So... you can't even imagine how long I've waited to experience this day. Bask in this day. Write about this day. And, today was the day.
Opening day of my yard saling season!I found my first yard sale, and it was a good one! I'm kind of superstitious that my first yard sale will be a glimpse of the yard sale season to come. I was pleased. I bought Ryan some Hollister, Aeropostale and American Eagle shorts and shirts (on average $1.00/each) among other things. Yay!
I know some don't understand my obsession with yard sales. (that's okay, because it leaves more good finds for me) Honestly, obsession may be putting it mildly. I have been a serious yard saler for as long as I can remember. It's something my mom passed down to me!! Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from April to September I will do some kind of yard saling. I have found so much for my family, friends and myself. And, I've made a few "investments" along the way and made some money reselling those items. Yard saling is a great way to find good deals on necessities... along with those really cool, unique finds!
The game plan.Before I head out, I plan and strategize. I check websites, newspapers and keep my eyes open through the week for yard signs. I sometimes plug the addresses into my GPS to get the best route planned. Once there, I have my game plan. A fast walk-thru for the "hot" items and to see what all they have. Then I go back to look closer.
I classify my yard saling into two categories. Thursday/Friday sales and Saturday sales. T/F sales are scattered (hence the GPS) and it takes a bit more time, but really the efforts are worth it. Not as much of a crowd out shopping and it's usually a better sale overall. The people who have the sales are serious about moving their junk. The downfall is that sometimes you just spent 15 minutes driving to a dud of a sale. But, this brings me to a good point. Never judge a yard sale by a drive-by. Some of the best yard sales I have ever been to didn't look like they deserved a second glance. You just never know. A lot of neighborhoods will have some sales open early on Friday as well.
Saturday sales are all about the neighborhood sales. I only do neighborhood sales on Saturday, no scattered ones. These sales are good for seeing and buying a lot in a small area. I'm talking walking distance. Neighborhood sales have a couple negatives though. They are extremely crowded - so you have to get there EARLY. And, you have your families that are having a yard sale just for the fun of it or because everyone else in the neighborhood is doing so. They literally went through their house the night before and gathered up a few things to sell. Trust me, I can tell.
There are a few things that work the same for both kinds of yard sales. You can automatically tell if the person having the yard sale is a yard saler themselves. $5 for your faded and stained jeans? Uhm, I don't think so. And so they sit there with all their stuff and don't sell much at all. I would rather take a $1 for those jeans than have to cart them to Goodwill after the sale. But hey, that's me. (I have many theories about how to have a successful yard sale as well. For another time, perhaps.)
Never leave any stone unturned. Or, box unsearched is maybe what I should say. You can find some great things hidden in the bottom of that box of hats and purses. People just don't have time to get everything out and some stuff is missed. And, if you even think you might want it, grab it. Don't take the chance of someone else grabbing it!
Believe it or not, I'm not a huge "wheeler and dealer". If the price is fair, I pay it. But if it's not, I do ask. All they can do is say no. A lot of times I will have numerous items and will try to make deal that way. But I don't really like it when people offer 1/2 of what is marked... just because they think it's marked up for that reason.
I always make a mental note of homes that have sizes my children need. Their children are just a few years older than mine, obviously. I pay particular attention for those homes to have a yard sale again. In neighborhood sales, I would hit those homes first. I have even exchanged phone numbers with people who have what I am looking for so they can call me the next time they have items to sell. This has worked especially with scrapbook and stamping items.
I think the most important thing is just to go with an open mind. You may find nothing... or you may find the buy of a lifetime. Some days are good, some days are bad. And when you don't want to go on rainy days, well, just remember that sometimes the rain can yield a very motivated seller.
And if I bring the kids, I make sure I pack enough snacks and water to hold them over. Kids can always find things at yard sales, too. Video games, music and movies are some of my kid's favorites.
Through the years I have learned quite a bit from yard saling. I would say I have seen America at its best... and worst. I've made friendships with people through yard sales... and enjoy meeting and talking with new people.
God calls us to be frugal and not wasteful with our money. He has provided us with so much through yard sales, and I've enjoyed every minute of the hunt!
