Home organizers have some great tips for visiting thrift stores: Not only are they experts at keeping the house neat and tidy, but they know how to make great home selections. arranging products Which brings both functionality and beauty to your space, as opposed to excess clutter.
Some options are ideal for decluttering and organizing before spring arrives, and others for adding fun things to your home that will make you smile, with the added declutter bonus.
Here are the things they’re looking for in the new year that might give you some ideas for refreshing your home in 2025.
meet the expert
- meaghan caseman Meghan is a professional organizer and founder of Kessman Home Organization, a firm based in Los Angeles, California.
- Stephanie Greenberg Jens is the Creative Director at Addiction Organization.
- Kara Palmer An organization and decluttering expert and founder of the home organization website OrganizeEveryRoom.com.
Glass Jars and Ceramic Containers
Professional organizer Meghan Kesman loves thrift stores because they’re an easy place to find unique, budget-friendly organizing solutions. This year, one of the categories to look out for in their catalog are glass jars and ceramic containers.
“These are a good fit for me because they’re both functional and beautiful,” says Kessman.
She uses them for a variety of purposes, whether it’s storing flour, sugar, bathroom essentials, or office supplies.
Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up our free daily newspaper For the latest hacks, expert advice and more!
metal gym locker
UnitedPhotoStudio1/Getty Images
Metal gym lockers provide as much storage space as they reflect history and nostalgia. Organization expert Stephanie Greenberg recommends using them to store winter coats and accessories or sports equipment because they instantly reduce clutter.
vintage silverware divider
Your current dividers may be functional, but one way to jazz up your silverware drawer is with vintage dividers.
“Often solid wood, these are sturdier than modern plastics and fit beautifully into kitchen drawers,” says organization expert Cara Palmer.
old suitcase
Etsy
If you’re in the market for organization tools that also serve as decor, Palmer says to consider this old suitcase Because they’re practically made for hidden storage. Antique stores often have great options in a variety of colors and stackable sizes.
Wicker Baskets
It feels like you can never have too many baskets—they’re so versatile. Caseman especially likes wicker because of their classic look and how easily they fit into spaces around your home. She and Palmer recommend them for things like shoes, toys, blankets and garden supplies.
old tray and lazy susan
If you’re struggling to stay on top of difficult areas around your home, keep an eye out for trays or lazy Susans at the thrift store.
“A good tray can bring order to a cluttered coffee station or bathroom counter, and lazy Susans are perfect for awkward corners in cabinets,” says Kessman.
he often adds a coat of spray paint Reusing them for custom organizing projects.
frame and hook
As far as keeping your eye on wall-mounted accessories, Caseman suggests Frames and Keys, which offer many great opportunities for DIY.
“Create a jewelry display or command center for keys and small appliances,” she suggests.
Use wall hooks to add any type of storage (bags, coats, hats, or other) when you’re out of floor and counter space.
flower pots
Christine Nanji/Getty Images
You can use them for their intended purposes, but thrifty planters can serve a variety of organizing purposes around the house.
“Indoors, they can be used to organize utensils, hold makeup brushes and small gardening tools,” says Greenberg. “Outside, large pots can hold firewood or clumsily roll up a garden hose.”
wooden crates
Palmer also recommends that homeowners look for old wooden boxes, which are sturdy choices for storing items. In general she advises you to look for items made of glass, wood or metal when you’re at a thrift shop as these are durable and will retain their functionality even after years of use.
tiered serving stand
tanuStockPhoto/Getty Images
If you think outside the box, snacks aren’t the only thing that can be stored and served at these stands. Palmer suggests reusing them as vertical storage for toiletries in bathrooms or supplies in craft rooms.
ceramic bowls
There’s nothing better than a beautiful ceramic bowl – these adaptable objects provide storage for many different items. Place them in your entryway, countertops, or on your bedside table to keep clutter under control.
“The bowls can hold all your stuff – mail, keys, phone, jewelry-All in one safe place,” she says.
Why austerity in 2025?
There are lots of good reasons for this Why should you buy at affordable prices? In the new year—whether you’re already a fan or have recently taken an interest in it.
For one, you are benefiting the environment in which you live by finding unique pieces that are specific to you and bring more order and style to your living space.
“Thrifting is such an accessible way to add character and charm to your home while staying on a budget,” says Kesman.
She also notes that from a sustainability standpoint, it’s even better because you’re giving old items a second life. And many thrift shops support charity, so no matter how you look at it, you’re winning.