4 Tips for Shopping Estate Sales

A lot of my favorite finds have come from estate sales. It’s like an awesome garage sale but almost all home stuff..it is GLORIOUS! I’ve talked to several friends locally who have asked about estate sales and how to find them, etc. so I thought this was the perfect time to share some tips!

Tip 1 – Check out www.estatesales.net weekly!

The number one question I get is how do I find out about the sales and this is how! My Dad actually taught me about this site and it’s been a game changer! If you want to see what estate sales are coming up in your area, just go to www.estatesales.net and search your zip code. It will not only show all of the upcoming sales but the estate sale companies in our area do a great job of listing all the information and tons of pictures of the items.

Tip 2 – Only go if you see things you may be interested in

As you’re scrolling through the sales listed at the website above, make mental notes of the items you would possibly be interested in. You can typically get a good idea from the pictures if the items are quality items or fit in the style of items that you would want. I typically won’t go to a sale unless I have my eye on a handful of items or it’s just really close by.

Tip 3 – If you see something you love, DON’T HESITATE

These sales are competitive, there will be people lining up for the good estate sales before they start. Typically they will sell everything 25% off on day 2, and 50% off on day 3. You all know I LOVE a good deal but if you really love the item, there is a good chance someone else does too and it won’t be there by Day 3. However, those sale days are really where the great deals come in, estate sale companies price higher with anticipation for those sales. So if you love it enough to pay full price, don’t chance it!

A select number of the estate sale companies will reserve items over the phone before the sale starts. When I saw my GREEN CABINET, I texted to reserve it immediately. By “holding and item” at this particular one, you are committed to buying it so just keep that in mind! It’s not a hold until you can come check it out and then not get it.

Tip 4 – Don’t forget to look around outside

A lot of my favorite finds have been planters and awesome outdoor items that can be found on porches, in the yard, in flower beds, in the garage, etc. I think these often get missed so on that last day of the sale, you can really score some awesome items for great prices.

 

Here are the things I look for at Estate sales:

Furniture

Linens (Tablecloths, napkins, runners, doilies, vintage bedding or quilts)

Dishes/Ceramics. I’ve bought a lot of my blue and white ceramics that you see HERE from estate sales.

Baskets

Planters

 

And here are some of my favorite Estate sale finds:

Green Cabinet for $40 – my favorite piece of furniture in my house!

Wooden Toolbox – $5

 

Large Ceramic Planter – $25

These candlesticks and center teal vase

Vintage Sewing Bucket – $18

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