I’m notorious among my friends and family for being the world’s (or at least metro Detroit’s) best thrift store shopper. This is a distinction I cherish, and I’m proud to say that most of my and my daughter’s clothing, shoes, and home accessories come from local thrift stores. But bargain thrifting isn’t always as straightforward as you might think, and you need to be well-prepared for a day in the thrift store. Here are 7 tips for thrift shopping.

1. Make a list

If you don’t make a list of the items you need, you’ll end up buying things you don’t need, and that’s just a waste of money. For instance, in my day planner, I have a list of the items I want, a list of the items my daughter want, and a list of the items my boyfriend and his kids all want. If it’s not on the list, I won’t buy it unless it’s something I know I can fit into my wardrobe. Otherwise, if I buy that gorgeous suede skirt, but I don’t have anything to wear with it, I’ll end up searching for months to find the right top, shoes, etc. And there’s no fun, or savings, in that.

2. Dress for it

Prepare for a day at the thrift store by dressing for it. Dress comfortably, and, if the stores you’ll be shopping don’t have dressing rooms, in layers. For instance, wear a long skirt with leggings underneath, and flats, so you can try on jeans. Wear a tank under a cardi, so you can try on tops. And be sure you’re comfortably dressed, too, since you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your feet!

3. What’s the policy?

Before you shop, know the thrift store’s policies. Do they accept exchanges or returns? Do they accept cash only, or debit cards, too? What are their hours? Which charities do they benefit? Do they have fitting rooms? These are all things you may want to know ahead of time.