If you like tag sales but have never been to an estate sale, you are missing out!
If someone is having an estate sale, it usually means the property owner is moving some place where they can not take many of their belongings (like out of the country, to assisted living, or even exploring the country in an RV) or are recently deceased. Often times they or their family will hire an estate sale company to organize and run the sale for them. In these cases, the estate sale company will take a percentage of the profits, and the rest is given to the family or donated.
If you’d like to go to an estate sale, here are some things to note:
- Sales are usually listed in the classifieds section of your local news paper.
- You may need to arrive early to get a number or stand in line before the sale begins if there is something you really have your eye on.
- Be prepared for the weather (wear a jacket/bring an umbrella) if you arrive early to the sale.
- Bring cash. Sellers do not often accept credit cards.
- Often sellers mark everything down by 50% the last day or few hours of the sale.
- Items are tagged with prices. Respectful bartering is usually acceptable.
- Bring a truck!
I heart estate sales. These photos are from a sale we went to earlier this spring at the home of a local collector. This morning I happened upon a sale while hitting up the neighborhood for a garage sale next door. I found some pieces I have been searching for that I will be using in a DIY soon! Total score!
Happy Friday junkers! If you check out some sales this weekend, let us know about your adventures on our Facebook page!
Laura Caroon is a tree hugger with a passion for reclaiming junk and making it fabulous. When not dreaming of junk, you can find her downtown Fargo, ND at