Last weekend I went to an estate sale. It was in a old beautiful brick bungalow in small town USA.
On a tree lined street of neighborhood white picket fence euphoria!
I have not been to an estate sale in a few years as most of my items I sell come from thrift shops and tag sales. So I get up early to try to beat the lines of people who may be waiting to get in. I get there about 45 minutes early and luckily I’m third in line. Most estate sales have a sign up sheet and you are let in by how close your name is to the top. This particular estate sale company does first come, first serve. So I was very happy to only be third in line!
The doors opened to this big beautiful house and it was piled ceiling to floor with “stuff.” So much that I had brain overload and after awhile things all start looking the same. I could feel my heart racing and decided to amble around slowly to each and every room first. One large entryway, large living room, dining room, big country kitchen, back glassed in porch, two bedrooms, bath and attic upstairs. Outside was a two car garage packed full of goodies too!
I felt kind of weird picking through other people’s things and I wondered what had happened to these people who used to love and cherish all of these items. The lady of the house must of liked to shop, there were bedspreads, sheets, towels and other linens still in their original wrappers. Boxes, bins and baskets full of books,Tupperware, baskets, pans, and dishes! It was like being in a dream land of high flying bliss!
After my initial shock and taking stock of so many items I went from room to room very slowly. Going through piles of clothes, linens, books and purses lying on two beds. One room was full of just purses! It amazed me that one person could have so much and probably would of never believed that someday some stranger would be rustling through all of their earthly belongings.
After a few finds I left with three bags full. I knew I would go back the next day again to see what was left, hoping for a markdown of all of the items.
On Saturday, the second day of the sale I went back. Everything $20.00 and below was half price and all other items were negotiable! I was in hog heaven! Needless to say, I left with three full bags, a leaf blower(for camping), a bicycle from the 70’s and many items to resell in my Etsy shop!
Even on Sunday and today I have sat and said to myself I should of got this or that….so lesson learned is, if something speaks to you GRAB IT!
In this country we are so blessed beyond measure. Most of us have one room full of stuff which is more than some people will ever see or have in a lifetime.
So I count it as duty to be the keeper of once loved stuff to pass it on to those who cherish VINTAGE like I do. I feel I’m doing something worthwhile and it just blesses my pea pickin’ heart!
Uh, did I just really say that?
Vintage binds us together in a sister/brotherhood of the thrill of the hunt, the catch and the sale!
Go VINTAGE!
Oh I am so jealous — I wish I could have been there. Since we moved to Louisiana 6 years ago I have been to only 3 estate sales. They just don't have much in my area. I use to live in TX and there were tons every weekend. I miss it so.
Thanks Kelly.
Great post Kelly. I am glad you enjoyed the sale!
Great post Kelly. I am glad you enjoyed the sale!
I LOVE estate sales!! Even though a lot of items are too pricey for me, I have found some real prizes!
Sounds like a fun sale. I have gone to sales where I end up getting lost in the beautiful architecture and forget to shop.
Great story! Thanks for sharing. I have gone to a few estate sale here in Southern Oregon, I prefer them over other thrift shopping, I find so much more vintage and usually by the box load.
Words of Wisdom on Estate Sales – go early (like you did) your goal is to be one of the 1st to enter the sale. Go through each room/shed/garage look for the obvious, then go back through slower looking at everything. Spend time especially if it is a good one like this one. And by all means go back, the next day, and the last day! Get to know the people doing the sale – get on their mailing lists. And don't be hesitant on the last day to ask for a better price – some liquidators can make a better price on the last day. Remember they are working for the family – so their goal is to make the contents of this house bring as much as possible. But they also do not want to have anything left at the end.
YES! Estate sales are gold mines! I love them more than thrift stores or garage sales. The hunting is the best part. You never know what you're going to uncover once you walk past that threshold.
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The worst part for me is waiting in line but I've found some great items! I always head to the basement or garage first.
I love Estate sales, too, but you are right, if you see it, grab it, “cause it won't be there on your second go-around!!” I went to one over winter this past year, it was snowing and they had a little auction outside of the house first. Then we were allowed to go inside. The sale was in a house which was right across the street from my house!! How convenient was that – ha!!! I've got to say, my favorite “pickin place” is a flea market – there are tons around my neck of the country!! Love your post, thanks!!
I went to a sale like that when i was living in Los Angeles. We had already moved and i could only buy a few things as the would have to fit in my small Beemer that I was driving to Washington. I still think about that sale. What a shopper this woman was!
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