Estate Sales–for Home and Garden Thrillseekers–and Tips Too

I enjoy a good boutique. Everything is beautifully displayed, fellow shoppers are relaxed, and items are in mint condition. If the store runs out of an item, they’ll check their stockroom or order it for you.

It’s the rush of an estate sale that I love though. Unlike shopping for vintage and antiques at a store that’s open 6 days a week, estate sales last 2-3 days. With only one of each item and with shoppers peering over your shoulder, you’ve got to trust your instincts, and fast. If you risk coming back the second day for half price, you may never see it again. And as you walk in that second day, you will have chills, praying it’s still there. What a thrill! 

Some of my estate sale finds over the last 25 years

If you regret not buying an item or miss the opportunity, you may spend years stalking Chairish to pay 3 times more. If you find it in a store, you’ll pay twice as much. As a 25 year shopper of estate sales, I have done both, and that’s okay.

Occasionally, caught up in the game, I make mistakes. I buy something that doesn’t work. I move it around a bit, store it in a cabinet for some time, and then decide to sell it. Because estate sale prices are very good, it’s not a big loss. Oftentimes, I sell it for what I paid or a little less. In life, you win and you lose, and I have fun almost always while doing it!

If you’re new to estate sale shopping, here are some tips:

• Different cities have different preferences for where sales get posted. EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org are the most common ones. You can attend estate sales on vacation as well–you’re welcome.

• Look at photos in advance. Not every item will be photographed, but it will give you a sense if the sale is worth your time. I tend to shop in neighborhoods that I like too.

• Go on the first day for the best selection and the last day for the best deals. For especially wonderful sales, you’ll want to go both days.

• Have fun in the line! Your fellow shoppers tend to be creative and interesting. You’ll meet decorators and dealers–where do you think they get most of their inventory?

• Sale organizers limit the number of shoppers in the home, so be patient waiting to enter and to leave when checkout lines are long.

• Most sales accept credit cards. You’ll want to check in advance.

• Bathrooms are not available so plan accordingly.

• Some sales are well merchandised, and some you’ll have to dig around a bit. You’ll get to know the estate sale companies you prefer, and you may shop exclusively with them.

In addition to buying more affordably, estate sale shopping is great for the environment. Most of the items have much life left, and you’ll find some project pieces as well. See you at the next sale!

Amy Miller Wolpert

Co-Founder