Thrifting Woes

I got into a conversation with an (offline) friend, and I was lamenting the lack of thrift stores goodies for me lately. She asked a good question that I pondered for a moment - Do I think that my lack of finding any good "scores" is from my more non-disposable outlook?

I suppose in a way, yes I am more likely to pay attention to if I REALLY need something. If it might be collecting dust, then obviously, I don't need it. If it adds clutter, with no real function, then I definitely do not want it! We've lived here in Washington (in an apartment/house - not including our homeless in the car time) for five years, and we've built up everything you need to fill up a home. We have plenty of furniture and dishes, no need for anything like that anymore! Knick knacks that need dusted? No thanks, I dust enough as it is! lol

There are other things though, that I am always on the hunt for. Pyrex in good condition at a good price? I'd never say no to those - but the prices are rising out of my range more and more. Canning jars? It's been months since I found any, the competition has become so stiff. Finding a skirt or dress is like finding a needle in a haystack - I swear, women just don't seem to wear them out here. The kiddo has a wardrobe that could stock a children's resale shop, so I barely give that the glance over anymore.

The few other things on my list I either never find, or the price is so high I nearly have a heart attack. (I found a solar oven - for more than the current original price!) I do realize competition is up, while donations are down - I can't say I don't blame anyone for trying to sell their items on Craigslist, eBay, or a yard sale before donating them as a last resort. But if Goodwill is going to ask $5.99 for a no-name shirt - they better make sure that the sleeves haven't been in the paper shredder. (Seriously, I found one like that last week!)

Yesterday we visited the Goodwill in Gig Harbor. They have recently moved to a new location, and it has lots of extra windows, which makes shopping nicer. With that though, they have raised their prices - hardcover books are now $3.99! (Yikes!) I shopped the clothing racks, went through the housewares section, and just walked out empty handed. It was a snoozefest. Think a picked over yard sale, and that was about what you had - well, except the books section, but they have priced them out of my usual range! (Especially when I can shop the library's book fundraiser and get nearly new books for 50 cents -$1!)

Are you feeling the same way? Have prices risen out of your comfortable range?