Frugal Friday: Garage Sales

I've written before about how to host your own garage sale to clear clutter and make a little money. Garage sale season is now upon us and there are tips that make your garage sailing more fulfilling.

1. Buy a paper or check the library paper for that week's listings. Luckily, we get a free paper in the mail each week which shows the garage sale listings. Some people choose not to advertise their sales and instead just put signs up around town, but the serious garage sale hosts will list the sales in the paper. This will help you plan.

2. Take note of the start times. The majority of good stuff is gone within an hour of opening time. That is not to say that you can't find good items later in the day, but the best deals are snatched up quickly (you know, like the $5 Coach purses). Try to get to the sale around opening time.

3. Do watch for signs around town while running errands. While it is best to plan by what is advertised in the paper, the unadvertised sales may hold some good treasures as they may not have as heavy traffic as the advertised sales. Some of my better deals have been at sales that I found just by following signs. Last year I bought three bags of boy's baby clothes for Joe at one of those sales.

4. Make a list of what you want/need and try to stick to it. I know, easier said than done and I am still trying to learn this rule. It is difficult to pass up things that are priced cheaply but in the end you aren't getting a good deal if you are buying stuff that you just don't need. Really, how many jeans does a six year old need or how many vases can you use? Pass it up if you don't need it.

5. Don't just think of your household wants/needs, but also gifts. Many sales have brand new items at them that would be perfect to stash in your gift closet. Brand new stationery, new books, new lotion or fragrance gift sets, new baby clothes, etc. Think outside of the box.

6. Don't hesitate to haggle about the price. If you want something, but don't want to pay their asking price, give them an offer. The worst they can say is no. Near closing time they will probably be willing to go even lower in price...I know I am always anxious to get rid of everything at our sale so that we don't have to drag it back inside so take any reasonable offer on the last day.

7. Bring snacks and drinks for the kiddos and yourself if you plan to it several sales in a day. There is no worse money waster than having to stop at a gas station to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger and leaving there $10 lighter. Plan ahead on these things!

8. Leave kiddos at home, if at all possible. Again, easier said than done. They almost always are dragged along with me and end up picking out toys or things that we just don't need. It is also challenging and exhausting getting three kids in and out of the van at each stop. So if you have a babysitter, parent, or friend who is willing to watch them while you garage sale, take full advantage of it!

9. Check all clothing for stains or holes.

10. Have fun. Think of it as a challenge!

Happy garage sailing!