Garage sales are a treasure trove for bargain hunters looking for unique finds. Nothing beats the thrill of finding hidden gems at a garage sale. Not only can you score some good deals, but shopping at a garage sale is a sustainable way to participate in a circular economy and reduce your carbon footprint by giving second-hand items a new life.
It’s also a great way to connect with your local community and find one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find in big stores – from antique and vintage pieces to lightly used products.
So if you are ready to start hunting for your next unique piece, check out the best ways to find garage sales and come away with amazing finds and great deals.
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How to Find Garage Sales
NextDoor
The Nextdoor app has a Garage Sale Trail Map feature that lets you know when your neighbor is having a yard sale. Neighbors can use this trail map to plan their trip through various neighborhoods where garage sales are taking place.
In addition, you can simply check the main page of the app in your neighborhood to see if your neighbors are simply announcing any garage sales.
Craigslist
Craigslist is still a great tool to use to connect with your neighbors and those looking to sell things. You can use Craigslist to find garage sales in your local area by simply going to the Craigslist website for your city or region, click on the “garage sale” category under the “for sale” section, and browse the listings. You can also search for individual items or locations using the search bar.
Yard Sale Treasure Map
The Yard Sale Treasure map app searches Craigslist listings to find the most promising sales near you. With a handy map and list view, you can easily navigate to the sales that interest you the most. Plus, you can customize your search preferences to filter by location, distance, and even day of the week with real-time updates.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an excellent resource to use to find garage sales in your area. Simply search for “garage sales” or “yard sales” in the search bar and filter by location. You can also join local buy/sell/trade groups on this social media platform to stay updated on the best garage sales during yard sale season.
Drive Through your neighborhood.
Take a leisurely drive through residential areas and keep an eye out for handmade signs pointing the way to garage sales or estate sales. You never know what treasures you might find at these sales.
EstateSales.net
the site is a great way to get learn about upcoming garage sales and estate sales. You can search by location to find a garage sale near you.
Garage Sales Tracker
With its user-friendly interface, you can easily search for garage sales by zip code and even get notified of upcoming sales in advance. And it’s not just for garage sales – you can also use the app to find flea markets, consignment shops, and more. Thanks to its integration with Google maps, you’ll never miss a great deal again!
GSALR.com
GSALR has a comprehensive list of yard sales near you, with access to hundreds of sales every week. This app covers the entire country, so you can check out sales in other locations too.
It combs through top sites like Gsalr.com, Oodle.com, Weekendtreasure.com, Craigslist.com, and Estatesales.org to bring you the best deals around. You can even use keyword features to find exactly what you’re looking for.
This easy-to-use, super-intuitive website is packed with detailed descriptions of garage sales and photos illustrating what’s being sold at the events.
Garage Sale Finder
Garage Sale Finder is a website and app that helps you locate garage sales in your area. You can search by zip code, city, or state to find sales near you and even create a route to hit multiple sales in one day. The site also allows you to filter by specific items you’re looking for, such as furniture or clothing.
Varage Sale
VarageSale is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell items within their local community. It’s similar to a garage sale or flea market, but it’s all done online through a mobile app or website.
Users can browse listings, make offers, and arrange for pick-up or delivery of items. The platform also has built-in safety features, such as user verification and a rating system, to help ensure a secure and trustworthy buying and selling experience.
How to Score the Best Deal at Garage Sales
Be first in line – As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. This directly applies to garage or yard sales. It’s important to arrive early morning or at the very start of the local sale.
Arriving early allows you to get first and best picks. All the valuable items get taken quickly and early. So be the first one there on a Saturday morning to get the best stuff.
Bring packing supplies – When heading to community yard sales, it’s always a good idea to bring your own packing supplies. Pack cardboard boxes, bags, bungee cords, and newspaper in your car beforehand.
This way, you can safely transport any fragile items you purchase without worrying about them breaking on the way home. Additionally, make sure to clear out your car’s trunk to ensure there’s enough space for any larger items you may find.
