I have gone to yard sales ever since I can remember. To me it is second nature to dig through people’s “junk”. I outfit my kids almost entirely through yard sales (and what I don’t find comes through thrift stores). That includes shoes. I think I have only bought 5 brand new pairs of shoes for my kids in the past 10 years. 
A decent part of my wardrobe comes through yard sales. It does not matter what size you are…you can find it at a yard sale! My home is decorated throughout with yard sale treasures. Even Christmas and birthday presents have been bought at yard sales.
However, I have heard the argument that yard sales are not worth it because of spending money on gas. Now with soaring gas prices, it may be a valid argument. I will give you some suggestions to still make yard sales “worth it”.
Location. I only go to yard sales that are neighborhood sales. Why? Because you can hit multiple yard sales by walking or driving short distances.
Participation. Not all neighborhood sales are created equal. There are some neighborhoods I don’t bother on venturing to. It may be a large development, but usually only 6 homes participate. I want a development that has at LEAST 10 homes participating.
Selection. Some neighborhood sales do not include many kid items. However, they may have a lot of antiques and household goods. What are you going after? If it is to outfit your kids, you do not want to choose a neighborhood with very little kid items for sale.
Appearance. I do NOT go to a neighborhood sale JUST because it is in a nice development. I have been to the nicest developments with the junkiest selections. I have also been to a less than attractive community with brand name clothes at great prices!
Remember. This is my number 1 tip. Pay attention to where you go. Did you find a home that is selling the perfect sizes at great prices? You want to make sure you “hit” that home the following year. Write it down if you can’t remember.
Do the same thing with community sales. Remember which neighborhoods you “hit the goldmine” in. Make sure to go back next year. That is not to say that some years are better than others. For example, my development yard sale is amazing. Usually about 60 homes participate. Some years I do better than others, BUT I always know I will find a few things.
Pricing. Wow. Do prices vary at yard sales. Last week, I found one where all movies were 10 cents!! The next door neighbor had theirs for $2 a piece. Get to know a good yard sale price. You know, kind of like the grocery store thing.
Day. You want go to the 1st day of a yard sale. If you can only yard sale on Saturdays, go the neighborhood sales that are only being held on Saturday first.
Time. If you never have gone to yard sales before, it may take you some time to figure out what is a good price. It will also take you time to look. It will also take you time to build up your kids wardrobe.
This is where I lose a lot of people in my persuasive encouragement. I typically can’t outfit my household in a half hour of shopping. However, since a lot of my “life” items come from yard sales (and thrifting) it is WELL worth my time. It is far cheaper for me to buy at yard sales versus a traditional store.
Plus, I love it. I absolutely LOVE it! I get so much satisfaction from finding the perfect vase for $1 at a yard sale. Yes, the $15 one at Target looks great, but anyone could go and buy that.
Yes, gas prices are soaring. In my opinion, it is more important to start shopping yard sales now more than ever! What about you? Do you yard sale?
Not only have I done yard sales lately, but also Junk days. My town has bulk pick up one a year and people throw out all sorts of good things. We call it pile riding and come home with junk. I love getting old wood picture frames this way. The picture is hideous, but the frame is great.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the appearance of the neighborhood not meaning anything! I find that the "wealthier" developments tend to think their junk is worth more! They have higher prices and they are not as willing to take your offer.
ReplyDeleteYard sales are great! I'm thinking that was a factor in your move to that development. They do have the biggest sale in my opinion.