Most people don't realize what's happening to thrift stores and estate sales right now.

Most people don't realize what's happening to thrift stores and estate sales right now. Baby boomers are downsizing in record numbers — which means entire households' worth of stuff are entering the secondhand market via thrift stores, estate sales, and auction houses. BUSINESS INSIDER The Boomer Stuff Avalanche Millennials are about to be crushed by all the junk their parents accumulated. These places are full of the kind of things that either aren't made anymore, or are way too expensive to afford new: high-quality silverware, furniture, clothing. I've written about and spoken to media outlets at length about this thrifting golden age — I'm genuinely convinced we're entering the biggest opportunity the secondhand market has seen in decades. But you have to know what to look for. Before you check a maker's mark, look at the shape. I'm always scanning for figural sculptures, waterfall furniture with rounded edges, midcentury tulip or pedestal bases, and heavy marble tables with clean, modern shapes. Part of "knowing what to look for" is recognizing names before you check the price tag. These brands show up more than people realize at thrift stores and estate sales, and are worth grabbing when they do. Maitland-Smith Sarreid Henredon Directional Arthur Court Bernhardt Lane Founders Furniture Brown Saltman John Widdicomb Mastercraft Stiffel Chapman Frederick Cooper Other stuff worth hunting for: Solid wood furniture with real joinery Sterling silver and silverware Clothing made from wool, silk, linen, and real leather Original art You can still buy all of this new, but usually not at thrift-store prices. That gap between quality and price is the real opportunity here. I wrote a book about thrifting; I'm constantly rounding up the keywords I search, the brands I look for, and the cool stuff I find. Give me a follow. I can teach you.