10 Yard Sale Must Buys

The yard sale season is in full swing.  Whether you’re an expert in the dedicated art of thrift sale shopping or a newbie just learning the ropes, here are 10 yard sale must buys that you should always consider buying.

1.  Books

Used books are the best bargain on the block.  A new hardcover from a major book seller, even on sale, averages $20 or more.  Yard sales prices for hardcover reads are generally $1 or less.   Yard sales are great places to pick up books for the whole family.

2.  Home office supplies

Tremendous bargains can be had at yard sales when shopping for computers, software and printers, plus smaller necessity items like staplers, paper clips, scissors and bulletin boards.

3.  Sewing supplies

You don’t realize how expensive thread is until a button falls off your favorite shirt and needs mending.  Be on the lookout for sewing supplies like specialty needles, threads, yard, zippers, buttons, snaps and the like, many of which are new and still in the original packaging.

4.  Furniture

When people update their furniture, they often just want to make room in the house and clear out their used items quickly and cheaply.  Dressers, desks, entertainment centers and bookshelves can be purchased at yard sales for pennies on the dollar.

5.  Craft supplies

Most craft supplies found at yard sales are still new and in their original box.  This is a great way to toy around with a new hobby or see if your child might be interested in weaving, woodworking or making greeting cards.

6.  Kids dress clothes

Unlike everyday kids clothing,  dress clothes were reserved for special occasions and don’t have the usual stains and rips and tears that jeans and t-shirts may have.  At many sales, you’ll also find clothing that was never worn because it didn’t fit properly or was received as a gift.

7.  Plastic containers

Though you may not want to store food items in used Tupperware and plastic containers, these make for great storage tools for nails, screws, pins and similar items in the garage or basement workshop, and are also excellent storage areas for crayons and craft supplies.

8.  Tools

New tools are pricey and often go largely unused.  The money you’ll save buying used hammers, power saws, leaf blowers and screwdrivers at yard sales really adds up.

9.  Sporting equipment

Lots of used sporting equipment can be had for next to nothing.  Things like golf clubs, bicycles, badminton nets, and balls are priced cheap at yard sales and this can be a great opportunity to get your child involved in a new sport without investing too much money.

10.  Gardening equipment

Gardening supplies are not cheap when purchased new, but are great yard sale finds that are often the first to sell.  Watch for pots, spades, shovels and wheelbarrows.

Are there yard sale items that you should steer clear of?

Yes, say the experts.  The following items should be avoided or purchased with extreme care:

Hair dryers: Older hair dryers do not contain safety plugs that prevent against shock.

Bike helmets: Used bike helmets are not often sold with the extra padding needed to properly fit your head.  It’s always safest to buy bike helmets new.

Dog toys: These look like great buys, but since you don’t know the immunization or health records of the dog who previously used these toys, it’s best to stay away.  Unused toys still in their original package are fine.

Happy yard sale hunting this weekend!

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