My parents spend most Saturday mornings on the yard sale circuit. Trust me, it’s a thing. I’m a fan myself although I don’t go as often as they do. Maybe someday. My husband and I did make a pit stop to the annual ten-mile yard sale in Cornville on our way up to The Forks last spring. It’s one of those must do destinations for yard sale aficionados.
While we never did find the main drag, we spent a few enjoyable hours poking around some of the side roads leading up to the sale as we passed through Skowhegan. I even scored a $5 pair of ice skates and a $2 DVD of The Purge so the hunt was successful. Although after watching the Purge, I’m not sure it was a complete win.
This weekend marks the 35th anniversary of the 10 mile yard sale. The weather isn’t looking promising but that doesn’t stop the bargain hunters. The sale goes on rain or shine.
Thinking of going to a few yard sales? Here are some things to keep in mind if you do:
- Hydrate. Be sure to bring water with you on the trip. It’s easy to lose track of time when wandering through tables of treasures. Snacks are always good too.
- Bring Bug Spray and Sunscreen. Or, bring an umbrella and mud boots. Keep an eye on the weather and adjust accordingly.
- Wear a Hat. I actually forgot this one on our trip, but serendipity stepped in and I found someone selling a new one with tags for $.50. Perfect timing!
- Carry Small Bills and Change. There’s nothing worse than finding that must have item but the seller can’t make change.
- Take a Reusable Shopping Bag. You need to be able to carry all your purchases.
- Buy Only What You Need. The prices can be amazing at yard sales, but it’s not a bargain if you don’t need it.
- Prepare for Lemonade Stands and Bake Sales. I always bringing a little extra cash to buy from the cutest little entrepreneurs out there.
- Barter only if overpriced. This is a personal choice. I’m not a fan of haggling unless I truly feel something is overpriced by yard sale standards. I’ve been on the other side of yard sales. They are a lot of work and generally things are already priced incredibly low.
- Know Your Sizes. If you’re looking for something for a specific space or place in your home, write down the sizes and bring a measuring tape. Using your best guess may work but it’s risky.
- Think Creatively. My favorite part of going to tag sales is finding something that can be re-purposed or reused in a new way.
There are many other tips and tricks to successful yard sale excursions but there’s truly only one tip that you need to know. Have fun!
Do you like to go to yard sales?
Weekends in Maine 
Isn’t it fun to see what someone’s ‘trash is another’s treasure’, Karen. There is hours of browsing and I’m sure a few bargains.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
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It really is fun to get creative with yard sale finds.
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This is great! I have had a few garage sales and once the day is over, I happily take left overs to the curb where “neighbors” happily pick through and find their treasures.
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I definitely don’t have the patience for garage sales and yard sales – I want to find a great bargain or something awesome, but the amount of work required to find them definitely does not work for me!
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It does take a lot of time but I really enjoy the process. I get though that it’s not for everyone.
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What ?
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You could have a contender for the next A to Z with ‘found items’ 🙂 26 isn’t such a bad number right?! lol
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What a great idea! It opens up so many possibilities.
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How have I never heard of this? I came on to your website to remember the name of your island hike, but I don’t live that far from Cornville– though I’ve never been there. This is the weekend for the Littlejohn Island hike though. Maybe Cornville next year.
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I hope you have fun on your Littlejohn Island hike!
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Great tips, especially “buy only what you need” – otherwise you end up piling even more clutter at home 😉
I am not a big yard sale shopper. Usually when I need something I have something very specific in mind, and I don’t have a lot of time hunting for that item, so off to (insert closest retail store) it is. I do like the atmosphere, the social interaction and of course the cookie stands, though.
So what I came here to your blog today for: here’s your Liebster Award nomination, congratulations!
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2018/06/liebster-award.html
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Thanks Tamara! I’m just getting back from vacation and getting caught up on things now. I’ll be sure to take a look.
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