Why estate sales are your new best friend

I have a love/hate relationship with estate sales. Sometimes, they’re incredible. For example, I bought these adorable Norman Rockwell pictures for $1 a piece at an estate sale.

Norman Rockwell pictures= $1

And this adorable, handmade casserole holder for $0.50.

Precious handmade casserole holder. The sweet lady who was downsizing her home made this and it’s just perfect.

But occasionally, I’ll come to an estate sale where I seriously. cannot. understand. your. life. I don’t mean the people that acquired all the stuff and for whatever reason (it’s not always death) are now selling their stuff. I mean the businesses that run the estate sale. I mean, I guess it is a business and they are trying to make money. But still. I saw an awesome piece of pottery at an estate sale recently. Guess how much?? $120. Like seriously?!?

Now, I’m not saying it wasn’t once worth $120 or even more. It was perfectly crafted and so beautiful. BUUUUUT. This is an estate sale where you’re literally trying to get rid of everything in the house. It ain’t happenin.

So, I get strangely excited about estate sales. Will it be a good one? Expensive? Horrendous? No one can know. Unless you’re awesome. Here’s how to be awesome:

1. Go to www.estatesales.net
2. Search your area and make a list of all the estate sales you could possibly go to this weekend (or whenever you have time). MAKE SURE TO WRITE DOWN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY THAT IS HOLDING THE SALE! I’ll get to that later.
3. Go to them! Have fun! Preferably, choose sales that are relatively close by so you can go on Thursday (usually the 1^st day) and again on Saturday (usually the last day). Many companies will sell everything for 50% on Saturday. You may be asking- well why don’t I just go on Saturday?? Keep reading. I’ll tell ya.
4. After your weekend of exploring different sales, critique the businesses. Ask yourself the following:
   1. Were their prices reasonable the first day? The last day?
   2. Were they willing to bundle (offer you a deal if you bought a lot of stuff)?
   3. How was the customer service?

You’ll notice certain estate sale businesses are worth attending, and others are not. Don’t waste time at the ones you know won’t deliver. I will not be attending any estate sales by the business with the $120 pottery NOR will I attend one held by the business that was terribly rude to M and me one time.

Here’s what I suggest as far as when to go: If you have the luxury, go on Thursday (usually the first day). You can scope out what they have and if you see something you really love, go ahead and buy it. If you can wait, however, until Saturday (usually the last day), you may be able to get half off or some awesome bundle deals. Beware though! If you wait until Saturday, you may miss something perfectly wonderful. It’s risky, I know.

I recently went to an awesome estate sale (put on by my favorite business). Since it’s summer (Only 16 days left for teacherfolk in this area. I will not cry, I will not cry…), Sr. and I were able to go on Thursday and again on Saturday. Check  out the awesome goodies we discovered:

$4 at estate sale

This is an awful fabric piece of art (?) with geese (?). It’s 3 feet by 4 feet and is just awful, but it only cost $1 and has a wooden frame that is perfect for reusing. The sheets on top of it cost $0.50 a piece. I’m working on redoing this for my sister’s new apartment…post coming soon 🙂

Old wooden ladder, $10

I am sooo excited about this project 🙂

I’m thinking something like this for the wooden ladder. Thoughts?

3 containers, filled with goodies. Each container cost $2

Our spoils. Details below.

100 file folders= $0.25

4 books for my middle schoolers= $4

4 rulers= $1

100 assorted cards/envelopes= $1.25

Box of 30 tubes of watercolor and paint brushes for good friends= $5

Watering can= $3

Milk glass vase= $0.50

Rusted cheese grater (for project, not grating cheese. Not trying to kill myself)= $0.50

Bag of kid scissors= $0.75

Helmet= $4

Not pictured:

Sabre saw= $15

Extension cord= $4

Heavy-duty measuring tape= $4

I didn’t buy these, but here’s a look at some of the other things we could have bought at this sale, just to give you an idea of how awesome these sales are!

Each pot was $1 or less.

One of the tables displaying their glassware, all reasonably priced.

One of the boxes of picture frames. All frames $1

Roll top desk=$35. Would be perfect for painting and finishing.

Do you have any treasures from estate sales? Do share. 

Also…

This is just cute. Nothing to do with estate sales.

Piggy back ride. Again, not related to estate sales at all.

Wood project?

WE GOT A NEW FENCE. So. Excited. Sr. and I have a wonderful home…but the yard is janky. Forreal. The owners before us kindly left us the following: chain link fence, completed wooden fence, partial wooden fence, chicken coop (whaat?), brick, flagstone, and all sorts of bizarre fixtures throughout the yard. Needless to say, it needed (still needs) some MAJOR updates. So, we’re slowly but surely attempting to improve it.

