Garage Sale Shopping Tips

Not to brag, but I'm showing off 6 fabulous items I bought at a garage sale recently. Grand total: $18!

Appetizer Plates, new with tags from Anthropologie for a total of $5. I came home and looked them up online…brace yourself, they sell for $8 each!
Turtle Tortilla Warmer – cute, really cute for only $2. Yes, we're Texans, and we eat a lot of tortillas.
Pitcher – another $2 treasure.
Star – a nice $1 addition to my son's Texas room.
Sports Plates – what is it with new unwanted plates? These are from Potterybarn, and I paid $5.
Glass Jar – perfect for our growing shell collection!

I know I shouldn't brag, but in this case I hope that showing off my finds will tempt you to try garage sale shopping.

Garage Sale Shopping Tips

Rule #1 – Be Open Minded!
Don’t go shopping for a specific item because you probably won’t find it! If you go in looking for a used Play Station, you’ll likely come out empty handed. Instead, look at everything…that's how the pros shop garage sales. After all, that's half the fun!

Rule #2 – Shop Often – It's the Secret to Shopping Garage Sales!
There are garage sale regulars that wake up early every Saturday morning to hit the sales. You certainly don't have to shop that often, but don't expect to hit the jackpot after just one sale. Consider your shopping excursions “treasure hunts” because you won’t always find a treasure! I promise, once you discover your first amazing deal…you’ll be hooked!

Rule #3 – Do Not Be Ashamed
If you are avoiding garage sales simply because your embarrassed to buy used stuff, rethink that strategy! First of all, you can always keep your shopping habits a secret. On the other hand, if you start bragging about your garage sale treasures, you might discover other friends that share your frugal passion. Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that one of my friends that lives the “rich and famous” lifestyle is a fellow garage sale queen! Surprise, surprise!

Rule #4 – A Bargain is Only a Bargain If You Can Use It!
Only buy items you absolutely LOVE and can use! If you start buying items just because they’re a bargain, you’ll quickly run out of space!

Rule #5 – Use Your Imagination!
Look beyond the chipped paint or tarnished silver, and imagine what a good cleaning or fresh coat of paint will do! I have a friend that loves to brag about her $10 chair – it was a thrift store treasure that was in perfect condition, but it had very dated upholstery. Of course, she had to spend a bit on new fabric, but the chair now looks like something out of a designer magazine!

Rule #6 – Shop in Upscale Neighborhoods
The merchandise is usually amazing!

Still not convinced?

Take a look at these 6 items I bought at a garage sale in the fall for a total of $30!