Junk Shopping

That is what Koby likes to call it. I prefer to call it "saving lots of money", "finding one-of-a-kind cool things". It is more commonly known as garage sale/ yard sale/ estate sale-ing. I like it. Shopping snobs might look down on it, but it gives me a thrill and I don't get buyer's remorse because I always get a good deal! And if you know me, I like getting good deals. I won't buy something unless it is on sale/ clearance, otherwise it better be really needed or not available in a different brand/ location etc. However, there are some things that I will shell out the big bucks for such as shoes (they are worth every penny if they are well made and comfortable), some furniture like couches, and beds. Otherwise, I want to get quality things for a steal.

Last year was the year of the yard sales. This year, not so much. Unfortunately my running schedule has put a huge damper on my yard sale-ing (Koby likes the less garage sale-ing). I have to get out early on Sat. for my long runs and there just isn't much of a reason to look at yard sales after 10- all the good stuff is gone.

So here are a few tips to garage sale-ing.

1. Check out your newspaper listings (I check online) for garage sale adds. Jot down some addresses and times.

2. Make sure you have lots of cash. I get more than I want to spend but try to put a limit on how much I will spend. The extra is good to have just in case there is something you just can't pass up.

3. Get up early. Most yard sales start at 7 AM. You want to be at your first yard sale at 7 AM. There are crazies that get there earlier, but this just seems to tick off the sellers.

4. Hit the garage sales you are interested in the most, first. Don't pick the really low income neighborhoods. It is usually slim pickings. Don't always go for the high income neighborhoods either. Sometimes you can find amazing stuff at apartment complexes or regular neighborhoods. Sometimes the high income neighborhoods think their stuff is worth a whole lot. Othertimes they don't care and just want to get rid of "last year's" items.

5. Watch out for the yard sale signs. Sometimes these can end up being great because they are a little less advertised.

6. Barter with the seller. They expect you to usually come down in price. Don't go too low in your offer that they think you are out to take advantage of them, but go low enough where you get a good deal and feel good about it. You can always make another offer for more if they don't take it.

7. If I see something I like, I pick it up and/or browse a bit and think about the purchase. Do I really need it? How much is it worth to me? Am I just collecting junk? Is it in good condition?

8. Go with friends and family. It makes it really fun and it is fun to see what others buy. You can live vicariously through them as well without spending the money.

9. Go home with your purchases and wash/ repair them. Be creative.

10. Be prepared to have lots of fun! You can get addicted to yard sales. It can give you an adrenline rush. :)

Now to share a few things I have gotten at garage sales. This is the fun part.

A nifty stoneware fruit bowl that has a lot of character.

I have gotten a ton of kids clothes like this cute coat that Kallie will be able to wear this next winter. Only worn twice and cost a dollar I think.

I got a pair of matching lamps for $15 I think? Maybe less. They were like new and I saw them later at Target for much more. I also got this side table, with one to match, for super cheap. They are solid Mahogany wood that I painted and distressed.

I got this sprouter a few weeks ago. Brand new, albeit circa 1981. :) Paid a couple of dollars.

You can see this cute mirror was only $2.

I didn't know what I had when I bought this. I just knew I needed a wheat grinder and this looked like it would do the job. Now I know that it is a Nutrimill, that has several speeds for fine to coarse flour and it does it at cool temperatures so you don't lose nutrients. You can find this for $270. I paid $10 for a barely used machine.

Lots of toys- got this with a TON of play tools.

3 like new if not brand new chairs. Still had Linen n' Things price tags for $69 each (what!!?). I paid $25 for all three.

Everything on this decorative shelf is from a yard sale, minus the tile with the quote (super Saturday) and the dust.

This Fine work of Art. Someday I will find out it is from a famous painter and worth millions.

So there you have it! What are some of your indulgences? Would you buy this junk? I can't wait to go buy more.