My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
Every year, I make sure I am informed of any place in our city who organizes a community wide yard sale. A few days before the scheduled yard sale, I make sure I list down what I really need to buy in an acceptable price range. For example, last Saturday, I started hunting down for a sleeping bag for our camping trip this summer, and my price range was from $3-$10. I stopped and checked few houses, when I finally found one sleeping bag which cost only $3. It was in good condition and apparently they sold it because it was too warm for them, which is indeed perfect for me.
Another reason why I love yard sales is because I know I can find good stuff that I can give as a gift to a family or friend for many different occasions. Example, I bought 2 Emergency/Working light for $1 each. The woman who sold it, said it was all brand new. His husband bought plenty of those lights and somehow did not manage to give them all to his friends as gifts. So, isn't that great? I can give this brand new emergency light to my brothers on their birthdays. One brother will celebrate his birthday on July 13. I can't wait for him to see it, coz I know he wanted to buy one before.
And lastly, babies and kids toys are common items in any yard sale. So, if you don't know how to pick and choose a good toy, then hire me. I found this toy drum set for my nephew (who says he wants to be a drummer boy). The lady who sold me the drums told me his kid outgrow most of his toys. She said the drum set was only opened on his 3rd birthday but he never had a chance to play with it since he has other toys to play with. And, guess what, I got it for $3. In store, I found out it was $25 for a set. My nephew will be turning 3 yrs old this July 25 and I am positive, he will enjoy my gift!
So the next time you see a yard sale sign, don't think of it as another man's trash. Rather, think of it as a money saving store. Who knows you might find an expensive treasure inside those dusty and crowded boxes!
By Janice from Boise, ID
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RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
Re. Yard Sales. I have lived in a lot of places and Im a friendly person but I have never really met all my neighbours till I move. Thats when I meet them all at my Yard Sale. Everytime I wished Id had the opportunity to get to know more of them. Well, not this time. I have learned my lesson. Im packing up everything to take with me and when I get to my new house, That is when I will have my yerd sale. Its the perfect time to meet new neighbours and for them to meet you. Also a good time to find out who will be hosting the next one. Love Yard Sales. GailDarlene
Post by GAILDARLENE
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
I write my list all winter. Then wait for yard sales, fleamarkets, estate sales etc and go shopping. Can not wait for spring.
Post by 1stborn
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
When I host a yard sale, I fill up a metal tub with ice & drinks & sell those too.
Post by mulberry204
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
I love garage sales, yard sales, flea markets and have been doing them since way back in the late 60's early 70's when they were far and few between. I still have a little wooden chest I bought for next to nothing back in the 70's. I am a red hatter and my Red hat name is Queen Second hand rose. It's amazing what you can find. Second hand Rose.
Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
I am sure your nephew's mother is going to love you for giving him a drum set! LOL
Post By Elaine (Guest Post)
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
My husband is great at getting small appliances at yard sales (& thrift shops). We have gotten fans,lamps, an electric drill, an air cleaner, a bubbler for the bath, massage units - stereo equipment - speakers - even a computer printer and a microwave. We find we rarely buy new stuff anymore.
Post by pamphyila
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
I am addicted to Garage Sales. I found a next to new "Air Purifier" for $10 that I have been wanting for a long time. The same one is $179. at a large chain store. I found a dehumidifier for my basement for $3. It is over $150 new. I also found a lovely silver ring with a Lapis stone for $5 that was sold on one of those TV Home Shopper Shows I could go on with many more deals. I found my son in law a large newer Sears Air Compressor for a steal of $100. He has found a riding lawn mower, snow blower and a wagon to pull behind his ATV all at garage sales. He is addticted to garage sales also. It is a gold mine at rummage sales if you are careful and know what you are looking for and the prices of the items. I always say.."Look and in time you shall find it".
Post by Dee38
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
YAY!!! Love garage/yard/thrift/church sales SOOO much!
Last weekend, I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, but my dad and I always go out on the rounds...I am not looking for clothes or toys now as we are moving soon and I don't want to pack it all up, but I spent about $2 and got a bunch of stuff! I am usually looking at kids clothes and kid stuff, so I really don't ever look at the other stuff, but had a blast! I got a large baggie (gallon size) full of "country" cookbooks (YAY, we are moving to a farm and I was looking for vegetarian cookbooks to use our home grown veggies!) for 50cents. Found another Vegetarian cookbook and organic gardening book for a quarter each...a melon baller for free (I've been looking for one!) a little gift plaque for my aunt for a dime...just a bunch of cool, fun little stuff and I spent all of $2...YAY...POWER TO THE YARD SALERS!!!
Post by Crunchy Mama
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
Yard sales are just a great way to meet people and connect in your neighborhood, too. We moved in just last year and had our first one a couple of weeks ago at "last minute." We met so many people, and got some extra cash and space too! We are planning one later in July, and because I found some great deals at goodwill, now I definitely need to rid the house of some stuff!
www.healthyhomeworld.com
Post by camo_angels
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
Great story and one that I can relate to. I am a big garage-saler....just love them! You never know what you might find. It's sort of like setting off for a "treasure hunt". I honestly find it exciting! I buy my young children so many nice clothes, toys, books, etc. Sometimes I buy things that are brand new or just like new and they become Christmas, Easter, birthday, etc gifts. I always say, you can find everything you want at a garage sale....eventually!
Post by Debbie52
RE: My Frugal Life - Why I Love Yard Sales...
You rock Janice. That is wonderful. Patience always pays off. Even after a year, found a wonderful dresser thrown out by the dumpster, it was a god-send.
http://www.frugalforlife.com
Post by FFL
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