Today, we came one step closer to my dream of magical backyard times by installing a new, complete, perfect fence. This may be a (kinda) DIY blog, but we definitely didn’t DIO (ourselves, duh). We’re not quite yet at the huge fence building level of handiness.

New fence!

Yep. They’re going to love it.

Anyway, the pups are happy.I know because Riley peed on it (as close as she could, at least). But really, Riley’s always happy. Unfortunately for her, she can’t climb this one like the chain link we previously had. Yep. That monster actually escaped (multiple times) by climbing the fence. She had a little help from a stump, but still. She climbed it.

What is this face Fin is making? So regal/special. Bless his heart.

Perfect puppy watching seat. Also good for being eaten by mosquitos.

Another plus: We have tons of leftover wood the builders so graciously left. My wonderful sister, Kitten Sorceress, made this AMAZING/practical/perfect bottle opener with salvaged wood:

Obviously, we use it often.

If we didn’t already have one, I would make it. But, she’s awesome and did it first. If you’re interested in making one, here’s a great tutorial.

Not sure what project I’ll do with all my leftover wood, but here are a few ideas I love on Pinterest:

Horse gate hanger

Wallpaper on wood

Beer carrier– this looks a wee bit complicated, but I know Sr. would LOVE it. Beer people.

And really ANYTHING at this awesome website (another FunkyJunk Interiors project- this lady is awesome!)

What do y’all suggest? What project should I tackle next?

Top 5 Most Common Garage Sale Finds

There are certain things I can almost guarantee you will find at a garage sale. Take advantage of the overflowing abundance and great prices on these top 5 most common garage sale items:

1.  Baskets.

If I’ve seen one basket, I’ve seen 87 million. Seriously. Where did all these baskets come from? Is basketweaving really a college class like they told me at the best school ever? Perhaps. Well, the old lady in me loves them. I would organize my whole house with baskets if my sweet husband, Sr., would let me (I don’t think he’s too keen on the woven beauties, which is understandable. I guess).

Anyway, I love ‘em, dust and all (You must learn to accept the dust you inevitably find at garage sales. You can easily clean it up- blog post coming soon about cleaning your finds). And you should, too. Here’s why:

-You can usually get them for around $1 a piece, which is waaay better than buying an organizer at the store

-You can literally use them anywhere in your house. For example:

We keep our kitchen linens in this cute basket

All things coffee go in this basket that I got for $2 at a garage sale.

$1 basket for the staples we use most often, a.k.a. olive oil. Every. Day.

My leftover fabrics and yarn are stored in these matching baskets.

-If you need multiple baskets and you’re really fun (read: OCD), you could always spray-paint multiple baskets the same color. Add a ribbon and a tag and you’ve joined the Pinterest hall of fame.

2. Old drinking glasses

Billions. I know there are billions of drinking glasses (probably in my neighborhood alone) collecting dust for the inevitable garage sale. Take advantage of this bounty and get creative. You could…

-Create an eclectic mix of drinking glasses for your own kitchen (or as a gift)

We haphazardly stumbled upon our own eclectic mix of glasses. I love them all.

-Use the glasses to store tall veggies in the fridge

-Use shot glasses to store toothpicks

-Make your own cake or cupcake stand with an old glass and two old plates

3. Books

Read them. Decorate with them. Read them again. Share them. That’s all.

I’m currently reading:

A History of the Western Educational Experience (not my choice #gradschool)

Harry Potter. Always.

 

4. Picture Frames

Pinterest is a virtual minefield of projects involving picture frames. Find a frame, buy it, paint it, and boom- you’re a genius and you saved lots-o-money. In regular people stores (I’m not one anymore- too spoiled by thrifting) picture frames are expensive. Even an ugly picture frame at a garage sale can look brand new with a coat of paint. Not only will you save money, you can customize the color of your frames.

Anywayyy, here are a few of my favorite picture frame projects at my house:

My grandfather and I made this frame a few months before he passed away. Now, I’ve added twine and clothespins so I can easily change out the pictures.

Excuse the poor quality. It’s super dark in the hall where this is placed. Anyway, I love this. I saw it on Pinterest and made it right after we got married. It’s so exciting to see what Sr. will write next 🙂

And online:

—Frame Wall

—Heart Map frame

The possibilities are endless. Do a quick search of Pinterest for picture frames to get inspired.

5. VHS Tapes

This was a tough one. I can almost guarantee that I will see a VHS tape at a sale. Really. Rescue the poor people who wanna let that Buns of Steel VHS go and buy it. But don’t overpay (see here for tips on haggling)! Buy a few of these and repurpose them into something fantastic. You could probably strike a really good deal. I’m thinking- 4 for $1? Maybe less? I’ll try this weekend and let you know.

