How to Get Real Deals at an Estate Sale - well kind of!
Always wear comfortable shoes when you go to an estate sale; so today I chose my new pirate shoes as this sale had a fashionista theme to it. No, Tim Gunn from Project Runway would not be there but no telling who might look at your feet. These shoes are a replica of a $200 pair that I got at Wal-Mart for $19.99. What you do not see are the layers of band-aids under my socks that keep my feet comfortable.
Always bring along enough money to spend, even if it is only small denominations. Hopefully they will breed when you put them back in your wallet.
Take the credit cards out of your wallet and air them out to prevent overheating later on.
Add the Godiva Chocolate Rewards card to your wallet. If you don't find anything you can drown your sorrows with free chocolate. After all they do owe you that free one every month.
Bring along something for good luck. I brought my Jesus bag with me for a possible higher intervention.
Ignore the words of,
"This is not the time to take pictures!" as you begin to document your journey.
Those who were not ready before you were or had to go get cash first should not have anything to say.
Wear a smile on your face like our eager shopper below.
When arriving at your destination everyone should throw their hands in the air and shout,
"First!"
Whether you are first or not remains to be seen.
When people begin arriving and someone who looks like "Miss Europa 1982" tells you there is a "LEEST" to sign, just nod your head in agreement and sign the "LEEST". So what if she is first, you will take care of her inside.
Be aware of your surroundings should you have to exit the place quickly after you deal with "Miss Europa" and notice that the next waterhole hole is 897 km away. You know immediately that this will be one fantastic sale because the late owner knew the metric system.
Working like I had rocket fuel in me I scored some lovely sewing patterns and fashion books. Sadly I had to deal with "Miss Europa" and wondered if she would leave faster if I told her about the pub 897 km away.
This is Rusty of Rusty's Real Deals and she really is the REAL DEAL. Rusty not only runs estate sales but she blogs too. We love sister bloggers and both agreed that "How to be a Good Wife" should be one of my next blogs.
Rusty has most excellent buttons that she sells too. One always has to ask themselves the following question when you exit these sales with lots of purchases.
Are we collectors or are we just one step away from being a hoarder?
If the horizontal space in your home has disappeared and you are now living vertically, it’s time to stop collecting! Well maybe!
As I told a loved one after I saw a room full of his Home Shopping Network purchases:
"You know we can throw a token on top of your casket when we bury you but there is no way all this stuff is going to fit!"
So make sure whatever you buy can be eased into your final resting container or they will instantly become items at your heir's future "Grandma Finally Died" Estate Sale. Because as much as I hate to say it; this will eventually become the 'real deal'! Just ask Rusty!
Images and text by Linda Seccaspina 2011
Comment
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Comment by designanator on September 18, 2011 at 3:59pm -
Linda, a fun and informative post! The first estate sale I went to was across town from me--a music publisher from the old days who used to have fancy guests like George Gershwin stop by for a visit. Everything was far too expensive and the dollars in my wallet were definitely not the breeding type!
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Comment by Linda Seccaspina on September 18, 2011 at 2:20pm -
No you are not Marsha hahaha
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Comment by Marsha Shearer on September 18, 2011 at 2:03pm
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OMG. I"M the grandma you're talking about! I absolutely do not hoard. My 'stuff' is totally refined, museum quality and all with original patina...because I do not dust. OK. I do dust. But everything else is totally true. Absolutely.
And yes, I'd recognize that behind anywhere.
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Comment by Linda Seccaspina on September 18, 2011 at 1:32pm
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Lisa: I agree.. this woman had so much stuff.. its sad..
Diary: 12 step programs for swap meets?? NOOOOOOOOOOO hahaha
mary: that would be the first commenter who never takes his hat off on weekends shhahaha
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Comment by Linda Seccaspina on September 18, 2011 at 1:30pm
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Now Steve has a story to tell with that sale he went to
Cathy: sewing patterns are my passion
Sheila: we would had hada blast together..:)
Matt: I went back today.. NOw I must do dishes.. we have run out of glasses..:)
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Comment by Mary Katherine Manuel on September 18, 2011 at 12:41pm -
Who is that handsome man walking to the ATM?
Excellent post and I am looking forward to the one on "How to be a good wife"
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Comment by Diary of a Food Addict on September 18, 2011 at 12:40pm -
I passed up a sale yesterday because I am so tired of things..no ..thats a lie..I love things ,way toooo much..I have a rule for each thing I bring into the house ,something goes...never happens..uggg.So now I'm in collecting withdrawal.Maybe there is a 12 Step program for avoiding swap meets ets .Happy Sunday xoxo
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Comment by Lisa Schnaidt on September 18, 2011 at 12:39pm -
My mom always hopped from one sale to another. This brought back memories of me tagging along in the station wagon. I always bought books from these sales. Right now though, I'm more interested in getting rid of stuff. Probably because my daughter is in the midst of packing to move, and I'm moving things from my classroom to home. Too much stuff.
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Comment by Matt Paust on September 18, 2011 at 12:39pm -
Lordy, Linda, only you can make an estate sale vicariously entertaining!
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Comment by Sheila Luecht on September 18, 2011 at 12:05pm -
Ha, we were on the same wave length yesterday! I went to three garage sales. They were big ones, the people had shops. I did get a piece of old handmade lace, dress for K, a lovely pillow, 4 directors chairs, a case of mugs, and my husband got a lot of electrical stuff in their own bins, etc. all for about $39.00. It was fun. Nice post.
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