My LAST Vintage Haul!! Keys to Thrifting Success

I am never buying antiques again! Just kidding, I just won’t be buying anything in 2024! 😂

So, my LAST vintage haul is actually my LAST vintage haul of 2024! I hit up the normal thrift stores, Goodwill and Salvation Army. The ones in Ankeny I hit up over & over & over & over… But, I also hit up some new thrift shops because we were traveling!  I went to antique stores, the antique mall, and even an estate sale to finish out the year.

So today I’m not only sharing with you my last vintage haul, but also keys to thrifting success!

My LAST Haul

And in my latest YouTube video I’m showing you what I came home with!! Watch it HERE!

Do you like haul videos?? Tell me down in the comments!

In my haul videos on YouTube I share where I shopped in the description box (see that list HERE), even the places I visited where I didn’t purchase anything.  That gives you an idea of how often I go somewhere but come out empty handed!! Remember, some of these shops I visited more than once!!

Even great thrifters have days where they don’t find anything, they just don’t share that on their social media account.  Instead, they highlight the awesome things when they do find them!!  That can make you feel like a disappointment. Everyone else seems to always get lucky and you are always striking out!  Don’t be fooled though, EVERYONE has days where they don’t find anything!

But there are some keys to thrifting success…

Keys to Thrifting Success

Thrifting is more than just shopping—it’s an adventure! To make the most of your treasure hunts, here are some tried-and-true tips that will help you uncover the best vintage finds:

Go Often
Thrift stores are always changing, and the best finds don’t stay on the racks for long. Make thrifting a regular part of your routine—visiting once a week (or more!) increases your chances of snagging those hidden gems.

Look Everywhere
Don’t limit yourself to just one section. Explore the men’s, women’s, and even kids’ aisles. Great finds can be hiding in unexpected places, from oversized men’s flannels to vintage purses tucked in the kids’ area.

Look a Second (or Third) Time
Thrifting requires a keen eye. Go over each section twice or even three times. Something that didn’t catch your eye at first might stand out on a second pass.

Get to Know the Workers
Building a good rapport with the store employees can be a game-changer. They might give you tips about new arrivals or let you know when sales are coming up. Being friendly goes a long way!

Learn the Restocking Schedule
Timing is everything. Find out when the store puts out new items—whether it’s a certain time of day or a specific day of the week. Showing up right after restocking can mean first dibs on the best stuff.

Shop with an Open Mind
Go in with a flexible mindset. You may not find exactly what you’re looking for, but being open to possibilities can lead to delightful surprises. A quirky jacket or retro glassware set might turn out to be your favorite find.

Check for Quality
Always inspect items thoroughly. Look for holes, stains, or missing pieces. However, don’t overlook items that can be easily repaired or repurposed—a small tear might be fixable, and outdated jeans can become trendy shorts with a quick DIY project.

Think Long-Term
If something catches your eye, think about how you can style or use it over time. Timeless pieces or versatile items can make for the best investments.

Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
While it’s tempting to grab everything that sparks joy, focus on items you truly love or need. This helps you curate a collection of quality finds rather than accumulating clutter.

Bring Cash or a Budget
Having a set budget keeps your spending in check. It’s easy to get carried away when prices are low, but sticking to a limit ensures you only leave with what you’ll actually use or wear.

Thrifting is part art, part strategy, and part luck. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at spotting those one-of-a-kind treasures. Happy hunting!

Watch Me On YouTube

Thrift Shops: Des Moines, Iowa AREA

Here’s the list of places I shopped since my last haul video late November. (watch that HERE)

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store  – 1426 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314

Collectamania – 3200 Delaware Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50313

DAV- 2627 E University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317

Brass Armadillo – 701 NE 50th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50313

Goodwill – 509 N Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50023

Salvation Army – 801 S Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA  50023

Many Hands Thrift Market Merle Hay – 4353 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines, IA 50310

Hope Ministries – 4640 Merle Hay Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322

Waterloo Area

One Vision Thrift Store – 2060 Sovia Dr. Suite 115, Waterloo, IA 50702

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity ReStore – 4107 Hammond Ave., Waterloo, IA 50701

Goodwill Waterloo – 2332 Crossroads Blvd., Waterloo, IA 50702

Goodwill Outlet Store Waterloo – 2620 Falls Ave., Waterloo, IA 50701

Thrift Therapy LLC – 2103 Falls Ave., Waterloo, IA 50701

Goodwill Downtown Waterloo – 220 E 4th St., Waterloo, IA 50703

Goodwill Cedar Falls – 4318 University Ave., Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Iowa City Area

Crowded Closet Thrift Shop – 851 Hwy 6 E, #101, Iowa City, IA 52240

Goodwill Iowa City – 445 US-6, Iowa City, IA 52240

The Salvation Army – 1725 Boyrum St., Iowa City, IA 52240

Let’s Connect

I’d love to see what you have picked up lately! Tag me on social @thejunkparlor

Interested in more thrifting tips? Read THIS!

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