Your Two Cents: Do You Go to Garage Sales?

October 17, 2008

During a recent trip to New York, I couldn't help but notice the number of personal sidewalk "garage" sales that were going on. And most were packed with enthusiastic shoppers! The garage sale scene isn't as hot here in San Francisco, as far as I know, but they can be fun for bargain hunting and I'd explore more if they existed. Do you shop garage sales?

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18 Comments

i heart monster 4 years 30 weeks

I used to go with my grandparents when I was young, but haven't gone to one in a long time. I do go to the annual rummage sale to support the volunteer fire department, and I usually come away from there with a box of something - be it canning jars (hey - they're expensive to buy new) or books (oh how I love my books), but I always sterilize the jars when I get home and I clorox wipe the books. Come to think of it, my very first set of luggage came from that rummage sale too - it was vintage samsonite and it was cool, after I cleaned it up really really well.

sushibananas 4 years 30 weeks

While I don't go to garage sales I had one "moving overseas" sale when I left for Japan in 2002. All I can say is that it was the most liberating experience of my life to get rid of all those "things". The extra wad of cash certainly didn't hurt either. While I don't remember everything that happened that day, I do remember a couple of the hard-core garage sale shoppers. Clearly professionals. And scary! Case in point - two ladies who looked like Marge Simpson's sisters, car lurching into the driveway, getting out of the car and in low husky voices asking, "Got any jewelry?" (no) "Antiques?" (no). They got back in their car and drove off. Totally weird.

laluna 4 years 30 weeks

If there is one near my place and i have the liitle girl i look after that weekend we'll walk by on the way to the park or something and she can spend her 'pocket money'. I just have to carry the crap home.

lexichloe 4 years 30 weeks

No, b/c if they're selling the same junk I would, it would be pathetic.

pink1783 4 years 30 weeks

I rarely go to garage sales, because I don't like to wake up too early on the weekends. But I decided to try something different last weekend. I went on Craigslist and found garage and block sales in my area, so then I wouldn't just be roaming the streets. I found some pretty good stuff at a block sale. I got a Barbie Princess Dollhouse for my niece for $15, a cameo pin and silver 50's style purse for $2, 3 books for $1, and 1 "Pretty in Pink" new DVD for $2. Pretty good deals. I have been trying to spend less, so I felt pretty good about myself, lol.

ilanac13 4 years 30 weeks

no - i don't go to garage sales. they really don't have them here in NYC and in the burbs, i haven't seen any - and if i do, i'm not really inclined to go to them. i have to admit though that my fiance's roommate back in FL had one and i had to leave the house. i just have something against them - and i'm not sure why.

skigurl 4 years 30 weeks

i have been to one or two for furniture when i was in university...but that was only to buy specific stuff like a couch that i knew i'd be dumping after the year was over and only because where i lived was too far to transport furniture from home

LittleMiss101 4 years 31 weeks

My mom is a SERIOUS pack rat. I wish she would have garage sales! I can hardly stand to go to her house. I'm going to suggest it. Thanks, dreamsugar!

dreamsugar 4 years 31 weeks

I don't go to garage sales -- but I will go to a thrift store or two. But where on the other end of this. My mother is a pack rat and we have about 6 garage sales a year -- I'm soo over it!

Spectra 4 years 31 weeks

I don't usually go to garage sales because almost all of them sell stuff for babies/little kids. If I had kids, I might go to them to get good deals on clothes/toys, etc. I do go to a lot of estate sales and consignment auctions with my husband though. We find some neat stuff sometimes and you often end up paying next to nothing for most things. Lots of times, we buy stuff and then re-sell it on Ebay or on craigslist. I'm pretty picky though: I don't want to fill my house with someone else's junk.

Spectra 4 years 31 weeks

psterling 4 years 31 weeks

No, my mom used to drag me to these all the time when I was little and I hate them now. Plus, haggling makes me uncomfortable.

sorrowja 4 years 31 weeks

I've never gone to a garage sales . . . . if the owner doesn't want it neither do I. I'll stick to target and Wal-mart.

RosaDilia 4 years 31 weeks

I sometimes stop by the ones that take place in my neighborhood and only if I'm looking for something specific. Most of the times I look for the ones selling furniture. LOL Brendelwoman, there's a lady in my neighborhood who's lived in her house for like 50 years and literally tries to sell items that will totally disintegrate if it's exposed to sunlight. Her garage looks like a landfill.

RosaDilia 4 years 31 weeks

sonya ina 4 years 31 weeks

Sure, if they are convenient and I have the time, I'll stop by for a quick peak! There aren't too many around here though.

BabyBearCutie 4 years 31 weeks

I have to agree with brendelwoman, i still go to garage sales when they have something worth looking at. A lot of people try to sell useless junk nowadays.

Brendelwoman 4 years 31 weeks

Garage sales are pretty common here in the Midwest. The only problem is avoiding the gross ones. I know one lady that has been trying to sell her baby stuff for the last 5 years and she stores whatever doesn't sell in her basement because they are mostly sour smelling and stained. Disgusting.

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