Always negotiate – Garage sales are a great way to score some deals and save money. Unlike traditional retail stores, items at garage sales are often priced arbitrarily by the owners based on their estimation of the item’s worth.
Some sellers intentionally set higher prices, anticipating that buyers will negotiate. Vintage items may not even be priced, as the owners prefer to see what buyers are willing to spend.
When negotiating, consider the time, quality, and age of the item. The owners are likely looking to get rid of these items, so they may be willing to negotiate and offer a lower price. Be prepared for the seller to counter with their own offer and aim to reach a fair price for both parties. Don’t be afraid to haggle and walk away if the price isn’t right.
Bring lots of cash – Having cash on hand might be your best negotiating tool. I’ve found that many sellers prefer cash over credit cards. With the low price point of items ranging from $.25 and up, cash becomes the best means of payment. If you don’t have cash, then make sure you have access to cash applications such as Cashapp, Venmo, and Paypal to avoid paying full price.
Inspect everything – When shopping at garage sales, it’s important to thoroughly inspect items before making a purchase. Bring batteries to test household items or plug them in to make sure they work.
Check clothing for any stains or missing buttons. And for larger price items like furniture, be sure to measure them with a tape measure to make sure they’ll fit in your home. Lastly, ask about the age and condition of the products being sold.
Buy more, pay less – Sellers are likely to give deep discounts if you buy multiple items instead of just one. Bundle your items and offer the seller a set price for all items for the best deals.
Why shop at a garage sale?
Shopping at local garage sales can be a great way to find unique items at a fraction of the cost. You can often find items that are no longer available in stores or that are vintage or antique. You can find clothes, household goods, home decor, craft supplies, garden equipment, yard tools, sports equipment, and other small items.
Plus, you can negotiate prices and bargain with the seller to score some of the best deals. It’s a more sustainable way to shop, as you’re giving new life to a lot of items that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
Yard Sale vs Garage Sale: Is there a difference between a yard sale and a garage sale?
If you compare a garage sale vs yard sale, you will find no real difference. The terms are used interchangeably and mean practically the same thing. Both involve homeowners or tenants selling unwanted items in their yards, garage, or driveway.
What is an estate sale, and how does it differ from a garage sale?
An estate sale is a type of sale where the entire contents of a home are sold, usually due to the death of the owner or the need to downsize. A garage sale, on the other hand, is a smaller sale where individuals sell items they no longer need or want from their own garage or driveway. Estate sales tend to have higher-end, big-ticket items, while garage sales are more casual and often have lower prices.
What are the best days for garage sales?
The best days for garage sales are typically Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as these are the days when most people are off work and have time to sell or browse. Saturdays are typically the most popular day for yard sales. Many people choose to have their yard sales on Saturdays only, as it tends to be the busiest day for shoppers.
What time do garage sales start?
While start times can vary depending on the location and the seller, most garage sales start early in the morning, usually around 9 am, and run until 4 p.m. It’s a good idea to check local listings or signs for specific start times, as some sellers may choose to start later in the day.
If you’re an early bird looking for the best deals, it’s a good idea to plan your route ahead of time and start your garage sale hunt early. The best deals and the most selection are usually available in the morning.
Keep in mind that big-ticket items like furniture may not be negotiable in the morning as the homeowner is anticipating other offers throughout the day. And if you’re looking to haggle, your best bet is to wait until the late afternoon when shoppers and offers are in shorter supply.
What month do garage sales start?
The start of garage sale and yard sale season varies depending on location and climate. In warmer areas, yard sales may start as early as March or April, while in colder regions, they may not begin until May or June. However, they are most common during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer.
What is a neighborhood garage sale?
A neighborhood garage sale – also known as a community yard sale – is when multiple households in a neighborhood or community hold garage sales on the same day or weekend. This can attract more shoppers and create a fun community event.
A community garage sale allows for pooled marketing and advertising. By pooling resources together, neighbors can attract more shoppers and create a fun, festive atmosphere that encourages people to shop more, engage and socialize in the neighborhood sales.
For more tips, please check out Best Online Thrift Stores to Buy Home Decor on a Budget and Home Decor Items to Purchase Used.
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