7 Tips for Great Garage Sale Shopping
Find yard sale gold without losing your mind!
Hope you don’t mind, but I, Lisa, needed a change of pace. We are happy to provide great painting info, but I needed a break. “Please, call us to paint your home.” There, now I can continue.
I was never much of a garage sale shopper until I was pregnant with our first child. I avoided garage sales like the plague. I absolutely hated the idea of pawing through grandma’s old drapes, chipped casserole pans, and porcelain cat figurines to maybe find something good. It seemed like a tedious waste of a Saturday and a test of my sanity.
My perspective changed when I saw the price tags on new baby gear. I couldn’t believe it! My sister, by this time, was a seasoned garage sale diva who offered to go with me to find deals to deck out our home. Reluctantly I joined her. Over that summer we bought a full year of baby clothes and 75% of our “necessary” baby gear at garage sales for under $300. I was hooked. We became experts…fast. I have hit garage sales every year since to find things for my kids.
Garage sales can be dangerous. If you are easily distracted or unspecific you could wind up taking stuff home that isn’t needed, that cool, or something you end up giving to the thrift store. It may only have cost you a few dollars, but that’s still a waste of money.
I don’t dilly-dally. I strategize and hit each sale with a purpose. Here are my tips for finding garage sale gold without losing your mind.
TIP #1: The early bird gets the worm…or at least the good stuff.
Going early in the day will give you greater chances of finding the items you want before someone else does. Most garage sales start between 7-8 am. I usually plan to leave my house by 6:30 or 7 am depending on the sales I plan to hit. Great furniture and baby stuff in great condition go first!
Tip #2: Get an app on your smart phone or comb Craigslist to find sales.
I use an app called Yard Sale Mapper. It is free on iTunes. This app combs Craigslist posts, local papers, and other print promotion for sales and pins them on a map. Most people who are really looking to sell stuff will promote their sale. And, looking for closely grouped pins will help you find community garage sales. (More on community sales next.) Taking a little time to find sales that list items you want will save you time and frustration.
Tip #3: Always shop community sales. But pick your neighborhoods carefully.
Community sales are wonderful! I love driving down streets with lots of sales happening at once. It’s a huge time saver. In fact, unless I research a stand-alone sale that seems to have a lot of great items, I will ONLY shop community sales. And choose your neighborhoods carefully. Stick to the nicer neighborhoods for nicer stuff. Disposable income makes for some pretty great merchandise.
Tip #4: Make a specific list of the items you’re looking to buy.
People don’t always put junk or valuable antiques out. Lots are moving, downsizing, done having babies, have kids outgrowing things, etc. You can find some pretty good stuff. Staying specific will keep you from feeling pressure to buy something you don’t love just because it’s available. Or it will help you know what items you need to snag immediately if your search has been tough so far. Items I usually find in good condition are:
- baby clothes
- toddler clothes up to 5T (at least for boys—they wear stuff out!)
- newborn gear like swings, boppy, bumbos, cradles, changing tables, blankets, unopened pacifiers, strollers, car seats (just be careful here), pack-n-plays, kid dishes, toys, kid chairs…the list goes on and on.
- Lawn care items like grass seed, fertilizer, lawn mowers, weed whackers, etc.
- Furniture
- Sports and exercise equipment
- Camping equipment
- Mirrors, lamps, and décor
Tip #5: Make a budget. Plan to pay about 30% or less than retail for each item.
This will gently encourage you to stick to your list or make decisions about what you really want. And it will help you negotiate. If you want the cow hide rug that is marked for $100 FIRM and you only have $80 left you can do your best to make a deal. If they don’t budge, it wasn’t meant to be.
Tip #6: Gather your supplies no later than the evening before.
You will be getting up early so the less you have to do the better.
- Fill up the car with fuel
- Empty the car and lay flat seats in the back
- Get CASH. Nobody in their right mind will take your check. And those $50 bills are cute and all, but will tick off your garage sale person who may kick you off their driveway. So pull out cash in small bills so you can give exact change whenever possible.
- Gather bags (several trash bags and lots of grocery bags). It’s also helpful to have a couple empty boxes so you can put oddly shaped or breakable things in a safe place.
- Have water, sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate clothing ready to go.
- Pack a snack and water so you can power through the whole morning.
Tip #7: If you have small kids, leave them at home with someone you trust. If you have a fun friend, bring them along.
I am all for having kids. I think older kids can be help with decision making and can learn the value of buying used versus new. But with little ones I find I can’t move as fast. They have pressing needs and need constant supervision. I enjoy shopping more when they are at home with Dad. I love going shopping with friends. They are great to laugh with when you find weird items, they can be spotters so you don’t have to stop at every sale, and they can help you load the car.
So, get out there and give garage and yard sales a shot! You might be surprised how well you do.
Do you have any helpful garage sale shopping tips?
We recently painted a fireplace for a homeowner and it completely transformed the space. Check it out!
If you’re thinking of painting your fireplace here are a few tips:
For inspiration, check out our Pinterest Board: Painted Fireplaces.
