Although the economy is slowly recovering, times are still a bit tough and people are always looking for ways to be savvier consumers. Gone are the days when you drove straight to the department store when you needed something new, and yard sale shopping is a great way to get household items at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a retail store. Every weekend in your city, people are selling both brand new and gently used household goods and clothing, and if you’ve never shopped at a yard sale you’re missing out on big savings.
Best Yard Sale Finds
People generally have yard sales to make a little cash by selling the stuff they never use. They’re looking to unload that toaster, still in its box, that they got at their wedding, or the clothes their kids have long outgrown. Here is a quick guide to some common items you can score easily at yard sales, in great condition and with a low price tag.
- Kitchen gadgets and appliances – People receive these as gifts, or purchase specialty items like pasta or ice cream makers, and only use them a couple of times. You can snag these items practically brand new.
- Tools – People love giving dads tools as gifts, and they often end up with multiples of the same tool.
- Children’s clothing – Kids outgrow clothing and shoes so quickly, and buying brand new duds for your kids when they’re young just doesn’t make good fiscal sense. Make sure you know your kid’s sizes and measurements, and pick up gently used clothing for them on the cheap.
- Small furniture – People often have yard sales when they’re moving, and they don’t have the room to transport some of their small furniture. Common finds are computer desks and chairs, small bookcases and accent furniture.
You would pay an arm and a leg for this stuff if you bought it all brand new. Spend a leisurely Saturday morning looking around at your local yard sales, and you’ll be surprised at the money you can save in the long run.
Tips for Bargain Hunters
A little thought and preparation can help you ensure that both your time and money are being spent wisely at yard sales. Spend a little time during the week reading ads for upcoming yard sales in the newspaper and online, and you’ll avoid wasting your day driving around hoping to stumble into a deal. Frequently, people belonging to churches or social groups pool their merchandise into large fund-raising sales. This is like several yard sales rolled into one, and it’s a great way to maximize time. To keep you focused on the task at hand, make a list of the items you’re looking for and the prices you’re willing to pay for them. It’s easy to get a little bargain happy and spend more money throughout the day than you intended.
When it comes to buying, don’t be shy about negotiation. No price tag is set in stone, and the person selling the item probably priced it a little high to allow for some haggling. When buying electric appliances, ask permission to plug in items to ensure that they work properly, and be certain that any item includes all its necessary parts.
Now that you’re armed with some great advice for getting the most for your dollar, you can join the ranks of smart shoppers who have fun and save money at yard sales.
Emma Martin is an avid garage sales fan, regularly scouring her city for unique finds and great deals. Weirdest thing she ever bought at a yard sale: a dinner plate with George W. Bush’s picture covering it. She is a content contributor for Yard Sale Search.
