Shoes can often be one of the worst offenders for clogging up our closets. Throwing them away never seems like the right move, though, especially when some of them are still perfectly good. Shoes are one of the most in-demand items for charities and homeless shelters. If you’re wondering how to know if your shoes can be donated to the thrift stores in Destin, FL, I will walk you through what to look for.
New or Gently Used
“New or gently used” is going to be your guideline for deciding on whether your shoes are fit for donation. Obviously, stores don’t expect you to go out and buy new shoes to donate regularly; not many people have that kind of extra income.
Check the Sole
The sole is arguably the most important part of the shoe, and it needs to be in good condition if you’d like to donate it. Remember that these shoes will eventually find their way onto the feet of people who can’t afford new shoes very often, so they will need to last a long time. A solid sole will help them stay on the move without hurting their feet unnecessarily.
Check the Laces
Laces on shoes can wear down quickly with consistent use, especially for styles like running shoes and hiking boots. A lace-up shoe without good laces isn’t going to be useful to anyone. If you have some old, worn-out laces, consider dropping a few dollars on new ones before you donate the shoes themselves.
No Holes Allowed
Whether they’re in the sole or on the top of the shoe, holes are a no-go when it comes to donations. Shoes with holes defeat the purpose of giving them to people in need. They won’t protect their feet in the long run, so we don’t accept them as donations. We recommend recycling holey shoes to reduce environmental impact.
Now that you know how to know if your shoes can be donated, you can finally get to cleaning out that closet.
3 Reasons You Should Donate Your Old Clothes Instead of Throwing Them Away
So, you’re ready to clean out your closet. You have a lot of clothes that you don’t wear anymore, and you’re ready to revamp your wardrobe. While you’re doing that, you’re probably wondering what you’re going to do with all the old clothes. Before you throw them in the trash, consider donating them to your local thrift stores in Destin, FL.
It’s much better for the environment
When you donate your clothes, you are saving the environment from a lot of harm. According to the EPA, it costs $45 on average per ton to dispose of waste in a landfill. Clothing that sits in landfill releases toxic greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the environment when they break down.
Lastly, making new clothes takes hundreds of gallons of water, and the production of new textiles accounts for 10% of all carbon emissions on the planet. All of these things can be avoided if you donate your clothes for reuse.
It helps people in need
Even though you don’t want your old clothes anymore, it’s almost guaranteed that someone else will. There are many people in need of usable clothing. There are disaster victims, underprivileged people, and children in need of clothing, and your donations can help. When you throw away your clothes, they have no chance of reaching people who need them the most.
It will give you an ego boost
When you do things for others, something good happens for you too. Doing a good deed like donating your old clothes will make you feel good because you’re doing something for a worthy cause. You’re getting rid of the clutter in your home and helping others at the same time.
Nearly 100% of the textiles in your home can be recycled and donated, regardless of the quality or condition. This means you really have no reason not to donate your old clothes! It’s better for the environment, it helps children in need of clothing, and you’ll feel great.
Some things really are better the second time around. In fact, many used items can be every bit as good as those purchased new. Plus, buying used items from the thrift shops in Destin, FL almost always saves you cash.
1. Timeshares
Don’t ever pay full price for a timeshare. Some people are practically giving them away because they’re so desperate to get out from under the annual fees.
2. Basic tools
If you are handy, you need a good set of tools. Buying tools used typically will save you money, and you might even end up with something that is better crafted than what you would find new today.
If you aren’t handy, you might be able to check out tools from your local library when you do need them.
3. Cars
Rather than finding yourself upside-down on your car loan five minutes after signing the paperwork, look for a quality used car that has already taken the huge depreciation hit.
4. Books
We could take this category one step further and say you shouldn’t buy books at all. Many of us live near a public library system that can meet most of our reading needs.
However, we won’t go quite to that extreme. I personally enjoy having a well-stocked home library. I also realize that some books, such as college textbooks, have to be purchased. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price.
5. Big toys like boats, motorcycles and RVs
That advice about buying a used car can apply to any type of vehicle.
Virtually anything with an engine — from off-road vehicles to yachts — will depreciate over time. So, in most cases, you’ll get more bang for your buck by purchasing used.
