Why Preparation Matters
A trip to a bin store is not like a regular shopping trip. You are going to be digging through large bins full of unsorted merchandise, standing for extended periods, and making rapid decisions about what to buy. The shoppers who consistently find the best deals are the ones who come prepared. This checklist covers everything you need to bring — and a few things you should leave at home.
Essential Items to Bring
Your Smartphone (Fully Charged)
Your phone is your most important tool at a bin store. You will use it to:
- Scan barcodes: Use the Amazon, eBay, or Google Lens app to quickly look up products and check their retail value before buying.
- Check reviews: A quick Google search can tell you whether a product is well-reviewed or commonly reported as defective.
- Compare prices: Verify that the item is actually a good deal at the bin store's daily price.
- Take photos: Photograph items you are considering so you can look them up more thoroughly later, or share finds with friends and family.
Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave home. Bin store trips can last one to three hours, and constant scanning drains your battery fast. Consider bringing a portable charger or power bank as backup.
Reusable Shopping Bags or Boxes
Most bin stores provide basic shopping bags or carts, but bringing your own large, sturdy bags or collapsible boxes has major advantages:
- You can carry more items without juggling.
- Sturdy bags protect fragile finds from getting crushed.
- Reusable bags with flat bottoms stand upright, making it easier to sort and organize as you shop.
- IKEA-style blue bags (the large reusable totes) are a favorite among experienced bin store shoppers because they are huge, durable, and easy to carry.
Gloves
This one surprises first-timers, but gloves are highly recommended for bin store shopping. Here is why:
- Bins contain broken packaging, exposed staples, and sharp plastic edges that can cut your hands.
- Liquid products sometimes leak inside bins, creating a mess.
- Gloves let you dig deeper and more aggressively without worrying about what you are touching.
Thin work gloves or nitrile gloves work well. Avoid thick winter gloves — you need enough dexterity to pick up small items and operate your phone.
Hand Sanitizer or Wipes
Even if you wear gloves, bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes. Bins can be dusty, and you will want to clean your hands before eating, touching your face, or getting in your car.
Cash and a Payment Method
Most bin stores accept credit and debit cards, but some smaller locations are cash-only or offer a discount for cash payments. Bring both to be safe. Having small bills is especially helpful if the store has a minimum card purchase amount.
Recommended but Optional
A Portable Phone Charger
If you plan to scan a lot of barcodes (especially resellers), a portable charger ensures your phone does not die mid-trip. A compact 5,000mAh power bank is enough for a full shopping session.
Comfortable Shoes
You will be on your feet for one to three hours, often standing in one spot while you sort through a bin. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good support. Avoid sandals or flip-flops — items sometimes fall out of bins and you do not want something heavy landing on exposed toes.
A Water Bottle and Snacks
Bin store shopping is surprisingly physical. Bring water to stay hydrated, especially if you are shopping in the summer or if the store lacks air conditioning. A small snack bar in your pocket can be a lifesaver during a long session.
A Small Flashlight or Phone Light
Some bin stores have uneven lighting, and the bottom of deep bins can be hard to see. Using your phone's flashlight or a small keychain light helps you spot items at the bottom that other shoppers miss.
A Measuring Tape
If you are shopping for items that need to fit a specific space (like storage containers, small furniture pieces, or organizers), a small retractable measuring tape is invaluable. Your phone's AR measuring app can also work in a pinch.
What to Wear
Your clothing choices matter more than you might think:
- Dress in layers: Bin stores can be hot or cold depending on the season and whether they have climate control. Layers let you adjust.
- Avoid loose jewelry or dangling accessories: Necklaces, bracelets, and lanyards can catch on bin edges or product packaging.
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty: Bins are not pristine environments. Dust, leaked products, and cardboard residue can transfer to your clothing.
- Skip the bulky coat: If possible, leave heavy winter coats in the car. They restrict your movement and make it harder to reach into deep bins.
What to Leave at Home
Equally important is knowing what not to bring:
- Large purses or backpacks: Many bin stores prohibit large bags to prevent theft. Bring a small crossbody bag or keep your essentials in your pockets.
- Young children (if possible): Bin stores can be chaotic and potentially unsafe for small children. Sharp edges, falling products, and crowds create hazards. If you must bring kids, keep them close and in a stroller if they are small enough.
- A rigid shopping list: Bin stores are not the place to shop for specific items. Come with categories in mind, not exact products. Flexibility is the key to a successful bin store trip.
Quick Reference Checklist
Print this or screenshot it before your next bin store visit:
- Smartphone (fully charged)
- Scanning app installed (Amazon Seller, eBay, or Google Lens)
- Reusable bags or collapsible box
- Thin work gloves or nitrile gloves
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Cash and card
- Portable phone charger
- Water bottle
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Layers you do not mind getting dusty
Being prepared does not guarantee you will find an amazing deal, but it does guarantee you will be comfortable, efficient, and ready to act fast when something great turns up in the bins.