Estate Sale Shopping

A Treasure Hunter’s Guide

Estate sales offer an exciting chance for thrift shoppers to uncover unique and valuable items. Whether you’re an experienced estate sale enthusiast or a curious newcomer, grasping the nuances of these sales can elevate your experience and lead to amazing discoveries.

What Is an Estate Sale?

An estate sale is a type of sale where personal property is sold, typically after someone has passed away or when a person needs to liquidate their belongings due to downsizing.

Unlike garage sales, estate sales often involve selling most of the contents of a home, ranging from furniture and antiques to everyday household items like silverware and lamps. It’s literally shopping from someone’s home.

Estate sales are usually managed by professionals who organize, appraise, and price the items for sale. These sales can take place over one or several days and attract a variety of shoppers, including collectors, resellers, and curious neighbors.

Best Tips for Estate Sale Shopping

Estate sales can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of items available. It can be weird to walk up to a stranger’s home and take things you want. Once you go to a few, you will soon find your groove and become obsessed.

Here are some tips to help you navigate and make the most out of your estate sale shopping experience:

1. Do Your Research

• Find Listings: Check websites like EstateSales.net or local classifieds for upcoming estate sales in your area. As always, check Facebook!!!

• Preview Photos: Many estate sales post photos of items online beforehand, allowing you to spot any treasures before you arrive. Also, if the photos are not speaking to you, you can choose to skip it.

2. Plan Your Visit

• Arrive Early: The best finds are often scooped up early, so try to arrive as soon as the sale starts, or even earlier if you know an item will be highly coveted. It is first come first serve, after all.

• Bring Cash: While some sales accept credit cards or cash app payments, cash is often preferred and sometimes required. Try to bring smaller bills unless you are after pricier items like antiques or furniture.

• Leave the kids at home: Sometimes you can’t, but if you can, leave your littles at home. You’d hate to have to pay for grandma’s priceless china that is now shattered into pieces.

3. Be Prepared

• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes as you might be on your feet for a while. If it's a busy sale day, you could be waiting in line to enter the home for a bit.

• Bring Bags or Boxes: These can be useful for carrying smaller items you purchase.

• Bring helpers or a dolly: If you plan on purchasing furniture or large, heavy items make sure you are prepared to transport them. You may get lucky with the professionals providing some aid, but I wouldn’t rely solely on it.

4. Negotiate Wisely

• Be Polite: Respectful and friendly attitudes always lead to better deals.

• End of Sale Discounts: Many estate sales offer discounts on the last day (often Sundays), making it a great time for bargain hunters.

• Hold Piles: There is often a hold pile around the checkout area or other designated spots. Be courteous enough not to shop from saved piles. If you are unsure, just ask!

5. Inspect Carefully

• Check Condition: Examine items closely for any damage or wear, especially with furniture or electronics.

• Test Functionality: If possible, test items like appliances or electronics to ensure they work.

Average Experiences at Estate Sales

Attending an estate sale can be a varied experience, but here are some common elements you might encounter:

• Diverse Selection: From vintage clothing and antiques to rare collectibles and everyday items, estate sales offer a wide range of goods. It truly is a little bit of everything!

• Crowds: Popular sales can draw large crowds, especially at the start. Be prepared for a bustling environment.

• Unique Finds: Many shoppers are drawn to estate sales for the chance to find one-of-a-kind items that can't be found in stores.

• Community Feel: Estate sales often have a local community vibe, with neighbors and collectors exchanging stories and advice.

Personal Experience:

My most recent estate sale was out of the blue. I was driving down the road when I spotted an estate sale sign on the side of the road, I had a little time to give and was intrigued as I haven’t been to one in a while.

I kid you not, I just followed the few signs they had out and quickly arrived to a busy home with items starting in the driveway.

This one was on the smaller scale of sales and was one day only. They had quite a few awesome knick knacks, but I try to refrain from clutter unless I am obsessed with an item. Suddenly, I spotted boxes of vintage photo and art frames. I scored a box full of about 20 frames varying in sizes and materials, some even had photo mattes. They were even fine with me customizing my box from the 5 or so boxes they had out for shoppers. Some were basic wooden frames, but I scored some vintage brass ones as well. All for $5!!!

I met the sweetest lady in the process of looking at the frames and she shared stories about how much her mother loved displaying family photos in her home. I was able to share my plans for them (wedding planning) and she was just tickled. She said her mom would have loved to hear that.

So while I bought some highly discounted frames, I also experienced a beautiful God moment.

What I Look For:

• Furniture: Small tables, unique pieces, good chairs, etc

• Genuine Antiques: A quick google search can be super helpful

• Home Decor Items: From lamps and vases to wall art and baskets.

• Dishes and Silverware: Including complete sets or individual pieces.

• Cookware and Appliances: Pots, pans, and small kitchen gadgets.

• Unique Glassware

• Vintage Clothing: Unique fashion pieces from different eras.

• Jewelry: Both costume and fine jewelry can often be found.

• Handbags: Both vintage and luxury

• Toys and Games: Classic and vintage toys that spark nostalgia.

• Books: From rare editions to modern bestsellers for crazy discounts.

• Vinyl Records: Oldies and Current Music

• Hand and Power Tools: For my DIY enthusiasts

• Craft Supplies: From ribbons and paper to Circuits Machines

• Garden Supplies: From planters to outdoor furniture.

• Sporting Equipment: Bicycles, golf clubs for him, hand weights, etc

Favorite Find:

I would be remised if I didn’t say I have gotten SO many great baskets and frames for a great deal..

Estate sale Finds From Last Summer!

However, my Absolute Favorite Find has to be My Vintage Swan Planter. She is Beautiful, nearly flawless, and was only $9!

I loved that I could buy it second hand and wish the same for any fellow thrift shoppers. If you are not finding any second hand, I have seen a few sold at store like TJ Max for about $30. I will also link a few amazon options below:

Shopping at estate sales is more than just a way to buy items; it's an adventure filled with discovery and nostalgia. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can uncover treasures that hold both sentimental and monetary value. Happyestate sale hunting!