Estate sales are one of the few places where you can shop an entire household at once, from the kitchen cabinets to the garage and backyard. Experienced shoppers know that certain things are worth looking for early because the best pieces can disappear quickly.
If you’re heading to an estate sale, keep these finds on your radar before everyone else starts digging.
Vintage Electronics
Old turntables, receivers, amplifiers, speakers, and other vintage electronics can be worth checking first, particularly recognizable brands such as Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, Yamaha, and McIntosh. Check the condition carefully, and ask whether you can test the equipment before buying whenever possible.
Vintage Kitchenware
Cast iron skillets, enameled cookware, Pyrex, serving pieces and other older kitchenware can be some of the most useful finds in the house. Check for cracks, chips and heavy damage, and remember that some vintage dishes may not be suitable for food use because of materials used in older glazes and decorations.
Antique and Vintage Picture Frames
Don’t overlook an interesting frame simply because you don’t want the photograph or artwork currently inside it. Older wooden, brass and ornate frames can be reused for your own art, photographs, mirrors and prints.
Teak and Quality Wood Pieces
Teak trays, cheese boards, bowls and small pieces of solid-wood furniture are worth a closer look because well-made wood pieces can last for decades. Minor wear may be fixable, but check carefully for cracks, major water damage and loose joints before buying.
Vintage Clothing and Sneakers
Concert T-shirts, older sneakers, and other vintage clothing can disappear quickly when shoppers recognize a desirable brand, graphic, or style. Check tags, stitching, condition and signs of age rather than assuming something is vintage simply because it looks old.
Area Rugs
Rugs are easy to miss because shoppers naturally focus on what’s sitting on top of them. Check vintage and well-made rugs for stains, odors, moth damage and excessive wear, especially when the price is considerably lower than buying something similar new.
Outdoor Furniture
Wrought iron chairs, benches, gliders, side tables and other sturdy outdoor pieces can be excellent estate-sale finds because quality patio furniture can be expensive new. Don’t stop at the main rooms of the house; check porches, garages, sheds and backyards for pieces other shoppers haven’t reached yet.
Antique Books
Older books are worth checking for unusual bindings, illustrations, subjects, editions, and other details that make them stand apart from ordinary used books. Even when they aren’t particularly valuable, interesting vintage books can be inexpensive additions to a collection or home library.
Old Photographs
Boxes of old photographs can hold striking black-and-white images of buildings, landscapes, cars, travel and everyday life. Look through albums, drawers, and boxes for photographs you can frame as inexpensive, genuinely one-of-a-kind artwork.
Tools and Garage Supplies
Garages, workshops and sheds can hold hand tools, garden tools, extension cords, hardware, unopened light bulbs and other practical items that are easy to overlook. Check tools for rust, damaged handles, and missing parts, but don’t dismiss an older piece simply because it has clearly been used.
The Oddball Piece Everyone Else Walked Past
Not every great estate-sale find has a recognizable brand name or obvious resale value. The unusual lamp, handmade object, strange piece of artwork, or nostalgic item that catches your attention may end up being the thing you’re happiest you brought home.
