By: Chris Stead

So, you want to Goth up your house but you are running on a tight budget? Do you think that this is an impossible task? I say absolutely not! This is exactly what thrift stores were made for! Now before you go out and start shopping wildly for anything and everything that you can find for near nothing at the thrift stores there are a few things that you need to know in preparation.

First off, there are thrift stores and then there are thrift stores. Not all of them are created equal. Some stores specialize in furniture while others specialize in clothing while even others specialize random stuff. There is no particular name for any of these shops, so any of them could and generally labeled thrift stores.

With this in mind the first thing that you should do is research the stores in your area. Most people are only aware of the biggest of the thrift stores around, like Goodwill or Salvation Army but there are always small independently run shops that people tend to overlook. Find all the stores, talk around, and narrow your search before you actually head out and start walking the aisles.

Generally you will have more luck at independently run stores. More often the prices are better and the selection is not as picked over. Don’t completely rule out the major stores, just bear in mind that you may not find as much.

Never go to a store with a certain item in mind. You are almost guaranteed to be disappointed. If you are looking for something, keep an open mind. There are many things that you will find that may fit the bill with a little bit of work. When you are trying to decorate on a budget then you have to keep in mind that if you are trying to stay within a budget then you will need to do a lot of your own work.

If you are looking for small things you are more likely to have success if you are looking for small things. If you have a budget of just a few dollars then you can easily find pillows and cheap fabric that you can use to dress up what you already have.