Heading out for your first estate sale adventure? What to bring, what to bring... Here's a short list of the essentials we wish someone had told us to bring!
1.
A plan. Yes, you
need a plan. While stopping by the sale you just happen to pass while driving
is always to be encouraged, for regular outings its best to plan ahead. Register with a local estate sale organizer.
This is easy, it usually involves giving your email address, and in the
classier establishments – a yellow legal pad with a rather grubby pen for jotting
down your info. Now that you’re registered - scan the site, most will not only
list the sale, but the address, a quick description, and a few photos of
crowded tables full of possible treasures.
We use the photos to choose our sales and narrow in on the treasures we are most
interested in. This is where zooming in can be your friend, 'the Middle One' is great at
finding the one item with a visible price tag and using it to gauge the reality
of the price structure.
2.
A Bag. Bring your own bag. From time to time you
will run across a sale that does not allow it, but in general most will. Your arms will fill up with items quickly and
you need a way to carry it all. Some sales have staff that will gladly ‘take
your items to the front and create a ticket’. Sounds lovely doesn’t it? While a
nice gesture, it makes it harder to bargain. Feel free to make it a cute bag, after
all, you have an image to maintain
3.
Cash, checkbook,
credit card. Yes. All three. Some sales do not accept plastic, so you will need
an alternative. Cash is great, but do you really want to wander around an
unfamiliar neighborhood with a wad of cash in your purse or pocket? On that
note, I’ve found that carrying a purse can just be a hardship. Find a small credit card case that will fit
in the front pocket of your stylishly cute jeans. Put a check, your credit
card, your ID and your cash in it and shove it down to the bottom of your
pocket for safety!
4.
Lets talk
transport. It is expected that you take
items with you upon purchase…can you really fit that darling dining table and
all four chairs in your Chrysler 200?? We take the Jeep. It has a fair amount
of room, I keep a mover’s blanket in the back for cushioning. Its not a bad
idea to leave a couple of empty boxes in your vehicle also. This is where that
planning in step one can pay off.
5.
Wet wipes and
hand sanitizer…by the case. Seriously, trust me on this. The reality is that
most of the items at an estate sale have been stored for quite awhile,
sometimes decades. Many of the houses are dusty and a wee bit grimy. You will
want to clean at least your hands when you get to the car. And while we are on
the subject – dress accordingly. I know those peep-toe, sling-back, heels look
adorable with your skinny jeans and Gap top, but you will regret this fashion
decision. It wont be cute when you trip on the small tear in the worn carpet
and fall against a card table laden with fragile glass collectables. This is
the day for your older jeans, tennis shoes or Doc Martens and comfortable
shirt. By no means am I saying go as a slob, but be practical and well put
together!
Now that this is out there, what do you suggest? We'd love to hear the items you found essential after your first adventure!
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