I have managed to furnish and decorate most of our house with items from estate sales. You know what they say, one man’s junk is another’s treasure. Estate sales offer you the opportunity to find great pieces at a discount, plus you can find unique handcrafted items or antiques. Personally, I enjoy the history of the items I find. It’s fun to look at pieces in my home and know another family enjoyed them before we did.
Estate sales can be a little intimidating and if you’re like me, you might be concerned about making sure the items you’re purchasing are in good condition for their listed price. Here are some shopping tips to make your estate sale experience a pleasant one.
1. Download an app to source sales. I use EstateSales.net. This app is fantastic! You can tailor your settings to your current zip code so that you can see sales around your area within whatever mileage radius you set. This app also features photos of the items at the sale so you are able to preview the sale prior to going. I usually scout out the weekend sales on Wednesday and Thursday, most companies post photos by Thursday.
2. Always know the terms and conditions before you go. The companies that host estate sales all have different terms, conditions, and rules. Most of the time, they are listed on the EstateSales.net app or the company’s website. Some only take cash so be prepared to have plenty of cash on hand if you think you want a larger ticket item. Also, learn the company’s policy on how you claim the items you want. Some companies allow you to “pull the tag” on the item and bring it to the cashier at the end of your trip through the house. Others require you to put a sold sign on it and will sell the item to someone else if you take the tag off. If their policies aren’t listed online, make sure you ask a member of their staff when you arrive.
3. Get a number. Most estate sale companies allow those with numbers to access the sale before the general public on its opening day. If you have your eye on something, register for a number or arrive early to the sale to get one. If you are going to a sale with a friend, make sure you each have numbers to enter the sale.
4. Bring some muscle with you. Unfortunately, most companies won’t help you move items out of the house once you purchase them. However, most will hold items that you’ve purchased and allow you to come back to collect them later in the day or on the final day of the sale.
5. Be choosey. Don’t buy something just because it’s a good deal. Take a minute to think about where you will put the item in your house or how often you’ll use it. I try to have a plan for everything I buy in order to prevent myself from buying something just because it’s inexpensive. However, if you really want something, jump on it. I purchased this mirror at an estate sale and I cannot fathom my entryway without it.
It had a big price tag on it and I didn’t want to spend that much. We were about to drive away from the sale and my sister-in-law encouraged me to go back and place a bid. I’m so glad she did. I entered a bid for 60% of the price and since no one purchased it for full price, I ended up winning the mirror that night.
6. Don’t judge a house. Be prepared, some of the houses can be rundown on the inside even if it doesn’t look that bad in the photos. I went to a sale knowing I wanted the gold sconces inside (pictured below) for our dining room. The house was in bad condition, but I’m so glad I didn’t run out and hunted for the item I came for. I purchased the sconces right off the wall for just $10. They are a focal point in our dining room, and I get so many compliments on them.
7. Be careful with fabric items. I have only purchased a few fabric items from estate sales, a pair of chairs and a rug. I bought them from clean, non-smoking households. If you have pets that mark, like dogs, you might want to find out if the owner had pets before you buy fabric items from a sale. Also, you might want to ask if the items were ever in a different location in the house. Companies can stage houses and might move items up from a damp basement or location that isn’t ideal.
Even though estate sales can be intimidating, they are well worth the time it takes to treasure hunt. Good luck on your next estate sale adventure whether it’s your first or you’re a seasoned veteran. I’d love to see your favorite finds. Happy hunting!
Some of my favorite finds:
Seagrass Basket 
End Tables and Coffee Table 
Oriental Rug
Crystal Wine Coaster 
Lamps
Coffee Table, End Tables, and Painting 
Custom Lamp, Console Table, Painting, Candelabra, and Clock
I love your estate sale angle! I downloaded the app last year, thanks to a tip from you, and tried one nearby. So much fun! And for someone who loves to save, it’s a nice addition to my strategy. Thanks!!!