As a teacher, I recommend using them for storing pencils, pens, paper clips, etc. Make them more aesthetically pleasing by switching out the original cover art with some pretty scrapbook paper.

Here’s how I repurposed some of my old VHS tapes.

Mulan is the best. Unfortunately, we don’t even have a VHS player anymore, so this tape is just collecting dust.

Using pretty scrapbook paper and some scissors, this VHS can become a pretty storage container for all sorts of goodies.

To begin, pull out the old cover. Bye Mulan 😦

Using the old cover as a template, trace an outline onto your pretty new paper. Also, please excuse how weird my fingers look. Gross.

Once you’ve cut it out, you’re almost done! It’s so easy, it’s ridiculous.

Push that sucker down into the tape cover.

You did it! Cute, functional, and cheap. Upcycle=accomplished.

I’m going to use these this year in my classroom to store colored pencils, glue sticks, and scissors. Yes.

If you’re not crazy enough to teach, use them around your house for storage. When we were little, my mom hid an emergency fund of money in a Barney VHS tape. It was so sneaky and I loved it. Who would ever think to take our Barney VHS tape?!? No one! We beat those sneaky robbers (cuz every burglar wants to raid a collection of Disney VHS tapes, right? #everychildsfear).

**NOTE: MOM- Please remove emergency fund from Barney tape IMMEDIATELY. I accidentally just told the Internet our secret. Sorry.

On your garage sale adventures, what do you see most often? Any repurposing ideas?

COMING SOON: Three chairs. Reupholstering. Less than $20. It’s magic, y’all.

Puppy Toy Storage

Riley joined our family in June after we found her at a rescue organization. See adorable picture below from adoption day.

Happy adopted puppy. Her original name was “Strudel.” No.

So. Precious.

With her adoption came the obvious next step: buy more dog toys! You know you do it. How can you not? Besides, we knew Finley would enjoy some new toys as well.

There was only one problem. Toys were literally everywhere. Under the couch. On the couch. Inside the couch (I’m exaggerating a wee bit. They’re not actually allowed on the furniture but I think Finley sneaks when we’re in the kitchen).

EVERYWHERE. TOYS.

Anyway, needless to say, I needed somethin real fast-like. Unfortunately, as I will occasionally complain about throughout this blog, adding something to your “TO FIND AT GARAGE SALE” does not magically make said item appear at your next garage sale adventure.

Thankfully, I just so happened to be saling (as I will hereby refer to going to garage sales) with my dear friend, M. She is a warrior at sales, upcycling, and anything antique. She recently found the cutest place nearby that sells the most gorgeous antiques, custom-made furniture, and goodies. The best part: they are very reasonably priced, which is good because I’m not going if it’s expensive. I’m spoiled now by garage sales. It’s hard, y’all.

So, after circling the store about 27 times, I finally decided on the perfect antique crate for my dog toys. I loved the practicality of the piece, but it obviously had to match my house. Duh. With a $5 price tag, I couldn’t beat it.

Riley’s not impressed.

Now it’s filled with toys that my happy pups drag out each day. Still working on getting the pups to put them back in the crate though…

Waiting “patiently” to get the toys BACK out after I put them up for these photos.

Where do you keep your dog toys? Can your furbabies put away their toys? Share your ways, Master.

-Tea

Garage Sale Master

Fail-proof tips for becoming a master at garage saling (new word, k?). 

Garage Sale Tip #1: Cash Money

Garage sale holders do not accept credit cards. And if they do, then you probably shouldn’t be there. Get your cash THE DAY BEFORE. Don’t wait until the morning of your shopping spree. This wastes precious moments that you could be sleeping (see Garage Sale Tip #3 to fully understand the importance of this). As far as how much to withdraw, consider what you need to purchase (see Garage Sale Tip #6 for how to put together your list and why you MUST have one).

Garage Sale Tip #2: Scout ‘em out

Most people begin their garage sales on Friday, meaning their signs are hopefully out by Thursday. If you are one of the Chosen and do not have to work on Friday (not jealous AT ALL), then definitely hit the sales on Friday. If not, take advantage of the signs and go cruisin. Take note of any signs you see and the location. If you’re a boss, like my friends and me, plan a route that will hit the most sales.

You may also want to check out this website for garage sales:

http://www.yardsalesearch.com/

**Why didn’t I create this website?!?**

Garage Sale Tip #3: Get out of bed, lazy.

Friday night, 11:30 pm

Sr: Hey, are we going garage saling in the morning?

Me: HECK YES

Sr: What time are we getting up then?

Me: Ummmm…..

I love sleeping late. It’s my favorite. Unfortunately, this does not work in my favor on Saturdays from April-September (prime garage sale season). Thankfully, Sr., as in Señor, my handsome husband, is disciplined enough to make me get out of bed. He’ll even make breakfast. Gah.

