Garage Sale Benefits
Here is a great way to stretch your budget and live well on less. Garage sales. They are often overlooked as a way to acquire household and personal items without spending a ton of money. This is the season now to start heading out into your neighbourhood to check out garage sales, yard sales, tag sales, rummage sales - whatever you call them - in your area. Also, your community centers sometimes have yard sales or farmers' markets where you can save a bunch, too.
This is the time of year
Garage sales can help you save a bunch of money
Why Garage Sales Are Awesome
When you are running a household on one income, or just trying to make smarter choices, every dollar matters. Garage sales let you find amazing deals on things you actually need and can use. You can find everything from kids’ clothes and books to kitchen tools, garden supplies, craft materials, and even furniture, all for a fraction of the cost compared to if you buy these items in-store. If you are starting to set up your own household, garage sales are a great way to find items to furnish your new home. You may have to be patient to find exactly what you are looking for, but if you do manage to find that item, you will pay a lot less.
My husband has bought so many useful items for our house it’s unbelievable! He has found an almost brand new drill for $1.00, loads of candles sometimes given away for free, garden supplies and decorations, kitchen utensils, bags of yarn (I love to knit), frames, etc. Garage sales can be a lifesaver. When the kids were little, we often picked up toys and books for them. This saved us a tremendous amount of money, and the kids were thrilled with their newfound toy or book.
The Hidden Benefits
Not only can you save money by shopping at garage or yard sales, but buying secondhand has many hidden benefits.
There is less waste in landfills because you reuse an item instead of throwing it in the garbage.
You teach your kids to value money. It helps them to learn to look for savings instead of just going to a store to buy.
You support your local community by buying from your neighbours. Plus, your money is going straight into someone else’s pocket - not a big corporation. If your community center has a yard sale, you help to support your community center with the funds they receive from the sale.
The best part, it’s the thrill of the treasure hunt!
The thrill of the treasure hunt
There are so many different finds at a garage sale - from the old to the new
Tips For A Great Garage Sale Day
Here are a few bite-sized tips to get the most out of your weekend treasure hunt:
Go early for the best stuff.
Go late for the best prices.
Bring small bills and change.
Bring a tote bag or box to carry your treasures home.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal.
Some sellers expect you to negotiate and they don’t mind. Just be polite. A simple, “Would you take $2.00 for this?” can go a long way. I don’t know how my husband does it, but he manages to add items for free to whatever item he has in hand that he is willing to pay for.
What To Buy and What To Skip
Some of my favourite garage sale finds have been books or crafting items, vintage dishes, and kids’ toys. However, don’t buy things like opened cosmetics, old car seats, or anything that looks like it could be broken or unsafe. When in doubt, pass it up. Mind you, most sellers are not interested in selling anything that is broken or could be a hazard to someone else.
You may have to spruce up items you find at sales. Some things need to be washed and other items, like furniture, may need to be sanded and painted. You might have to put a little elbow grease into making that item look newer, but it is well worth the price you will pay.
Don’t pass on a garage sale
You never know what hidden goodies you can find
So next time you see a garage sale sign, don’t drive past it. Stop for 10 to 15 minutes and take a look. You never know what little treasure you might find. Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated - it can be fun, feel good, and even a little nostalgic.
I would love to hear in the comments, what is the best thing you have ever found at a garage sale?