Tips for Getting the Most Out of Shopping Estate Sales
If you have been shopping estate sales for a while you probably know the feeling- some sales just speak to you. There may be a vibe that resonates with you, or a sale has certain items that you like to purchase. And there may be other sales that that make you think, – Nope, not wasting my time there.
I’m here to help you get the most out of every sale – even the ones that look lackluster. Or maybe you are new to the estate sale scene, and you are overwhelmed with how much stuff is out there. If you follow my tips – you will learn how to make every sale a shopping success and save yourself time and money in the process.
Today’s Tip: Categorize the Sale
The Style Sale
These sales have personality. They tell a cohesive story. These are things that were collected over a lifetime that make sense. Maybe it’s a music teacher’s house, an artist’s studio, a true mid-century gem, or a well-loved family home.
Ask yourself, Is it my style? Are these items that would fit well with my lifestyle? If so, buy the furniture, buy the home décor, buy the artwork. There’s depth as these sales. These items will enhance your own POV.
Caution: If you are buying for yourself – make sure that the item you fall in love with at this house will fit your own aesthetic. I’m all for trying something new but if your taste leans towards clean lines and you fall in love with that Victorian sideboard because of how it looks in dining room – make sure you will love it in YOUR house.
2. The Volume House
These sales have lots of items. This person was a shopper and bought lots of everything. These are good places to find NIP (new in package) items. These are great sales to find items for gifts, hobbies, personal care items, jewelry, clothing, holiday, kitchen gadgets. These are not usually homes with antiques, rather, the items are more contemporary in nature because the person shopped as recreation rather than necessity. What wouldn’t I buy? The furniture – This person didn’t invest in furniture and focused more on smaller purchases and everyday items.
3. Builder Basic
This house is on the bland side. The furniture is clean and in good condition, but it isn’t wow worthy. The kitchen doesn’t sport any brand name items. The garage has a decent number of tools, but again – nothing high end. This family took care of their items and made them last. They only upgraded as things wore out. Otherwise – good enough was good enough. The items are clean and well cared for, just not anything to get excited about. There might be a collection of salt and peppers or quilts or books. These are great sales to shop for kids’ furniture. It’s usually solid and has stood the test of time. The price will be right, and you don’t have to worry about making a commitment. Check the tools – there will be some good buys. It’s a good sale to buy items that will support your hobbies – sewing, wood working, gardening, etc. What I wouldn’t buy here – upholstered furniture it may lack the style that I’m looking for in my home.
4. The Luxury Sale
This person was well off and had money. They traveled, they bought nice things, they upgraded their home over time and had disposable income. These sales are great places to train your eye to recognize quality. Look at the name brands and the prices. Look at the quality of clothing, look at the furniture. Look at EVERYTHING. There will be items brought back from vacations, collections of artwork, rugs, nice furniture, jewelry, tools, kitchen items. This would be a sale to definitely visit on day 2 to get the deals. You may not want to spend the money on day one prices, but you may regret it if you don’t. Caution – Learn to recognize a good buy. Something you think is expensive may be dirt cheap but because you don’t recognize it doesn’t mean it is overpriced. On the other hand – make sure that things aren’t over priced just because the real estate is expensive.
Follow these tips and in no time, you will learn how to navigate estate sales, locate the best deals, save yourself time and money, and have fun doing it.