New boats, for example, depreciate quickly. So, even if you buy a vessel that’s just 1 year old, you stand to save a boatload.
6. Houses
Your house is another big-ticket item that it makes sense to buy used rather than new. Not only can you save money, but older homes also may have better “bones” than some new construction.
If you love the idea of new construction, remember that an existing home doesn’t necessarily have to be 50 years old. If you want an energy-efficient home with new amenities, you can probably find it at a lower price if you’re willing to be owner No. 2 or 3.
7. Movies and CDs
Many of the same places that sell used books also sell used DVDs, Blu-ray discs and CDs. No need to spend money for a new disc when you can get a used one for less money online, at a garage sale or in the thrift shop.
Of course, there’s also your public library, where movies and music are free for the (temporary) taking and cheap when the library holds a sale.
8. Sports gear
Raise your hand if your kids have ever started a sport and quit after one season. I’m right there with you.
Instead of spending tons for new equipment, go to a specialty store like Play It Again Sports and buy used items. You can also scour garage sales, thrift stores and Craigslist for bargain finds.
Don’t forget to look for fitness equipment for yourself, too. Buying new weights and kettlebells, for example, doesn’t make sense if you can get used ones for a fraction of the price.
9. Musical instruments
Musical instruments are another parental purchase that could be money down the drain.
To avoid purchasing something overpriced or broken when buying used, consider spending a few dollars to have it appraised by a local music store. Or, better yet, buy a used item directly from a shop.
Renting an instrument is another option. However, keep in mind that renting a clarinet for three years could end up costing you more than if you purchased a used one in the first place.
10. Jewelry
Jewelry is also better bought used than new. Before buying off Craigslist or from a private seller, however, be sure to get an appraisal, particularly if a significant amount of money is involved.
You can also find quality used baubles by shopping for estate jewelry from jewelers or reputable pawn shops.
11. Gift cards
Here’s one you probably haven’t thought about. Some people receive a gift card to a retailer they don’t like. Others use a portion of a gift card, but have no reason or desire to spend down the remaining balance.
12. Pets
Some of you might disagree, but there really is no reason to spend a lot of money on a brand-new pet from a breeder when plenty of preloved (or not so loved) animals need homes.
My local animal shelter and Humane Society regularly have free or almost-free adoption days, during which you can bring home everything from dogs and cats to bunnies and birds. Your local shelter might offer the same.
Unless you’re planning to show your pet, spending hundreds or even thousands on a purebred animal is probably not money well-spent. The $50 puppy from the pound is just as likely to smother you with wet kisses and stare at you with unbridled adoration.
It is good to explore new ways to save money. But sometimes in our quest for fresh ideas, we forget the basics that served us so well in the past.
When that happens, take a step back and brush up on those neglected, tried-and-true methods.
All these money-saving tips have a theme in common: The details matter. Being vigilant in all areas of our financial lives — from the big stuff to the small stuff — can make a real impact on our bottom line.
Here are seven classic money-saving tips worth another look.
1. Buy used
Let someone else take depreciation on the chin. Buying used is one of the best money-saving moves, whether it’s previously owned cars, secondhand appliances in good working order, or gently used clothes and books.
Don’t wait until you need an item to buy it; instead, plan ahead. Think about what your family will need three months or six months down the road.
Then, look for bargains. During the dog days of summer, scour thrift stores in Destin, FL for great winter clothes. In autumn, pick up a used patio set from the classifieds.
2. Lighten up on the utilities
I’m a child of the ’70s and distinctly remember the first energy crisis during that decade. It seemed like, overnight, the country developed an energy conscience and began trying to conserve.
I still watch our use of utilities closely today — turning off lights when I leave a room, using dimmer switches and keeping the thermostat set at reasonable temperatures as the seasons change.
You can do it too. One very simple way to start is to install energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs. Keeping utility costs in check saves money and reduces our carbon footprint at the same time.
3. Skip the treat (sometimes)
Don’t get me wrong: What fun would life be without a little indulgence? But for the frugal-minded, a treat that happens every day is no longer a treat — it’s overhead.
Will that treat be any less delicious if you make it at home and skip the retail markup and long lines? We all have our own “latte factor” in life, but remembering to keep our treats in line with our budget is essential when trying to save.
