Hi, my name is Julia and I’m a Goodwill-aholic. I spend a lot of time in the stores, not only because I work for the organization, but also because I don’t have a lot of money to spend – let’s face it, who does? I still really want my home and clothing to be expressive of who I am, and thrift store shopping allows me to keep my expenses low while still styling my space.

You know that saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” Well, some people’s Goodwill donations are this twenty-something’s dream come true!

The low prices of second hand items really allow for an incredible amount of possibility. I can buy twice as much in the way of home décor, clothing and items of necessity in a thrift store, as I would be able to buy if I were shopping anywhere else.

A lot of times I feel really inspired by what I find hiding in the racks and shelves at Goodwill. Everything in the stores has had another life before me and I’m completely fascinated by that concept. It feels so much more valuable to me, and, to be honest, it’s a bit like a treasure hunt (ie. Super fun).

So without further ado, I’d like to share with you some of my all time favorite second-hand finds

This vintage train case is one of the very first purchases I remember making at Goodwill. At the time that I found it, my boyfriend and I had just moved into a new apartment, and we were having a hard time finding storage solutions that didn’t look hideous. I’ve never been a fan of plastic containers and dorm-like furniture, so to find something so lovely as a vintage train case for under $5 was super exciting to me. We now use it to store all of our belts!

Ever intrigued by maps and atlases, when I saw this stand-up globe I knew I had to have it. This was a pretty recent find for me and it cost only $10 – can you believe that? It now has a home in our living room and gets “oohs” and “ahhs” from anyone who comes by.

My friend Chanel found this mirror at Goodwill over a year ago, and snatched it up immediately. Fortunately for us, she bounces back and forth between the U.S. and London quite a bit, and asked us to store it temporarily for her while she doesn’t have a place of her own. We’ve quite happily hung it on our bedroom wall and it shall remain there until she’s ready to have it back.

I’m simply enamoured by this leafy little breakfast tray! I saw it for just a dollar and couldn’t say no. It’s perfect atop my antique treadle sewing machine where it can guard the ancient wood from the danger of water rings!

And, yes, the 100 + year old treadle sewing machine is also from Goodwill. And, yes… I did get it for less than $30! I’m telling you, this place is magical.

These pieces have all helped turn our apartment into a happy and comfortable home — and for very little money. There’s incredible variety in the second-hand market, so I’m sure there’s something really perfect out there waiting for you. Go find it!

xx. Julia

Related posts:

• New Goodwill store opening March 3
• Thrifting Adventures: 1960's Vintage
• Organizing on a Budget: The Family Room