Many of us are looking for ways to save money now more than ever. You’re already saving money and the environment by choosing to shop secondhand first, and we’ve got even more thrifty tips & tricks to help you save this school year! Here’s how to make the most out of common Thrift Store scores:
#1: Multi-Purpose Mason Jars >
Not only are Mason jars a great, sustainable way to store food in the kitchen, they have also evolved into a simple home staple, rustic additions to wedding décor, craft bases, and so much more. The magic of Mason jars is that our stores are filled with them! Other creative ways to get the best use out of your jars include:
- Toothbrush/pencil holder
- Vanity light
- Bird feeders
- Bathroom organizer
- Lamp bases
< #2: Upcycled Green Planters
Want to add some greenery into your home without spending too much of your own green? Garden and greenhouse materials can be expensive, but your local Thrift Store has you covered. Try thrifting for these Fab Finds to discover the perfect way to add a unique statement into your space:
- Mugs and teacups
- Vases
- Baskets
- Bowls, (coffee) pots
- Watering cans
#3: Fuel Yourself with a Bike Ride, Run, or Walk over Driving >
Driving to and from work, school, or social functions every day can become costly. Did you know that the average Canadian driver spends about $145 per month on gas?! That’s over $1,700 each year spent on fuel! And that’s not including the environmental costs.
Why not ease your wallet and the planet by swapping your mode of transportation to biking, running or walking? Doing this even just one day a week has been proven to make a significant impact on personal carbon emissions in cities.
In fact, the average person who commutes 10km to work 5 times a week can save nearly 19,000 lbs of CO2 emissions by swapping with this simple switch! That’s the equivalency to 40 planted trees! Calculate your own benefits and be sure to stop by your local Salvation Army Thrift Store for all your bicycling and running shoe needs.
< #4: Make those new-to-you shoes look brand-new again
Find the perfect pair of shoes at your local Thrift Store but notice a smudge or two? There’s a way to make pre-loved sneakers look brand-new again. All you need is a dab of gel-based whitening toothpaste with some baking soda and a toothbrush. You can also use Mr. Clean magic erasers which work just as well for many materials. Time to make those shoes shine again!
#5: Take Advantage of Discounts >
Discounts are all around us, but most people aren’t aware of just how much money can be saved just by using them effectively. At The Salvation Army Thrift Store, not only do we offer everyday savings through no-tax on most items, we also offer various discounts such as our Donor Coupon that saves you 20% off your next purchase, our seniors discount offering 10% off every day, or our SPC discount that saves you 15% off your purchase! Don’t have an SPC card yet? Sign up and get yours today.
< #6: Cut-out on Dining out by Cooking
Canadian’s love dining out — a lot. In fact, 54% of Canadians eat out at least once or more weekly. However, big appetites with dining can also result in big bills with the average meal costing at least $15 and about 35% of the food budget in Canadian households going towards eating out.
Save money that would’ve been spent on eating out by cooking more meals at home. From cook books, to kitchen appliances and utensils, our Thrift Stores are packed with all the tools you need to create fantastic meals.