Getting Ready for Garage Sale Season!

Today it is 70 degrees out!!! I can't believe it.  Friday will be 40.  Again.  But let's not think about that.  We are 20 degrees above normal today (in Indiana) and it's got me thinking garage sale time.

Well not yet.

But soon.

And I.Can.Not.Wait.

Do you garage sale?  I love it.  The finding.  The bargaining (usually not...but this year I am going to break out of my shell and try).  The re purposing.  All on a budget.  My favorite part. {One day I'll find that gem that's worth like $5,000 and pay $1} :)

I found this list of garage sale buying tips.  Time to get ready!

1. There are two types of garage sales: the ones where people want to make money and the ones where people want to get rid of stuff. The latter are best for finding deals.
2. For maximum efficiency, map out your route. This is only for the truly hardcore.
3. If at all possible, leave the kids at home. If you must bring children with you, make sure to bring plenty of snacks. Allow the older children an allowance to find bargains of their own.
4. Be prepared. Wear cool, comfortable clothes. Bring lots of change and dollar bills. Keep your money in your pockets, not your purse. Bring a tote bag.
5. When you find something you’re not sure you want, pick it up and carry it with you while you continue to look. This prevents somebody else from finding it while you’re trying to decide.
6. Always ask politely if the seller will reduce the price. Beware: sometimes the prices are so low that it seems impolite to ask for less.
7. If there is something you really want, but the seller is asking more than you want to pay, offer a lower price. If they say no, leave your name and number in case they change their mind.
8. Check items for hard-to-see tears, stains, and breakage. Better safe than sorry.
9. It is best to go early, but don’t panic if you can’t. The best stuff is available at the start of a sale, but the best deals can be had later in the day when the seller is tired and nonplused about carrying everything back into the house.
10. If you don’t have success in one part of town, try somewhere else the next time. Sometimes the best garage sale neighborhoods are the ones you don’t expect.

All of the above tips are great. One other important tip is to search craigslist for garage sale information. Craigslist offers a list of garage sales in your city, often with a preview of the most desireable items. It’s easy to plan a morning of garage-saling with craigslist.

This was found here.

What was your best garage sale find?