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Garage Sales - Tips for Buyers

© Donna Dunn

The sky is blue, the wind is light, the dew is still on the grass. Time to pack up your kit and check out the garage sales.

I love garage and yard sales and if I could, I'd probably devote much of my time to the browsing and shopping and chatting that is so much a part of it. Fortunately however, I'm usually limited to one or two hours per week in the summer, and so I've learned to maximize my saling experience.

A good saler is always prepared. I start by making sure I'm comfortably dressed, including shoes that are fairly easy to take off and put on. Sometimes sales are held inside people's homes, and you may need to take off your shoes before entering. I also bring along a jacket or sweater, even if the weather seems fine when I start out.

Every good treasure hunt requires a map, and garage saling is no different. Even if you don't have a specific destination in mind, a map is a must. I have no sense of direction, so I bring a compass as well -- the map is useless if you can't find Due North.

Sometimes, but not always, I check local classified ads beforehand and highlight the sales I really want to visit. And sometimes I just cruise around looking for signs and posters.

I've gotten similar results using both methods, but if you're short of time and you are seeking specific items, it's probably best to check your local listings first.

I've found that estate and moving sales can be excellent sources for most household and yard goods, as well as collectibles. Sales located in older neighborhoods can also be great for collectible and hand-crafted items, while the newer neighborhoods are often a good bet for children's toys and clothes.

Sometimes sellers will run out of bags, or don't have wrapping supplies on-hand. It can be very helpful to BYOB - Bring Your Own Bags, and a couple of empty boxes and some old newspapers or towels as well. If the seller runs out of bags you'll be well-prepared, and you can also wrap your more fragile treasures so they don't break on your way home. And if you put your finds into the empty boxes, it will keep them from rolling around in the trunk of your car.

Saling can also be hard and thirsty work; I like to have something to nibble or sip while I'm trying to read my map. I bring my travel mug full of coffee or tea, and some light snacks.