How to Safely Thrift at Goodwill During COVID-19

The last three months have felt like three years. It’s hard to believe that our world changed in such a short period.

As an avid thrifter and Goodwill shopper, staying away from thrift stores due to the pandemic was tough. Like many other passionate thrifters, thrifting is like a form of therapy for me. Hunting for deals, sifting through racks, and digging for treasures is my favorite hobby, so you can probably imagine the withdraws I went through going months without stepping foot in a Goodwill store. 

While a lot of people will argue that thrift stores are not an essential business, I disagree. Goodwills around the country provide employment opportunities and no-cost career services to individuals in need. As a reseller, I also see the argument of shoppers whose livelihood depends on shopping at Goodwill for inventory.

A few weeks ago, I decided to return to my happiest place on Earth and try shopping Goodwill’s weekly dollar day sale. I have to say, I was amazed by how the stores were handling the new protocols. The store's capacity was limited to 50 percent (although it’s usually much lonelier in there), carts are being sanitized between customers, and shoppers and employees were (for the most part) wearing a mask. 

Whether you’re a reseller shopping for inventory or thrifter hunting for a good deal, there are ways you can safely thrift at your local Goodwill during the Coronavirus pandemic. Below are my top tips on how to safely thrift at Goodwill during COVID-19. 

Keep your mask on

I don’t know how medical professionals do it. I hate wearing a face mask. It might be because I get claustrophobic easily, but having my mouth and nose covered is not fun. Unfortunately, it’s the new normal, and something I choose to do for the good of myself and those around me. If you can, please wear a mask inside a Goodwill or any public space. And if you do, please keep it on, a mask doesn’t work if it’s covering your neck and not your mouth and nose.

Regularly sanitize your hands

There’s a huge taboo around thrift stores, especially in our current climate. I think there are as many germs in a grocery store as there are in a thrift store. Yes, thrift stores are full of used items, but it doesn’t mean they carry the virus. According to the CDC, hand hygiene, which includes the use of alcohol-based hand rub or hand washing, is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens and infections.

You can always choose to wear plastic gloves instead (which I’ve done), but remember to avoid touching your face, as this defeats the purpose of the gloves.

Keep a safe distance

One of the reasons I was skeptical about shopping at Goodwill during the pandemic is avoiding close contact with other shoppers. Fortunately, stores have remained at low capacity, and avoiding shoppers has been easy for me to do. My rule of thumb is that if someone is in an aisle, I avoid it and shop around elsewhere. I can always return when it’s safe to do so. I’ve found that other thrifters have been just as respectful of my space during this time.

I hope the 6-feet rule stays forever!

Avoid touching unnecessary objects

Of course, you can’t thrift without touching inventory, but during these crazy times, you can make an effort to avoid touching EVERYTHING. One thing I’ve done since returning to Goodwill is only reaching for items, I have interest in. Whether its shoes or household items, I avoid touching unnecessarily. I also avoid touching my phone throughout my shopping trip. If I do have to use it, I make sure to sanitize my hands before doing so to avoid the spread of germs.

Wash and sanitize items

This should go without saying because you should wash and/or sanitize your items regardless of where you purchase them, but this step is especially important during these uncertain times. For clothes, steaming has been proven to kill up to 99 percent of germs. If you don’t have a steamer, washing them does the trick. For other items like furniture and home décor, take the time to deep clean and sanitize each piece. It’ll kill the germs and give you peace of mind.

Like with many things in life, creating rules and guidelines for yourself during these times is relative. It all depends on your needs, lifestyle, and values. If you’re not ready to step foot into a thrift store yet, there’s no rush. Goodwill will be there when you’re ready. If you are, remember to do everything in your power to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy.

Stay safe and healthy! 

XO,

Elizabeth