4. Buy in bulk
Rather than focusing on sale prices for individual items, compare prices per ounce or per unit. Often, buying in bulk makes more financial sense.
But keep three things in mind when buying in bulk:
Don’t buy more than you have room to store (or share).
Buy only those products you actually will use.
For perishable grocery items, make sure you’re not buying so much that you won’t have time to use them before they go bad.
5. Ride a bike
You can save a lot of money by commuting to work by bike a few times a week, or using a bike for local errands. Besides avoiding the expenses of fuel, parking and wear and tear on your car, you will get a free cardio workout.
Making a bike your prime mode of transportation is a bit easier these days, when the pandemic has more of us working from home and spending less time running errands.
6. Learn a money-saving skill
If you’re focused on frugal living, explore hobbies and activities that are enjoyable and that also help your bottom line.
Learn to plant a vegetable or herb garden, try your hand at basic car and home repair projects, or learn to refinish furniture.
7. Save the raise
If you get a raise but can still make ends meet on your pre-raise salary, consider pocketing the extra cash and putting it toward your retirement savings or other investments.
Also, put other “found cash” into savings, including a tax refund or quarterly bonus.
10 Secrets to Finding Quality Secondhand Furniture
In the market for a chair or kitchen table? Instead of new, why not try new-to-you? Buying secondhand is one of the best ways to save big on furniture.
Thrift stores, online marketplaces and estate sales are loaded with well-built furniture that’s served families for generations. Finding the best pieces just takes a little patience, vision and practical advice.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve bought and sold hundreds of pieces of secondhand furniture and decorated my home with some of my most prized finds. Here are my secrets to finding quality used furniture.
What to look for
As with most things in life, separating the gems from the junk takes a discerning eye. From credenzas to club chairs, here’s what to look for.
1. Good bones
Whether you want a finished piece or a refurbishing project, look for furniture with good bones.
What does that mean? Drawers should slide easily, hinges should work and upholstered pieces should have sturdy, solid wood frames. Plastic or fiberglass items should be free of cracks, chips or obvious fading.
It’s easy to be tempted by beautiful old furniture that’s simply too far gone. Some shabby pieces will never be chic. Before you buy, ask yourself, “Do I have the skills to handle this project? How much of an investment in new tools and time will this require?”
2. Strong joints
A joint is the point where two pieces of material meet and connect. Creating a strong joint — one that will keep a drawer, chair or cabinet door intact for generations — requires a bit of expertise.
When considering a piece of wood furniture, examine how it’s put together. Look for the following types of joints:
Dovetail: Dovetail joints are used to connect the sides of a drawer to the drawer front. These strong joints feature trapezoid-shaped “tails” on one piece of wood that interlock with identically shaped cutouts on the other.
Mortise and tenon: This simple joint is made when a mortise (a hole or slot in one piece of wood) receives a tenon (a tab protrusion in another piece of wood). This joint is usually secured with glue or a small pin.
Finger: Finger joints are similar to dovetail joints. Each piece of wood has a series of interlocking shapes that fit snugly together to secure the joint.
Pocket-hole: This type of joint is made by butting one piece of wood against another and securing them with a screw. The screw hole is pre-cut at a 15-degree angle to create a tight bond and flush surface.
3. High-quality veneers
A veneer is a decorative covering applied to a less expensive material. In older furniture, veneers are usually thin layers of high-quality wood — think tiger maple or mahogany — laid over solid wood.
Since matching and applying replacement veneers is an art form all its own, look for furniture with intact veneer.
Also, keep an eye out for “bookmatched” veneers, a technique that involves aligning two sheets of veneer so that wood grain patterns mirror one another. Because of the time and skill involved, furniture with bookmatched veneers is especially desirable and increasingly hard to find.
4. Hotel cast-offs
When hotels renovate, they often donate their old furniture to local thrift shops or sell it to the public at deep discounts.
Commercial hotel furniture is some of the best furniture out there — easy to clean and built to take a beating. And since dozens of pieces are donated at the same time, find matching sets is a breeze.
