This time of year is almost like Christmas for me.  It’s Garage Sale Season.  I love the hunt for a good bargain.  Ok I’m addicted to finding the best possible price on things my family needs.  I admit it I’m a garage sale junkie.  So with that thought in mind I’m going to share a few tips to help you on your garage sale journey to unknown treasures.

1.  Make a list of the things you need for your family, house, and yard.

2.  On that list, be sure to have the sizes of your family.  Include their measurements.  Why you ask?  Well I have gone to garage sale and found that some people remove tags or the tags are worn.  Now you can just take a quick measurement of the garment and know if it will fit or not.  If your looking for a piece of furniture make sure you know what size will fit in the spot at your house.  It would be tragic to find the perfect table just to get it home and it doesn’t fit.  Big Bummmmer!

3. Scan the newspaper for garage sales and make a list of the ones you wish to visit.  Then pull out your local map and map your route.  Make sure to put your favorite at the top and start from there.  Also look for neighborhood garage sales.

4. Most garage sales start around 8 a.m. so get up early and get going.  The best stuff is found early.  If you go late it will already be picked over.  Unless your looking for rock bottom prices and are willing to wait on finding that treasure.  In that case go late in the day or on the second day of a sale.

5. Pack yourself a few essentials – cloth measuring tape, a tape measure, water bottle, snacks, a couple of plastic bags, a blanket or other padding for safe transport of breakables, and if your hitting a neighborhood sale a little wagon for toting things as you browse.

6.  Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.  You don’t want your little toes acking before your done.  Also don’t dress up in your best, you don’t want to give the impression you can afford top dollar.

7. Go by yourself.  There is nothing worse than getting into the swing of things and then having a your friend say “I gotta get going”.  Man, and you still had 5 garage sales on your list.  Taking the kids is a bad idea if they are young, because they tire easily and get whiny about getting in and out of the car.  Trust me this can turn your day of fun into a HUGE nightmare quick.

8.  Don’t be afraid to negotiate.  It’s a garage sale. They expect you to.  Most items are priced with that thought in mind.  Rarely have I come across somebody that wouldn’t budge on a price.

9. Carry small bills and coins.  It’s very rude to show up and purchase a $0.25 thing and pay with a $20.

10. If your buying electronics ask them to plug them in to make sure they work.

11. If your buying games or something with several pieces open it up and make sure that it’s all there or at least enough to use it.

12. Get to know prices.  You don’t want to end up paying too much for an item.  I have gone to garage sales where people have way overpriced their items.  I quickly turn around and leave, because I know I can find it cheaper at another one.

13. Set a budget for your garage sale addiction and stick to it.  I know it’s hard.  There is some really tempting stuff out there, but your goal is to save money not go in debt.

14. Have fun and brag shamelessly about your found treasures.LOL