Anyway, arriving early to sales is crucial. You want to beat all the other jokers, um, people. Most garage sales begin at 8 am, so depending on where you live, you need to be out of the door by 7:45* No worries though. You can go in t-shirts, sweats, whatever. The garage sale community accepts you as you are (unless you wear heels, then you will be judged severely).

*Some people will open before 8 (even if the sign says 8). BEWARE: They may not have everything out, which could mean you miss out on something super-duper excellent. Is that a risk you’re willing to take? Not me. Although that’s mostly because I can’t get up on time.

Garage Sale Tip #4: Drive-bys

Just as the name suggests, I’ll often do a drive-by before getting out of the car. Again, this is very risky. You may miss something awesome, like that lone Michael Jackson CD. Or, as is most commonly the case, you’ll avoid getting out for baby stuff. Nothing wrong with baby stuff, but since I have no kids, this is not my favorite sale to stumble upon. Drive-bys afford you the opportunity to avoid getting out of the car, walking to the single table they have out, and trying to get out of buying that $2 lemonade ($2!?!?! WHAAAATT? Yep. It happened). There’s something slightly uncomfortable with walking away empty handed, too. Like saying “I hate your trash.” I mean, it shouldn’t bother me. It’s okay to not need an Alladin VHS.  Or a food processor from the early 90’s (we already have one, duh). I try and counter that feeling by being overly friendly. “Have a great day! Good luck! Thank you! You’re wonderful!” It seems to work for me.

Torture device, sometimes used for cooking. Bought at garage sale for $10. A little steep, I know. I was a rookie, don’t judge.

Garage Sale Tip #5 Purpose-driven Purchases

Make a list. Make a list. Make a list. Walk through your house. Make a list of things you need. Chances are, you could get these at a garage sale. Scroll through your Pinterest board project ideas. Add those items to the list. I keep mine in my phone so that I always have access to it (you know I’ll lose a paper list in 3 seconds).

My go-to list for garage saling. I read this on the morning of to anyone that is going with me so they can be an extra set of eyes.

Once you have your list, think about how much cash you would need to purchase your goods. Do not withdraw too much or you may go insane buying every knick-knack, doily, and John Grisham book known to man. Seriously, watch out.

If you have friends going with you, tell them what’s on your list. Encourage each other to stick to the list. Buying something you don’t need is stupid. And wasteful. And most people don’t want to have garage sales. They’re a lot of work. And it’s usually hot. That’s what will happen to you, however, if you do not shop with a purpose (this principle reaches far beyond garage saling).

Finally, it’s okay to occasionally buy beyond the list. For example, I didn’t think I needed this cute organizer, but when I saw it for $5, I knew. That will happen to you. It’s okay. Embrace it. But if you cannot think of an EXACT purpose right then, don’t buy it. Deal? Deal.

$5 at garage sale=no more mail on my table, counters, passenger seat, etc.

I added these labels that say “READ,” “ACTION,” and “FILE.” We have reminders in our phone to clean out the organizer every Sunday night so that it doesn’t become what we formerly called this area, the Black Hole.

Garage Sale Tip #6- Haggle

Talk ‘em down. If that chair is priced at $20, ask $10. They probably won’t take it, but who knows?! Maybe they hate that chair. Maybe that chair is literally an eyesore (that you can fix up with your super craftiness, of course!). Or, they may not take $10, but will accept $15. It never hurts to try** If you’re offering below the price, try and have exact change in hand. Holding out a $10 bill is screaming “I have money and I’ll pay now!!” It may work, it may not. If it doesn’t, you have to decide if you want it bad enough. I go either way. Sometimes, it’s just perfect and I’m likeokayiwanteditreallybadanyway. Other times, I balk at the price. $2?!? You won’t take $2 for this?” I never really say it, but I think it in my head. Not nice, I know.

**It hurts a little, at first. At first, I would get Sr. (husband) to haggle. Then, I decided I needed to join the cool club. I mean, it couldn’t be thaaaat bad, could it? Nope. It’s not.

Ultimately, you have to know when to walk away. You need some willpower. Resist the urge to purchase something that is overpriced. You may be asking, “but it’s a garage sale! How could it be overpriced?” Well, it just can be. Many people are emotionally attached to their items. Some people remember exactly how much they paid for it in 1999. “I bought that sofa for $800 so you’re really getting a deal at $500!” Maybe. But you can do better. It will require patience, and some of your Saturday morning, but you’ll find that perfect coffee table. I know it.

My perfect coffee table that I bought for $10 at garage sale.

Do you have any garage sale tips you live by? Any horror stories? Do tell.

-Tea