Word of caution: Don’t take a chance on hotel mattresses. They’ve had a rough life and may harbor bedbugs and other ickiness.
5. Valuable vintage brands
Though flipping vintage furniture might not be your main goal, it never hurts to score a hot collectible.
Look for brands like:
Heywood-Wakefield
Knoll
Herman Miller
Lane (specifically, Lane’s Acclaim series)
Not only are these companies known for high design and craftsmanship, they’re also popular with collectors around the world.
6. Pieces that fit your lifestyle
Let’s face it: Furniture made generations ago was made for lifestyles that no longer exist. Huge armoires, hulking dining room tables, intricately carved china hutches — these pieces may be beautiful and well-crafted, but are they relevant for you?
Look for pieces that won’t cramp your contemporary lifestyle.
Before you buy, ask yourself: “Will this be difficult to care for? Will it take up too much space? Will it be hard to move? Does it have a single purpose, or can it be used in different ways as my needs change?”
What to avoid
Everyone knows to skip furniture with missing drawer pulls and broken legs. But let’s dig deeper. There are some things you should never buy used. In the hunt for the perfect piece, you should also avoid the following.
1. Bad smells
When it comes to bad smells, it’s not just upholstered pieces you have to worry about. Solid wood is surprisingly absorbent. Over time, odors from cigarette smoke, pets and mildew can slowly penetrate wood furniture, leaving pieces with a permanently “off” smell.
In the battle of bad smells, I’ve learned to make a hasty retreat. Trying to eliminate years’ worth of soaked-in odor can turn a fun weekend project into months of hard labor. Life’s too short. Give each piece of furniture a quick sniff test and avoid the stinkers.
2. Staples
Avoid furniture that’s constructed using industrial staples instead of screws, nails or one of the joinery methods mentioned earlier. Not only are these pieces mass-produced, they’re also mass-produced hastily and without regard for durability.
Staples can come loose easily, especially when used in particleboard. This type of furniture falls into a consumer category I cynically call “pre-landfill.” You don’t truly own pre-landfill items, you merely rent them for a short time until they fall apart.
3. Granite paint
Granite paint was an unfortunate trend in the early 1990s. This faux finish was liberally applied to lamps, dressers, end tables — nearly anything that was standing still. And because the paint had to be thick enough to produce a granite-like texture, it’s almost impossible to remove.
Unless you’re ready for a big restoration project involving chemical strippers and a lot of scraping and sanding, avoid any piece of furniture with this coating from hell.
4. Children’s furniture
While technically not something to avoid, buyers should exercise caution when shopping for secondhand children’s furniture.
Some pieces are donated after a manufacturer’s recall. Other pieces may have been broken and improperly repaired, resulting in a product that’s unsafe for youngsters.
Inspect each piece carefully while buying at the thrift store in Destin FL and after buying remember to properly anchor furniture that might pose a tipping hazard.
I approach a new thrift shop in Destin, FL the way a foodie approaches a farmers market. My palms get sweaty. My focus narrows as I mentally run through the list of everything I’m hoping to find.
Though I’ve picked my way through hundreds of secondhand stores across the country, the rush never fades.
Over the past three decades, I’ve turned my weird enthusiasm into a lucrative side business. These days, I shop more efficiently than ever before and usually find a handful of things that make every trip worthwhile.
1. Shop strategically
Committed thrift shoppers are an assertive bunch. We hit our favorite spots regularly — sometimes daily — and many of us supplement our income by finding and flipping anything that’s underpriced and in demand. To compete, you need a solid shopping strategy.
First, do a quick primary scan. Briefly check every department just to see what jumps out at you. The goal is to find the good stuff first and grab it. If you’re unsure about an item, don’t leave it behind. Put it in your cart and make your final decision later.
Next, perform a secondary search. In this more leisurely phase, focus on what’s below the surface. Look for hidden gems that others have missed, specific items you need, or clothing in just the right style, size and color.
2. Check the fitting rooms
I make the fitting room area of every thrift store part of my regular shopping circuit.
The racks outside these rooms are usually filled with clothing that’s been rejected for being too tight, too long or too … whatever. But before these items were rejected, they were selected. That means they’ve already passed someone’s critical eye.
