Tips for Flea Markets, Swap Meets, Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

Everyone loves a bargain, Right?! I hope so!!! One of my favorite things to do is go to a good garage sale or Flea Market. There is something about waking up early in the morning, when the air is still chilly, and fresh. When you can just slip something comfy on and just get in the car with the thoughts of all the things you could possibly find in your day. Then the excitement of finding that one item you have been looking for and finding it at such a good price. Its addicting!

There are some tips/tricks though that you should always know....So here they are

What to take with you:

Directions (especially if you are going with a guy because they wont stop to ask for them :)

A large Bag

Cash (this is a MUST) and be sure to take smaller change!

Wish List so you don't get carried away!

Paper and a pencil

Tape Measure

Flashlight (good for those early flea markets or to look at screws and hard wear in furniture)

Floor plan of your house (so you can see if the furniture will fit in or not )
Pictures of your room
Cart or something you can carry your treasures in
Tissue paper (if you buy breakables not everyone will wrap them up nicely for you)

Plastic Bags (I like Target bags because they are nice and thick)

Water

Snack

Tool Kit

Rope

Blankets

Directions:

If you are going to garage sales be sure to get a game plan together before you leave. That means get the phone numbers, the directions and I like to make a little route. Gas is so expensive you don't want to go to Point A to D and then back to B!! Also write down hours and admission fees if available.

Clothes:

Wear clothes that are comfy! Flat shoes are a must!

Car:

Take a tool kit in your car so you can take off some parts of the pieces (like if you bought a table, take off the legs in order to fit it in the car). Take Rope, and blankets to help secure or protect your item.

Go Early!!!!!

Ok, You don't want to miss your MUST have item by 5 minutes just because you wanted to sleep in a little more!

Reference:

Take a Kovel's book to check values on items!

Potential:
Even if an item isn't in perfect shape...Step back and look at it. Imagine what it would look like with some TLC and a new paint job! Most of the time Paint and some new fabric changes the whole thing!

Make a deal:

Make a deal with the seller. See if they can negotiate the price. Don't make a low ball offer that will offend the seller. This might just make him or her mad and not want to sell it to you anymore!