I’ve Been Using the “Vacation” Method While Thrifting, and It Never Fails to Save Me Money

It’s an understatement to say that I love thrifting — so much so, that I’ve often bought more than I really need. After all, what’s $4 for a T-shirt when a new one costs several times more? The thing is, shopping secondhand has saved me quite a bit of money, but I don’t want to fall into the trap of overconsumption, especially when I’m trying to make a more sustainable choice. Thankfully, I’m also a travel writer, and I’ve come up with a way to buy less while thrifting that I like to call the “vacation” method.

When you’re at a thrift store debating a purchase, consider the vacation method, which involves asking yourself if you’d consider packing said item for a hypothetical trip. It’s not about seasonality or the length of your vacation (or even whether you’re planning to go anywhere at all really), but rather seeing if the item would fit these four criteria: Is it easy to wear, would it wear well over time, does it feel comfortable/make me feel confident, and would it be something I’d pack in a suitcase. 

I came up with this method when I considered how I pack for trips and subsequently stock my wardrobe. When packing for a trip, I only bring my tried-and-true favorites — those effortless pieces that give me confidence no matter how I feel on a given day. They are versatile, comfortable clothing that do not wrinkle easily, which is also ideal for stocking my closet, even when I’m staying home. Except for a few dressier items for special occasions, I’m trying to build a wardrobe with pieces I can wear in multiple ways and that make me look and feel good, too. For example, a button-down shirt that I can wear closed in spring, open with a tank underneath during summer, or layer under a blazer in fall. 

When I sift through racks at the thrift store, I look for items that fit my size, style, and needs. That’s a given. However, going a step further to ask myself whether or not I’d pack this item on a trip helps me decide whether to buy it or not. 

And, yes, there are times when I break my rule, like when I’ve purchased comfy loungewear to snuggle at home on movie night or thrifted a pair of Hunter wellies to slip on during a downpour. However, the overall premise of the “vacation” method has encouraged me to buy less, purchase better quality items, and pass on things I’m questioning in the first place.

Though it’s hard to quantify just how much money this mindset has saved me — I don’t even pick up pieces if they don’t pass the test — I know it’s spared me plenty of money and time every visit to the thrift store. 

On my most recent thrifting trip, I was on the hunt for longer, looser shorts and a few dresses to enhance my summer wardrobe. As I flipped through the items on the rack, I pondered whether or not I’d pack these items if I were going on a trip, which instantly weeded out pieces while helping me cull through the racks more easily. I headed to the dressing room with four pairs of shorts, two skirts (yes, I got a little distracted!), four dresses, three belts, and a pair of pants that all passed the initial test of being vacation-worthy. 

However, because pieces have to fit well to pass the test, I had to put several items back. My favorite was a black dress, but after moving around a bit, I noticed that the middle seam kept shifting toward the side, which didn’t accomplish my goal of easy wear. My former self may have purchased it because it looked cute, only to relegate it to the back of the closet. I ended up with one dress, one pair of denim shorts, and two belts (one of which is fabulously vintage!).

In addition to buying less, the “vacation” method has helped me declutter my closet significantly this season. I’ve removed over 100 pieces of clothing by asking myself whether or not an article makes me feel good enough to wear it on a trip. 

I’ve taken those pieces to resale shops (making more than $500 at least) and donated quite a bit to local charity shops. Pretending I’m filling my suitcase has helped me cut my summer wardrobe almost in half. It’s also helped me focus on what gaps to fill while choosing pieces that stand the test of time — and travel.