Shopping at the Goodwill Bins is different from browsing the racks at a regular thrift store. At these outlet locations, shoppers search through large bins of donated merchandise, and clothing is typically sold by the pound rather than priced individually.
The low prices can make the hunt worthwhile, but reaching into a pile of secondhand items comes with a few things to watch out for. One item worth bringing every time is a sturdy pair of gloves.
Why gloves belong on your Goodwill Bins shopping list
In an interview with The U.S. Sun, Box, who co-owns Box Boy Vintage in Joplin, Missouri, recommended wearing durable gloves when searching through the bins. He suggested the kind sold at hardware stores, rather than thin disposable gloves.
The reason is simple: you can’t always see what’s buried beneath a pile of clothing. A sharp object tucked into a pocket or mixed in with donations could cause an injury if you reach in with bare hands. Gloves also provide a barrier between your skin and items that may be dirty.
Bring hand sanitizer and consider wearing a mask
Gloves aren’t the only things worth bringing to the Goodwill Bins. Keep hand sanitizer handy for after you’ve finished digging through the merchandise, especially before eating or touching your face. A mask may also be useful if you’re sensitive to dust, which can get stirred up as shoppers sort through piles of clothing.