For choosy thrift shoppers, fitting room racks are likely to hold the sartorial cream of the crop. I once found a men’s Barbour waxed cotton jacket on one of those racks for a mere $7.99. Within 24 hours, I’d flipped it for $165.
3. Get a little nosy
Thrift shopping is no different than retail shopping: The first person to glimpse new items usually scores the best stuff. If the store allows it, sneak a peek at the items waiting to be stocked.
Bins, carts, and rolling racks that are fresh from the backroom hold a store’s most recent donations and often a treasure or two. But a few words of caution:
Handle items carefully — no rummaging.
Keep clothing racks organized.
Try not to interfere with the tasks of busy employees.
4. Practice wabi-sabi
In a world of mass-production, thrift stores offer something rare and wonderful: one-of-a-kind finds. To fully enjoy secondhand shopping, embrace wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that teaches us to appreciate beauty in imperfection.
Don’t be afraid to buy the odd, the flawed or the homemade.
Some of the most treasured pieces in my home fit that description: a huge folk art painting of a sleeping dog, a chipped midcentury Italian lamp and a slightly frayed Native American blanket. I love these things because I salvaged them, because they have stories to tell, and because they’re utterly unique.
5. Skip the display cases
Thrift stores reserve display cases for their prized inventory — the electronics, jewelry and glassware deemed most valuable. But in my experience, these are often the least interesting things in the store.
First, they’re someone else’s interpretation of “collectible” or “valuable” — and usually off the mark. Second, these items come with high price tags, which means razor-thin margins if you’re planning to resell.
I prefer to find my own hot deals by knowing a little bit about a lot of things. When I’m unsure about an item, it takes just a few seconds to research it online. If I peruse the display cases at all, I do it on my way out the door.
6. Rethink pink
For those thrift shopping for profit, understand that color matters. And in my experience, anything pink is tough to sell.
Pink appeals to a very limited market. It’s a color that’s notoriously difficult to match. Many shades — think pastel pink, dusty rose and mauve — look faded and dated.
I once purchased a highly collectible vintage pink fiberglass chair in flawless condition and sat on it — literally and figuratively — for more than a year before finally unloading it at a flea market.
OK, enough pink-bashing. What colors are consistent winners? Blues, bright greens, bold oranges, and classic neutrals like gray and white.
7. Reject most collectibles
If you’re new to thrift shopping and would like to make a little cash at it, remember one thing: Items that were made to be collectible seldom hold their value.
Generally speaking, things like Beanie Babies, modern trading cards and Precious Moments figurines were produced in such staggering quantities that you can’t give them away.
Focus instead on less-obvious items. Timeless clothing, unique midcentury pieces and well-made vintage household products are consistently hot categories.
Recently, I found a 72-piece set of stainless steel flatware from the 1970s. I flipped it within a week for a $70 profit.
8. Go Kondo
Whether you’re thrift shopping as a side gig or simply love the thrill of the hunt, it’s tempting to seize every great deal out there. Resist this urge.
I shop by one simple rule: If I don’t need it, don’t love it and can’t easily flip it for a profit, I don’t buy it. This guideline helps me avoid mindless accumulation and keeps my home livable, organized and surprisingly minimalist. I think Marie Kondo would approve.
The temperatures are falling, the leaves are turning, and the leggings are coming out of the closet again. What does that mean? Time to get cozy!
This month, I’m all about bedding. Switching out the coverlets for the down comforters, bringing out the flannel sheets, and getting my bedroom all ready for a long winter snooze.
Just head over to the linens section and find two flat sheets that are larger than your comforter. They can be matching or mismatched –or a fun little touch. When you get them home, lay them flat on the floor with your comforter on top. Then trim them down so there’s only 1” extra on each side.
Pin the trimmed sheets with right sides facing and stitch along three of the four sides. Then just add buttons or snaps to the third side to finish it off. VOILA! I usually use duvet clips in the corners to keep them comforter from shifting too much.
I love finding handmade or stitched blankets and throws, or embroidered pillows that have a unique character.
Don’t like the pillow cover’s style? Buy it just for the nice downy insert or interesting shape it might have and make your own!
