Last updated on: May 2024
Garage sales can be a treasure trove of unexpected finds. It's easy to get swept away by the thrill of the hunt and end up with a car full of things you don't actually need. A little bit of planning can make all the difference, turning your garage sale adventures into rewarding experiences.
As your friendly pro organizer, I'm here to help you shop smarter to avoid adding clutter. But who doesn't love a good bargain? Let's equip you with the tools to find those gems that truly enhance your life and make the most of those garage sale adventures.
10 Tips That Enhance Your Garage Sale Shopping Experience
- Plan your route. Finding stellar deals at garage sales (or yard sales) takes some planning. Sometimes you can get lucky, but when you have a plan, the process can be fruitful and enjoyable.
- Tip: create a Google Map (or whatever virtual GPS map you use) of all the places you wan to go and save it. Just type in the address, pin it and save that map to your favorites. When you are ready to start your drive, it will give you an estimate of how long the route will take and where to go next.
- Be prepared. Here is a check list of things to get ready before you head out.
- Make a list of things you are looking for.
- Fuel up your car.
- Arrive early, if possible.
- Eat breakfast or bring snacks.
- Bring water/hydrate.
- Take batteries if you can (AAA, AA, A, C, D, etc).
- Have cash (smaller bills and change if possible).
- Bring bungee cords or a rope to hold down larger items.
- Bring a measuring tape.
- Bring tools to disassemble larger items.
- Ask! Just because you don't see an item you are looking for, doesn't mean it isn't there. Ask the seller if they have what you are looking for.
- Go back at the end of the day. If you are patient and willing to run the risk of something being sold AND you have the time, make another round at the end of the day when the sale is about to end. Chance are, you'll find some items for free.
- Test it! This is one is very important. Hopefully, the seller has an extension cord and batteries for their electronics (if you are a seller, read this handy article “Garage Sale Tips: How to Make the Most out of Your Sale” on how to be prepared to sell your stuff). If the seller does not, then you are buying at your own risk.
- Negotiate. Everything at a garage sale (yard sale) is open for negotiation (it's sort of an adopted rule), so feel free to ask for a different prize. Their goal is to get rid of their stuff and make money. Your goal is to buy an item at the lowest price. Never be afraid to ask!
- Buy in bundles. Sellers are (almost) always willing to give you a better deal when you buy multiple items.
- Pro tip: If you are buying a bigger item and also smaller items, buy the bigger item full price and then negotiate the smaller items. Chance are, you'll save in the long run by getting a really good deal on the smaller items.
- Pro tip: an item is valuable if it has a purpose in your life. If it's just going to sit there, then it has no purpose (example of something having a purpose are: does it make you happy? will you use it? does it make a good gift? etc.)
- Helpful questions to ask yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Could this be a nice gift?
- Can I resell it? and will I actually resell it?
- Where will I put it?
Any other tips you'd add to the list? How often do you go to a garage sale?
Kindly, Stephanie
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