6 Estate Sale Shopping Tips and What to Buy
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If you enjoy shopping at thrift stores, you may enjoy shopping at estate sales. This article will give practical tips for shopping in person at your next local estate sale.
What is an estate sale?
An estate sale is a sale typically held to liquidate the belongings of a person who has passed away, moved, or downsized. These sales are usually organized by professional companies on behalf of the family. Estate sales are similar to garage sales but tend to involve a larger volume of items, including furniture, antiques, collectibles, kitchenware, and jewelry.
Scroll down for 6 practical tips for shopping at your next estate sale!
1: Know where to go
The best way to check for local estate sales in the US is through the website estatesales.net. There you can add your zipcode and search by radius and day. You can also sign up to get notified of future sales by larger companies like Blue Moon Estate Sales.
2: Check photos before you go
Estate sale companies typically post a decent amount of photos of the home and individual pieces that will be for sale. Check out photos to make sure the sale has your aesthetic style or has some pieces you want to add to your collection.
3. Decide when to go
If you are looking for specific items, like an antique piece of furniture–it is best to go the first day. Often collectors and resellers will be there too, and pieces go fast. But if you are looking generally for power tools or collectibles, go on the last day of the sale and often prices will be marked down at least 50%.
4. Shop every room, including the garage, sheds, and back porches
Part of the fun of going to estate sales is walking through each room. Often the homes are older and feel like a time capsule. Garages often have Christmas decor, lower-priced items, power tools, and fishing poles.
5. Bring a car that can haul things
If there is any chance of buying furniture, bring a truck or SUV. The estate sale company typically has a few people who can help you load the purchased furniture into your vehicle.
6. Place Items on the Hold Table
Typically there is a hold table in the checkout room. It’s a nice way to shop around the house set things down safely and continue shopping.
What to buy at Estate Sales
Furniture
Dressers, bed frames, bookcases, etc are often priced similarly to thrift stores and have a higher chance of being vintage with solid wood and dovetailing.
Artwork and Mirrors
I love looking for unique artwork and mirrors. They are more likely to be one of a kind and add unique character to a room.
Garage Stuff
Drills, saws, fishing poles, and lawnmowers. Check out the outbuildings, carports, or garages for more. I purchased most of my wrenches, screwdrivers, and garage tools from estate sales.
Holiday Decor
Are you looking for cute vintage Santa decor, brass Christmas tree napkin holders, or a wreath? Estate sales are a great place to hunt for eclectic one-of-a-kind holiday pieces.
Jewelry
I love looking through costume jewelry, clothing, and hats. Over the years I’ve found unique bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.
Kitchenware
Pyrex, Fiestaware, jadeite, crystal, and cast iron are all things to watch for at estate sales. Often the kitchens are filled to the brim with baking supplies and vintage aprons.
Books
There are typically a lot of books at estate sales. Depending on the homeowner there’s often a mix of antique collectibles and modern fiction. Books are typically priced similar to what you would find at a thrift store.
I hope this article was informative in tips for going to an estate sale, and what to look for when you go! Let me know if you’d add anything to the list.
