Moving into a new apartment can be exciting, but the reality of furnishing it can quickly drain your bank account. Between the security deposit and the first month of rent, there is often very little left over for a brand new couch or dining table. You want a space that feels like home without taking on credit card debt. The smartest solution for thrifty renters in central Iowa is to shop second-hand. Buying used furniture in Des Moines is the best way to find high-quality pieces on a strict...

Des Moines has a massive and constantly changing second-hand shopping scene. Whether you are a college student furnishing your first apartment, a parent buying back-to-school clothes, or a shopper committed to sustainable fashion, knowing exactly where to go is half the battle. Not all second-hand shops in Des Moines carry the same type of inventory. To help you plan a successful shopping route, we have broken down the best thrift stores in the metro based on what you are actually looking...

Karmen Brown, store manager of Many Hands Market in Spencer, Iowa, announces her retirement in the fall of 2024.