So when you’re busy making your nest cozy for winter, don’t forget to check out your local thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL. You might be surprised by the treasures you’ll find (or make!) from the linens available for pennies on the dollar. Not only are you going to love snuggling in for the winter, but you’ll also feel better knowing your purchases help others stay warm too, by funding in your community.
As the first snow day of the year swiftly approaches on the East Coast, you are reminded that the holidays are on their way. After all, there have been holiday-themed movies playing on the Hallmark channel since the middle of October!
With that comes family time, time to relax with friends and also for some professions, the fun tradition of the office holiday party. Office holiday parties are tricky to dress for – so below, I’m sharing a range of outfit inspiration that can work for any type of holiday party or event.
1. Formal Holiday Party
If your office holiday party is anything like mine, a dress and heels are totally required. I love the look above because it has a professional neckline and length, while also staying festive with the burgundy red velvet material and pearl accent belt.
A dress like this is perfect, because it allows you to show your style. Though the work holiday party may not take place at the office – it’s still important to look professional in front of your colleagues!
2. Casual Holiday Sweater Party
If your office likes to keep it casual, and the dress code allows for a fun and casual sweater like the one above, styling the sweater with a pair of jeans and boots can keep you warm and also festive this season.
If you need to wear business attire to work however, make sure to schedule some time outside of the office with your coworkers where you can celebrate the holidays with a fun sweater like the one above! Check out your local thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL for sweaters like this one.
3. Holiday Staff Meeting
Even if your office might not have an official holiday party, the last day before the holiday break or the last staff meeting before the holidays is the perfect time to flaunt your festive style at the office. You don’t need to go all out, but a casual take on a seasonal look.
I love the way the look in the photo above combines a casual flannel top with a glam sequin skirt.
The perfect pair of jeans is an elusive beast. They’re the real-life woman equivalent of Cinderella’s glass slipper, but much more durable and definitely more practical. (I mean, did her slippers have pockets? For real.) Sure, jeans can be fancy, unique, and swoon-worthy on the hangar or other people’s bodies. But if the jeans don’t feel good on us, and look good on us, the whole deal is off– designer label or not.
Around 450 million pairs of jeans are sold in America each year, so there’s always plenty of selection to choose at thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL. I’m a dark wash kinda person, so that always narrows the plan of attack a bit. When I spotted a pair marked “Extreme Motion” and “Modern Series” that had a soft inner elastic waistband, contrasting zipper, stretchy feel and actually looked like they’d fit over my post-two-kids sized rump, I had to give them a go.
The funny thing is that mom jeans are apparently a thing again now (really, young’ins?) and that means great vintage jeans to be found for those lusting for some high-waisted blues. Sometimes you’re even lucky enough to find a vintage pair that are super rare, like she did!
The best part about buying used denim is that THERE ARE SO MANY BEST PARTS about buying used denim! It’s timeless and recycles cotton, rather than sending it to landfills. That’s important because growing cotton is taxing on our soil to grow and on our environment to manufacture.
Find yourself with too much denim on your hands? Donate your old ones to make space for the ones that make you feel good. Plus you’ll be helping to create opportunities for people in your community to find jobs, build skills, and earn skills that will give them a hand up– and that’s something that always looks good on you.
Spring really seems to drag its heels this time of year, doesn’t it? Especially when you live as far north of the equator as I do. Though these late winter days do feel as though they are stretching slightly longer, and the sun is creeping ever so slowly back up further in the sky each day. I’m finding myself dreaming of the green that will surely return soon, but never quite soon enough for my liking.
So I look for ways to trick my cabin-fevered soul into thinking things might *just* happen to start blooming tomorrow by really doubling down on the on shades of green I surround myself with this time of year.
A great way to beat the winter blues has been to greenify my bedroom a bit extra during those long dark nights.
With a few sold yards leftover off after hemming both of the curtains to a less comical length, I figured I could use some new Euro sham covers for my plan old white pillows. They make a perfect resting spot while I read books against my headboard while I pile myself under ALL THE BLANKETS and pretend spring is around the corner.
A few sprigs of greenery was also a good trick I started to help myself limp through winter in recent years.
The absolute best part of greening up the winter blues with the finds of thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL has been that it’s also helping to keep our planet green, too.
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Steve Clark 