Are You into Garage Sales?

There’s two sides of this question — are you an avid buyer at garage sales, looking for the best deals on things you need, or do you host your own garage sale, making some extra money selling off the things you don’t need? As an excited first-time, garage sale attendee, I consulted my parents (long-time, early morning garage sale junkies) on their experiences.

The recent surge of warm weather should lead to garage sales, as people begin to migrate outdoors. While the bulk of sales come in the Summer months, many great deals can be found in the Spring and Fall. I asked them if they look anywhere in particular for garage sale listings — the daily newspaper, of course. It’s still a great way to find garage sales. If you don’t subscribe to your local newspaper, you can likely find the listings online. Visit the classified sections to filter through the ones you want to visit.

Garage sale veterans likely have a few tips, so I asked my parents for theirs.

Always go as early as possible. If the sale starts at 8 and you really want the trampoline, then get there at 7:55.
Prices, especially late in the sale day, are subject to negotiation. Always low-ball, and don’t be afraid to start walking to the car.
If it’s an electronic or appliance, ask if they’ve tested it lately, and even ask if you can plug in whatever you’re looking to buy. You should always ensure what you’re shelling out money for actually works!
In my house, we’ve found things to sell on eBay, and some through Craigslist too. Our goal was to clear out our spare bedroom of all its junk to make way for the little bambino coming in June. We’re more than halfway cleared away the excess, but might consider hosting a garage sale. It would be a great way to make a little extra cash, in order to really have the spare bedroom cleaned out, but it would take organization and time.