Yard sales are full of gems for people who know what to look for. From vintage collectibles to practical household items, there’s so much on offer. Don’t pass up on these 20 essential finds on your next yard sale trip.
Antique Furniture
When it comes to antique furniture, ignore the tatty, old armchairs and focus on solid wood furniture with the potential to be restored to its former glory. It’s important to make sure the furniture has good structural integrity and inspect it for any signs of pests.
Retro Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are back in! The Guardian says “after at least 15 years of growth, the renaissance of old-fashioned vinyl still seems to be alive and well.” So, keep your eyes peeled for popular vinyls that are free from scratches with their sleeves still in good condition.
Vintage Glassware
Look out for complete sets of vintage glassware or glassware with unique patterns when you’re at a yard sale. You can display these or bring them out on special occasions. They can even fetch a good profit if you resell them! Just be vigilant and check for quality and marks of authenticity.
First-Edition Books
Yard sales can be a goldmine for first-edition books. Put your money-making head on and look for books that are in high demand among collectors. Always check the publication details to confirm they are a first edition, and consider their condition, rarity, and historical significance when making a decision.
Vintage Jewelry
Be on the lookout for unique pieces of vintage jewelry the next time you’re at a yard sale. Just make sure you check for hallmarks to see if it’s genuine silver or gold. You can resell vintage jewelry for a profit, or if you really like it, keep it for yourself!
Classic Board Games
If you stumble across a classic board game at a yard sale, pick it up! You can often find popular games like Risk, Monopoly, or early editions of Trivial Pursuit. These treasures are great for game nights or vintage game collectors. But don’t forget to check that they have all their pieces!
Hand Tools
Yard sales can be a great place to find good quality, durable, hand tools such as wrenches and hammers. One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure! Just make sure they are in good working condition and are free of rust before buying them.
Artwork and Paintings
While you can make some extra money by flipping artwork you find at yard sales, sometimes you might just want to keep it for yourself! Southern Living points out that “the best […] discovery is the one that makes your home feel a little more like you.”
Garden Tools and Decor
If you’re looking to spruce up your garden on a budget, take advantage of yard sales to find the gardening tools and decor that you need. You can often find sturdy tools like rakes, shovels, and hoes for low prices at yard sales, as well as decorative pots, birdhouses, and garden statues.
Brand-Name Clothes
If you want that luxury wardrobe but can’t afford the price tag, head to a yard sale! You can often find brand-name clothes for a fraction of the price – some even still have tags on! Focus on finding pieces in good condition with minimal wear and tear or fading.
Kitchen Appliances
Small kitchen appliances like mixers, blenders, and toasters are often on offer at yard sales for great prices. These gems are ideal for upgrading your kitchen tools at a low cost! However, it’s important to double-check that they work properly and don’t have any missing parts.
Sports Equipment
If you love sports, look out for sports equipment like bicycles, golf clubs, or tennis rackets at yard sales. Even if you’re not a sporty person (there’s no shame in preferring to sit on the couch and watch Netflix), you can often make some good money by reselling sports equipment.
Children’s Toys
According to Business Insider, “it costs over $300,000 to raise a kid in the U.S.” Save some of this money by picking up children’s toys from yard sales! To avoid disappointment when you get home, make sure you check that all the parts are there and in good condition.
Camping Gear
Yard sales often have camping items like tents, sleeping bags, and portable stoves for great prices, ideal for outdoorsy people looking for more gear. Always remember to inspect the quality of items and make sure they’re in good working condition.
Coins and Stamps
While coins and stamps might seem a bit useless to most people, they’re very popular with collectors. If you come across any rare stamps or coins at a yard sale, grab them as they could be pretty lucrative!
Designer Bags
Nothing would feel better than flaunting your new designer bag, secretly knowing that you got it for an absolute steal! These items also have a high resale value in markets and online platforms. Just make sure you check for serial numbers and authenticity tags.
Soft Furnishings
Items like bed sheets and tablecloths are commonplace at yard sales. But you can sometimes find vintage or top-quality soft furnishings for reduced prices. Don’t forget to inspect the quality and make sure they’re not dirty or stained (ew) before you buy them.
Photography Equipment
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or are looking to take it up as a new hobby, yard sales are the ideal place to look for cameras, lenses, and other accessories. Check they’re not damaged and are fully operational before handing over your hard-earned cash.
Holiday Decorations
The New York Times says “the holidays can be festive and joyous, but they can also be a strain financially.” Keep the positive, festive cheer alive by stocking up on holiday decorations from yard sales throughout the year without breaking the bank.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can often be found at yard sales, including guitars, violins, and keyboards. These are great for beginners or musicians looking to experiment with new instruments. You might need to find some earplugs at the yard sale too if your kids want to learn a new instrument!
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