However, older adults who are downsizing to a garden home or an apartment in an assisted living community might wonder if thrifting is still something they can do regularly, as weekly trips to the thrift store can result in a lot of stuff piling up at home. Keep reading for some tips for enjoying a thrifting hobby even after you downsize.

Shop With Purpose in Mind and Focus on Quality

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding great deals at the thrift store, but most people don't need a whole set of Christmas Spode or the entire backlist of Ideals Magazine. While you might admire gorgeous items and remark on great deals, you don't need to rescue everything and bring it all home.

Shop at thrift stores with purpose in mind, and make a list of things you actually need or want. For example, your list might include:

• A smaller coffee table for your new apartment
• Thrifted yarn to fuel your crochet hobby
• A new-to-you pocketbook or backpack
• A gift for your daughter

When you see a great bargain, ask yourself if it matches an item on your list. If it doesn't, avoid buying it.

Of course, part of the fun of thrifting is running into things you never would've thought of, so leave some room in your budget for the occasional impulse purchase. Prioritize quality over quantity for those items.

Prioritize Multifunctional Items

When shopping for items for a small living space, such as a senior garden home or independent living apartment, look for furniture and other pieces that offer more than one function. Furniture that doubles as storage is an ideal purchase for those living in smaller spaces, so scour the thrift shops for coffee tables that have shelves or cabinets built in, storage ottomans that hold linens or seasonal clothing and writing tables that work as cafe tables for eating on.

Adopt a One-in, One-out Rule

For nonessential items, create an in-and-out rule that keeps you from piling up stuff in your home. One-in, one-out is the simplest rule, and it works well for thrifted clothing. If you find a new-to-you sweater you simply must have, choose a gently used sweater from your closet to donate. This rule also works when you're replacing worn-out or used-up items — if you're tossing out a pair of pants with too many rips to mend, you've made room for a thrifted pair.

Create a rule that works with the season you're in. For example, if you're in a season of rebuilding and you've donated or sold all your kitchen items so you could start fresh, you can bring items in without getting rid of something. If you're thrifting to support a sewing, needlework or paper-craft hobby, consider making a rule that you'll donate back anything you don't use within 6 months.

Repurpose or Upcycle Items

When you browse thrift stores, think about how you can repurpose or upcycle items. For example, sewers can turn old quilts into new jackets or gather fabric from thrifted clothing to make a quilt.

You can also find affordable furniture at thrift stores that needs some TLC. Think about whether an item might be renewed by a deep clean or sanding and painting. Look at what parts might be missing and whether you can find replacements. It can be fun and rewarding to get a great deal on something for your home and bring an old piece back to life.

Enjoy the Experience More Than the Stuff

The best way to enjoy thrifting when you live in a smaller space or have a limited budget is to look at it as a fun activity. Even if you don't find a great deal or buy anything at all, walking around a few thrift stores each week ensures you get out of the house and adds to your step count. Walking is a great way to exercise during retirement, and looking at potential treasures while you do it makes it a more enjoyable experience. Consider inviting a friend to join you and you can add interesting conversation to the mix.

Whether you've been thrifting for years or it's a new potential hobby, there are plenty of stores to shop at near Bethesda Gardens assisted living community in Thornton, Colorado. You can find a Goodwill location, Arc Thrift Store locations and a Habitat for Humanity store within driving distance.  

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