How to do good – and save money - while you decorate

Thrifting is an increasingly popular activity as consumers become more aware of the need to conserve resources and protect the environment by reusing, recycling, and repurposing whatever they can.

And it is no longer restricted to the hunt for designer treasures among racks of discarded garments, says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group. “Young homeowners, in particular, are among the most avid thrifters, spending much of their free time trawling for bargains and beautiful décor pieces in charity and secondhand shops, consignment stores, and flea markets.

“They have cottoned on to the fact that this is not only much more affordable than trying to equip a home with new items, but often also enables them to buy higher quality furniture, electronics, and other goods than they had originally planned.”

Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, he notes that thrift stores and markets also tend to offer diverse items from different eras and décor styles. “This means that along with everyday cutlery, crockery, and glassware, shoppers can often discover unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that they are unlikely to encounter in traditional retail stores.”

Other benefits of thrifting, for homeowners especially, include:

• Quality and durability. Second-hand items that were well-made by hand and not mass-produced will often last longer than their newer counterparts.
• Vintage appeal. Thrift stores are excellent places to find vintage and sometimes even antique items that can add a unique and nostalgic touch to your style and home decor.
• Creative expression. Thrifting encourages creativity as you mix and match different items to create your style. You can also repurpose items for DIY projects, giving them new life and purpose.
• Personal connection. Thrifting can lead to interesting stories and connections. Each thrifted item usually has its history or backstory that adds to its charm.
• Support for non-profits. Nonprofit organisations operate many thrift stores, and the proceeds from their sales often support charitable causes. Shopping at these stores can help contribute to various community programmes and initiatives.
• Less packaging. Secondhand items typically come with minimal or no packaging compared to new products. This goes a long way to reducing the amount of plastic and cardboard waste.
• Ethical consumption. Thrifting aligns with the concept of ethical consumption by choosing to reuse and recycle goods wherever possible, instead of contributing to the demand for new products that have possibly been produced under unethical labour or environmental conditions.