Garage sales can be an exciting Saturday morning tradition. You never know what to expect, and you might uncover hidden gems in the process—but only if you know what to look for.
“Vintage mid-century modern furniture with names like Eames of Herman Miller and built-to-last kitchenware like Le Creuset, Pyrex, Lenox, and cast-iron skillets should always be at the top of your list,” says Bob Lang, brand president of Blue Moon Estate Sales. “Look out for items that are no longer made and antiques that have clearly stood the test of time.”
Here, the estate sale pro shares the top items to look out for the next time you pull up to a garage sale.
Meet Our Expert
Bob Lang is the brand president of Blue Moon Estate Sales.
Related: 10 Items You Should Never Pass Up When Antique Shopping
1. Original Board Games
Vintage editions of classic board games like Monopoly, Life, or Mystery Date are all worth keeping on your radar. Look for versions that are still in good condition, since they could warrant a resale price tag of anywhere from $40 to $150. Better yet, hold on to them and you’ll have a great conversation starter for your next game night.
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2. Complete Collections
Anytime you spot a complete collection of something at a garage sale, whether it’s a set of china, figurines, or any other type of collectible, Lang says it might be worth snagging.
But you should first ask yourself: Will I use it? Consider how it fits with your existing decor if you plan to display it, and if you actually like it. While it’s always good to spot gems like a full collection, it’s important to note whether it speaks to you. If the answer is no, then go ahead and leave it for another garage sale sleuth to score.
3. Designer Pieces
Labels matter when it comes to scoring a deal at a garage sale. Lang says to look for designer goods, including jewelry and clothing that come along with authentication receipts. This is especially important when it comes to vintage styles, he says. Bags, watches, coats, shoes, and more can all come steeply discounted if you’re lucky enough to spot them at a garage sale. Even if they’re decades old, you’ll still likely benefit from the high-quality craftsmanship often associated with these types of items.
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Laurie Black
4. Tools and Equipment
Lang advises taking a look at tools, lawn equipment, and even farm equipment, should you come across it at a garage sale. You might not realize how many of these may come in handy down the line.
“Many work like new and can save you a lot of money on practical goods,” he says. Mowers, tractors, edgers, blowers, handheld tools, and more are all worth checking out and potentially making an offer on.
5. Artwork
Lang suggests keeping your eyes open for pencil-signed works (which signals it’s an original rather than a reproduction), midcentury artists, and limited editions. All of these factors can help you snag a piece far below what you might pay at an art gallery, while building your collection in an authentic and high-quality way.
Just keep in mind what you like and what resonates with your style. No matter how limited edition or sought-after it might be, it’s best to stick with what you love if you want to build a collection that never grows old. Sales like these are perfect if you’ve been dreaming up your ideal gallery wall—especially if you’re trying to cut costs on wall decor.
Related: 34 Creative Wall Art Ideas to Fill Blank Spots with Personality
6. Classic Cars
We get it—this one might be a bit of a stretch for the budget, but every once in a while, you might come across a classic car that’s also up for sale. Most of us might laugh it off as an unrealistic, not to mention irresponsible, purchase (particularly if you aren’t very knowledgeable in the world of vintage cars). But that’s not to say others can’t benefit from this big-ticket purchase. Lang says a recent Blue Moon Estate Sale featured a 1965 Austin Healey that car aficionados would be hard pressed to pass up.
Related: How to Clean a Car Interior for an Almost-New Look in 10 Minutes
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7. Vintage Dolls or Toys
Look for vintage Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kids, and other renowned dolls, Lang says. If you’re not sure the year from which the item you’ve stumbled upon hails, take out your phone and do a little research to ensure you’re getting a good deal before you hand over the cash.
“Collectible and nostalgic goods don’t come around often, so a quick Google image search may help you identify the year a Barbie doll or Mickey Mouse phone originated,” Lang says.
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens
