It’s that time of year: every street corner is filled with signs directing you to garages overflowing with other people’s unwanted stuff.
In this case, the adage is certainly true: one man’s trash is another’s treasure. And while not all bargains are created equal, garage sales offer a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the hunt and discover hidden gems.
The key is to separate the duds from the diamonds. With a good list (ahem: keep reading), the right mindset and some creative thinking, you’ll be well on your way to striking garage sale gold this season. Here are my top ten garage sale scores, in no particular order.
1. Solid wood furniture
Let’s face it: people aren’t usually selling the most up-to-date furniture at garage sales. But solid wood furniture is expensive when purchased new, and the quality is better than that of the fast furniture filling our landfills. Garage sales give you a chance to score quality furniture at a fraction of the price of new.
Even if the finish is dated or damaged, you can easily revive it. Products like Restor-a-Finish fill in gouges and sun fading, while all-in-one furniture paint makes changing the color of any piece a breeze.
2. Frames (even with ugly art)
As a kid, I always remember my mom giving picture frames as teacher gifts. She’d say, “Frames are expensive!” And while that may not be as true now as it once was (you can buy frames at the dollar store these days), quality frames and interesting frames are still pricey.
So, look for framed artwork the next time you’re at a garage sale. If you see any pieces with pretty frames, scoop them up. You can easily change the color of the frame with Rub-n-Buff, or pop out the art and reuse the frame for mirrors, chalkboards or updated prints.
3. Cast iron cookware
Talk about durability: cast iron cookware lasts forever. Even pieces with minor rust can be cleaned with steel wool, and more severe rust can be eliminated with a good soak in a vinegar/water mix (followed by a steel wool scrub).
Older cast iron can be better quality than newer pieces on the market today, making this type of cookware a garage sale steal.
4. Board games and puzzles
Stock up on rainy day staples at yard sales because board games and puzzles cost much less used than new.
Even if you find they’re missing a piece or two, you can make new pieces or repurpose them for crafts and DIY projects.
5. Lamps and light fixtures
Even if they don’t work, lamps are a great item to pick up at garage sales.
A broken lamp is easy to fix with a lamp rewiring kit, and an outdated lamp can be made new with a coat of spray paint.
Or, take a creative route and repurpose a lamp into something else. Bird baths, candleholders and outdoor solar lamps like one I made for my backyard are all great ideas.
Watch the solar lamp transformation.
6. Baskets
Why does anybody buy baskets new when they’re readily available secondhand?
You’re almost guaranteed to find baskets at garage sales. Plus, it’s easy to clean baskets, so stock up and use them to organize your home, decorate your walls, or present gifts in unique and functional packaging.
7. Linens and tablecloths
Tablecloths, pillow covers, curtains and more . . . textiles and linens are a great thing to look for at yard sales. Check them carefully for stains and holes, and be sure to clean them once you get them home.
Even if you don’t want to use them for their intended purposes, secondhand linens can be given new life in no-sew craft projects or as eco-friendly reusable gift wrap.
8. Old tools (including garden tools)
While the dirt often found on old tools doesn’t make them work better, it doesn’t mean they don’t work either. Garage sales are the perfect place to round out that toolbox or garden caddy, and make your projects easier going forward.
Vintage tools also make for charming home decor. I used to hang my great-grandfather’s level on the wall as decor, and it made for a great conversation piece. And, it didn’t look like all of the other decor coming out of the big box stores.
9. Books (bonus for hardcover or vintage)
Once you’re done reading them, turn garage sale books into a home decor staple. Use them to add height to decorative accents, carve out the inside to create hidden storage or use book pages to create adorable crafts like banners, artwork and more.
10. Holiday decor
While you probably have holiday decorations you can’t wait to display each year, sometimes it is fun to add new pieces to the mix, too. Garage sales are a wonderful place to replenish your holiday decor inventory because you can find unique pieces that not everyone else will have.
And, vintage holiday decor is a hot resale item. So if you’re looking to make a little extra money at some point, you could flip holiday decorations for a profit online.
Now that you’ve read my list of the best things to look for at garage sales, you should probably find out the ten items you should never buy at garage sales. With all this information, you’ll be totally prepared to buy only the best this season.
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