plunge. What’s next? Preparing for your big trip. Here’s my list of top 10 ways to get ready.

10. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting “a little” to “a lot” dirty. If you’re planning on trying on pants, wear a skirt just in case there aren’t any dressing rooms. I usually wear something with a lot of pockets because I never bring in a purse.

9. Take into the store only what you’ll need: car key, money, credit card and phone. This will free up your hands for some serious shopping.

8. Consider taking your own recyclable bags. Not only is it better for the environment, but they’re more durable than most thrift store bags, making it easier to get all your treasures home.

7. Wear comfortable shoes – a.k.a sneakers.

6. Use the restroom. Most stores won’t have a public restroom and the last thing you’ll want to do is abandon your finds in search of the closest loo.

5. Bring hand wipes and antibacterial gel for a quick post-shopping clean up.

4. Make sure there’s room in your car, especially if you’re planning on buying house wares and other breakables that will require a “non-jammed in your trunk” space.

3. Don’t forget your donations. I try to adhere to a “one in, one out” policy so I don’t end up on one of those reality hoarding shows.

2. Grab a granola bar and a bottle of water. If you’re anything like me, you’ll need some nourishment after a few hours of thrifting.

1. And my number one preparation….BRING AN MP3 PLAYER! After a while, the intercom/babies crying/fuzzy radio over the loud speaker/screaming kids will get to you. I learned this the hard way and have actually cut a trip short for this reason.

Next week, what to expect once you get there and figuring out your best plan of attack.

-Shannan Fales is the owner of Junction at 1510 U Street NW. She shares her expertise in vintage and thrift each Tuesday