'Pack plenty of blankets or towels': how to start thrifting secondhand furniture

DIY expert Jaharn Quinn has spent 20 years upcycling homewares. She shares where to look and what to bring when hunting for pre-loved piecesI have always loved thrifting and upcycling. There's no greater feeling than discovering a hidden gem at a thrift shop and upcycling it into something new, especially when you save hundreds - sometimes thousands - of dollars.I love flipping through interior magazines, poring over gorgeous images on Pinterest and scrolling through home tours on social media.Compile your thrifting inventory. This should include the items you are especially looking for, such as a bedside table or a chest of drawers. It's inevitable that you'll get sidetracked - which is half the fun - but a list helps you focus when you start to feel overwhelmed, which sometimes happens.Always carry cash. It makes it easier to bargain.Pack plenty of blankets or towels in your car. These will protect the pieces you find and keep them cushioned from moving around in your vehicle too much.Pack a toolkit including antibacterial wipes to wipe down secondhand furniture, removing the dust and dirt to see what's underneath; measuring tape to see what will fit in your car and home; a notebook filled with ideas, house plans and measurements plus a pencil to jot more down; paint swatches to check for colours that can easily be integrated into your home; and a screwdriver set in case you need to take furniture apart to fit it into your car. Continue reading...