Thrifting: This time, it’s for real

It’s time to travel out past the well-known shops nearby that we’re all used to in order to explore the less-pristine, but satisfying, world of true thrifting. You have to venture out to get to the good stuff, but once you do find a good thrift store, it can most definitely be rewarding. In fact, it is a little bit like Christmas; you never know what you’re going to get—a good surprise, or a bad one.

Better Bargains

10209 NE Sandy Blvd.

Mon–Friday, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Sat, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–6 p.m

Want to get discounts on already discounted items? Then stop by Better Bargains. Items are 25 percent off every Wednesday and Saturday. Bring in a donation, and you can get a coupon for 40 percent off. They also have even larger sales throughout the month and around holidays, so you can amass quite a steal. They carry a very large selection of clothing for men, women and children categorized by style, size and color. Better Bargains also carries some neat artwork. This is a great place to get some unique and colorful pieces for your walls at a low cost. Or, if you prefer to make your own artwork, there are plenty of empty frames for sale, too. There are unique lamps, vases and other vintage accessories that would add great style to any room.

Volunteers of America

2330 SE 182nd Ave.

Open every day, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Another option if you want to support a good cause is Volunteers of America. The store is run by volunteers, and 89 percent of every dollar spent goes to one of their programs devoted to helping people rebuild their lives. They have a large selection of clothing for men, women and children. The store is very clean, spacious and well-organized. Volunteers of America also carry furniture, electronics, knick-knacks and some really neat vintage trunks. There is even a rack of wedding gowns. I don’t know if you have your Halloween costume picked out yet, but bride of Frankenstein is always an option.

Goodwill Outlet

1750 SE Ochoco St.

Milwaukie, Ore.

Mon–Saturday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Grab some hand sanitizer, roll up your sleeves and make sure you’re caught up on your tetanus shots, because this place is intense. Known as “The Bins,” this is a true thrift store in every sense of the word. In fact, it’s like the Costco of thrift stores. The Goodwill Outlet consists of a huge warehouse filled with—you guessed it—bins. Clothing is sold in bulk by the pound. There are bins filled with all types of clothes, shoes, knick knacks, toys and electronics. I even pulled out a tent while looking at some sweaters. The Bins can be a little bit intimidating because there is so much stuff to literally thrift through and it can get competitive, so don’t leave your cart unattended. They also have TVs, furniture and who knows what else. Your patience will be rewarded if you stay the course and sift through the piles of chaos, because it is possible to find neat things in them. Plus, you’ll be thrifting for a good cause; 83 percent of your sale goes to help others in need.

Value Village

18625 SE McLoughlin Blvd.             

Milwaukie, Ore.            

Mon–Saturday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.              

Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Value Village is a good place to go if you’re looking for a Halloween costume. They have many new and used options to choose from. They also have a variety of decorations to add a little spooky flair to your dorm room or apartment. They carry clothing for men, women, children and infants that is categorized by style, size and color to make browsing a little less overwhelming. Value Village also carries furniture and other household items. A fun fact to know is that they get a shipment of clothing in from Long Island, N.Y., once a week, so you can find some neat east-coast things.