I Just Discovered the “ETC” Thrift Store Trick, and Now I’m Using It on My Next Shopping Trip

Shopping for secondhand clothes and home decor aligns with my desire to contribute to a sustainable economy and buy unique, affordable finds. However, the reality is that every time I go thrift shopping, I purchase things that I already have or that are not in the best condition. And then I either end up tossing my thrift store finds or never using them. 

I thought thrift shopping wasn’t for me until I spotted this thrifting method on Apartment Therapy. The article outlines the “ETC” method, which helps thrift shoppers sort out items they only really need so they don’t feel buyer’s remorse.

In the article, contributor Jennifer Prince shares what her ETC method is all about. ETC stands for “edit the cart,” and involves shortening a list of possible purchases into a thoughtfully curated selection by asking yourself six simple questions before heading to the register. The questions include, “Do I already have something like this that I use? Do I need this? Does this align with my values? Am I willing to pay this price? Is this in good condition? And does this make me happy?”

This thrift store trick is brilliant, as it will help you figure out if an item is really something you need, is in good condition, aligns with your overall vision, and sparks joy within you. If you respond “no” to any of these questions, you know that it’s not a good fit for you. The ETC method is the perfect solution for when you’re debating a thrift store purchase.

When I read this story, I was so impressed by this trick that it inspired me to give it a shot at my next thrift store visit. Moreover, while I’m at it, I’m also going to try Apartment Therapy’s other thrift store tricks like this one on shopping at a Goodwill clearance center, making a beeline for the put-out racks and bins section first, and using the “vacation” method to save some money. So smart!