Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
By Cyndi RobertsWhatever the name, it is a fun part of a frugal lifestyle. Here are some of the ways I have found to save money by shopping yard sales.
Items for the Baby
Expecting your first child? Yard sales can be a great place to stock up on necessities. Everything from cribs to rocking chairs to bumper pads, blankets and clothing can be bought at much less than new prices.Of course, you must use your good judgement as to safety and cleanliness issues.
Clothing
If you have small children, be on the lookout for clothes in the next size your child will need. We all know how quickly children outgrow their clothes!Clothes for older children can be picked up for a song, too.
Are your older children picky about brand names? Do what I did--I told mine to think of these clothes as brand new, they've just already been washed a few times!
Stains
Found just the shirt or dress you need, but it has a stain on it? Here's a pre-soak trick to try: Dissolve 1/2 cup of dry dishwasher soap in about a gallon of warm water. Add your garment and keep it submerged for 24 hours or up to 3 days. Do remember to test the fabric first.Toys
Big money can be saved by buying toys and books for Christmas and birthday gifts at yard sales. Many sales will have brand new toys and games in the box at a greatly reduced price. If the boxes are not sealed, always be sure to check carefully and make sure all the pieces are included.Toys to be repaired or refurbished are a big money-saver. Are your children ready for a bike? You'll finds lots of outgrown bikes at yard sales that just need a little cleaning up or maybe a coat of paint.
Does your family love to work jigsaw puzzles? New puzzles can be pretty pricey--so just visit the yard sales. I've bought puzzles for as little as 50 cents and very seldom have I bought one that had any pieces missing.
Books
If you are a reader, as I am, you can save big bucks by buying books for next to nothing at yard sales. Even if you don't find a book you want to read yourself, if a book is very cheap, buy it and trade it for credit at the used bookstore!
Gifts
Joke gifts for adults are another item to look for. Buying in the spring or summer means you aren't running around in December trying to find something suitable for that office Christmas party.Always watch for gift wrapping supplies. Use your imagination! Grab that partial roll of wallpaper with border to match. Wrap a gift in the wallpaper and wrap a length of border around it; no need for ribbon or a bow!
Sometimes, you will even find actual wrapping paper and ribbon for sale at a yard sale. Never pass up a bargain.
College Bound?
Do you have a young adult going off to college next fall? Or one moving into his first apartment? Help out by looking for small appliances, sets of glasses, flatware, pots and pans or utensils. Then they won't be raiding your home for whatever they need!"One man's trash is another man's treasure" is certainly true at yard sales. Some people just do not have the imagination to see the many uses of different items. Money-saving opportunities abound for those who are able to see potential in unlikely objects.
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" at http://www.cynroberts.com
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RE: Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
Where I live we have recycle centers where you take houehold trash and any kind of household items you would just want to get rid of like things you would sell at a yard sale. well, I found some sterling silver flatware someone threw out. I took it home thinking I would make a wind chime out of it and stored it in my closet, I was going to have a yard sale this past weekend and I was going through my closet and found it. My aunt told me about how she sold her silver tea set and got 1000. dollars for it, so I thought I would see what I could get. For 7 forks and 8 spoons I got 90.00 . Not bad for a junk collecter, lol.
Post by missystone48
RE: Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
I love yard sales! I have purchased my outdoor furniture at a fraction of the cost; planters for home/garden; books; art; clothes; blankets; curtains! Even if you only use the item for a short time, it is so wonderful to know that you save such a huge amount of money, you don't mind changing things out again. =) When I was a new homeowner, its saved me tons of money because I was willing to refinish/paint basically put some elbow grease into an item because it was saving me money.
So I brake, make U-turns and park with consideration at any yard sale or even thrift shop I find! =)
Post by dvg
RE: Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
I was in heaven yesterday....we had our first garage sales and still Mar! I am so glad I went. I got my daughter 5 great tops for .50 ea, a great pr of pj's for $3, 2 prs of pj's for my son for a buck ea and 2 children's books for .50. I didn't find a lot but what I got was sure great and such a savings over new!
Post by Debbie52
RE: Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
I absolutely LOVE garage sales! It's still cold here for them but before too long I'll be hitting the road for the sales! I too have found wonderful items for a song and I clothe my children with some very nice previously worn outfits. I always say that you can find everything you'd ever want....providing you wait long enough....at a garage sale!
Post by Debbie52
RE: Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
I love garage sales! The season here is only from April to the end of October. We have bought just about anything you can think of . My parents used to joke when someone asked them where they got a certain item that they bought it on the 'world market'! But you can literally buy expensive items that people have bought from different parts of the world, plus clothes, books, tools, ornaments, antiques, etc, etc.
I made up a list of some of the items I can remember buying just this year alone and we have hundreds of dollars (close to $1000) worth of items for just a few dollars here and there.
Remember, though, when you buy you sometimes come home with something you don't really like and items can accumulate until you have no room for anything. So, you, too, should have a garage or yard sale every so often. Not only will you have gotten rid of things you didn't want or didn't have room for, you also have more money to spend at other garage sales!
Post by klawrence34
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