When it comes to shopping estate sales, you really never know what you’re going to find. It’s like a treasure hunt, and the possibilities are endless! You may head home with a gorgeous 18th-century oil painting, a bronze sculpture or a cloisonne vase. You may stumble upon a unique piece of furniture destined to become the focal point of your living room or a wrought iron Mid Century Modern bench that fits perfectly on your patio. You may meander in with the intent to snag some tableware for your wedding and wind up walking away with an armload of vintage Christian Dior neckties, a sterling silver Navajo cuff, a set of pristine crystal stemware and a practically new KitchenAid mixer. If it sounds exciting, that’s because it is! Join in on the fun!

TIPS & TRICKS FOR FIRST-TIME ESTATE SALE SHOPPERS

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Have your eye on something specific? Get there early and stand in line. When you get to the door, feel free to ask a staff member where the item is located in the home. That way, you aren't wasting precious time frantically searching the estate.
If you're looking for a great bargain, hit a sale on the final day. This is when we are more likely to be open to reasonable offers. The early bird may get the worm, but the late bird gets the really amazing deals!

MAKE A LIST

First, think about the things you want and need. Take some time to go through the photo gallery preview of the sale you'll be attending and make some notes. Maybe you’re a vintage fashion fanatic and know right off the bat that you’ll want to check for clothing. Put that at the top of your list. Would your medicine cabinet look better with a different knob? Add hardware to the list. Did your favourite ladle melt in the dishwasher? Throw that on your list, too! You may not find everything on your list, but having some direction, especially as a beginner, can be really helpful.

BE PREPARED

You are not going to want anything to get in the way of you and your estate sale finds! Before you hit the sale, have something to eat, and be sure to use the restroom. Seasoned shoppers know not to count on one being available at the sale.

​You’ll also want to have the right tools on hand. Bring a loupe if you're planning on inspecting jewelry, coins or artwork. Have your home's measurements and a measuring tape with you so that you can buy with confidence. If there's even a chance that you'll purchase something large, make sure that you have access to a vehicle with adequate cargo space. (It's also nice to have snacks and water waiting in said vehicle for a post-sale pick-me-up!)

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Dress comfortably as you may need to dig through boxes, navigate stairs or cramped spaces, or kneel down to inspect your finds. At an estate sale, every nook and cranny is filled with treasure, but you have to be prepared to discover it. Sneakers or boots are always a good choice, especially when it comes to farmhouse sales. Leave your heavy purse in the car if you can, so you can have your arms free for shopping. If it's the first day of the sale, make sure that you check the forecast and are dressed appropriately, as the line can be quite long. If you're in the market for clothing, wearing a fitted layer of some kind will allow you to slip items on over your clothes to check the fit, as private dressing rooms are not available at estate sales.

FEEL GREAT ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE

When you shop at an estate sale, you can feel good knowing you're giving someone's treasures a fresh lease on life. Take it from us, few things feel better than discovering something special and giving it a new home. Not only that, shopping estate sales is a sustainable practice, both for the earth and for your wallet. It's especially nice to know that, in addition to helping empty a home, you're putting money in a local family's pocket!