Yard Sale Finds

One of my favorite memories as a child is going to yard sales with my mom.  Another favorite was having our own yard sales.  I loved finding things to sell, pricing each item, and keeping track of the money and who sold what.  I took a long yard sale hiatus during middle school, high school, and college.  Once I was married and had a house to decorate, it was important to me to find incredible deals.  My friends were always showing me what they picked up at a yard sale.  So I started shopping at yard sales again.  There are so many things to look forward to with the coming of spring, and yard sales are at the very top of that list!

Some people are not yard sale people.  I understand this.  It's not for everyone.  Just like shopping for clothes at Gabe's and TJ Maxx isn't for everyone (such as myself).  What I don't understand is the attitude of some people, who are in the same financial situation as me, acting like yard sales are beneath them.  Finding amazing deals like I have and making over $300 dollars at several of my own yard sales, I believe yard sale season increases my quality of life.  (Not to mention the incredible things you can find in someone's trash at the curb.  I am not above taking things from people's trash if it's good stuff.  I am a far cry from a hoarder.  Sometimes there is a good piece of furniture on the curb.  That's why people put that stuff out.  The trash truck isn't going to take it.  The owners place it there in hopes that someone will find a use for it.)

Sitting here at my dining room table in the middle of a Monday on March 25 watching the snow continue to fall on this disappointing snow day, I am dreaming in anticipation of the coming yard sale season.  It has made me think of all the great things I've purchased at yard sales.  So, I decided to post some of the pictures!

 

Above:  I got this storage bench for $10.  It's perfect for holding our shoes near the front door since we don't have a foyer.  I have plans to paint it but just haven't gotten there yet.

 

Above:  I had plans to make this table out of one of our old windows, but I needed chairs to go with it.  Thankfully, I found these two chairs for $2 each and I painted them white.

 

 

Above:  I got this Cracker Barrel rocking chair for $15.  I saw someone going for it at the yard sale and rushed to pay the owner.  I got it right in the nick of time!  Yard saling can be competitive!

 

 

Above:  This porch swing cost $20.  Dave painted it for me to match the painted rocking chair and folding chairs.  This is the second time I've completely furnished my front porch with yard sale purchases.

 

 



Above:  I bought both the stand ($3) and basket ($3) at yard sales.  In the summer, I have a fern or other plant on the stand.  I keep the basket on my porch to hold books and bug spray.

 

 

Above:  Please don't be distracted by my awful dead plants.  I got the wooden stool for $3.  I like to set plants on it in the spring and summer.

 

 

Above:  This wooden folding chair was $2.

 

 

Above:  I had been looking and looking for an antique chest of drawers.  After searching for a couple of years, I found one at the first yard sale of the season.  I paid $75 for this chest of drawers.  This was an amazing deal compared to the $300+ asking price online for the same exact piece.

 

 

Above:  This metal cart was only $3.  (A lot of things cost $3!)  I have big plans for this piece.  I'd like to paint it a cute color and use it as a night stand.  Not sure yet.

 

 

Above:  We had been needing a utility sink and had plans to buy a new one from Lowe's ($119).  But I found this used utility sink for $5!

 

 

Above:  This bread maker was only $8.  Every time I go yard saling, I see at least one bread maker.  Why buy a new one?  The bread I've made in this machine has been delicious.

 

And the list goes on . . .

 

Travel iron = $1

A set of brand new, unopened knitting needles = $1 each

Antique frames = $0.10 to $1 each

Set of 4 metal patio chairs = $15

Set of 12 chargers = $3

Various books = $0.50 to $1 each

Tons of children's books = $0.10 to $0.50 each

Serving tray = $2

Heavy duty metal stapler = $1

Brand new Thirty-One small utility tote = $3

Folding game chair = $1

Decorative pencil Christmas tree = $5

Various board games = $1 each

 

All this and I don't even go to yard sales every week.  Every few weeks is about how often I go.  I just can't wait until end of April, beginning of May!!!