Yard and garage sales abound this time of year. Its a great way to find needed items at a bargain and have a little frugal fun. The trick about hitting yard sales is to not allow it be overwhelming or an excuse to participate in “retail therapy” but rather to go about it with a list like you would any other shopping trip.
A few tips to make the process more enjoyable and keep it from breaking the budget:
Map out yard sales before hitting the road. Browse the newspaper listings and craigslist and make a list of the sales you want to hit and put them in order so that you don’t back track, waste time, or waste fuel. Use map quest or other similiar online service to make sure you know exactly where you’re going.
Keep a list of items you want/need. Make sure you know how much those items would cost you new so that you can be sure to get a good deal. Keep a list of sizes for clothing, shoes, etc. as well as measurements for furniture and other things in case you see something you need. Don’t stray from your list too much so that you can keep your budget in check. Allow yourself a little “fun” money for books or other collectibles, but don’t allow an unnecessary “good deal” clutter your home or be an excuse to waste money.
In order to get the best deal possible, learn to dicker and bargain. If you see something you need but the price seems unreasonable for the condition or the item, offer less. Admittedly, this can be a tough skill to learn, but it comes in handy. The worst a person can do is say no or make a counter offer, then its up to you on where to go from there. If someone has something you really want/need and they aren’t willing to take your offer – go back at the end of their posted sale and see if they still have it, they might be more willing to deal then.
When you hit the road make sure you carry cash in small bills and change to make things easier for the folks having the sale. Having cash also makes a seller more willing to dicker than if they have to take a check from someone they don’t know. Never leave home without your list and a small tape measure – how else will you know if that bookshelf will fit where you envision it?
Most importantly allow the experience to be fun. Enjoy a good time with good friends or family and hopefully find some treasures in the process.
Not Dabbling In Normal 
[…] under Entrepreneur, Thrifty Score!, Watching the Pocketbook Leave a Comment We’re hitting yard sales over at Not Dabbling in Normal today. Oh I can’t wait to brag about a few yard sale finds […]
They are in full swing here in MN too. I have loads of quarters and one dollar bills in my purse on Fridays and Saturdays so I can drop in as I drive by. My treasure hunt is of the dishes kind (cups, plates, serving dishes). I take the old and make them new by adding bits of fancy to them.
I love love love garage sales and have a great time at them each year 🙂 We get a very high portion of the boys clothing from them, plus they are fun! Haha 😉
These are good tips, although they really make me want to go out and find a yardsale right now, which is not so easy in New York. : )