As I look around my living room, I can count on one hand the items I have bought brand-new from a store. The rest of the items are second-hand, thrifted or garage sale finds. My friends often marvel at how I find such things at garage sales, and I decided that I would share some of my garage sale tips with you all!
- Go early to get what you want; but go late to find a good deal. If you are looking for a double jogging stroller, set your alarm and head out early on a Saturday morning to garage sales. In this case, the early bird truly does get the worm, but you will most likely pay for it! If you are looking for mason jars for your best friends wedding, head out late when people are just trying to get rid of their stuff!
- Have a garage sale “wishlist”. I have this empty spot in my bedroom that is just DYING for a comfy recliner or a loveseat. I’ve seen many in the stores, some that are even decently priced for a brand-new chair. However, I have a chair or loveseat on my garage sale wishlist and I will not give up until I find it! Other items that I have had on my wishlist in the past are: double jogging stroller, a bike trailer, a dining room table/chairs, and a baby bouncy seat!
- Don’t just buy because it’s cheap. This is my biggest garage sale weakness! I want to snatch it up because it’s only $2 bucks! But, really? Will I ever actually use it? Probably not. So I have learned to just say no!
- Bargain, Bargain, Bargain! There might be price tags on all the items, but make sure that you ask if they will go any lower on the price. Offer to buy two shirts for $8 instead of the original price of $10.
- Check out your local garage sale listings before heading out. There are many websites and Facebook pages that will list local garage sales. In the Dayton area, we have Craigslist, Beavercreek Bargains, Wright Patt Area Classifieds, Fairborn Garage Sale Advertising, and our local newspapers.
- Hit up Community Garage Sales! My absolute favorite garage sale tip is to find community garage sales! I have two little ones in carseats, and I find it easiest to unload them ONCE, walk around the entire neighborhood and hit up many garage sales in the process!
