I have gone garage saling for many years, but recently two other friends and I often go together. We give each other advice on items the other one is looking to buy and ideas about how to use different items that can be re-purposed. We have so much fun and it is a great way to spend a Saturday morning and sometimes the afternoons!
A few of my friends even swap furniture with me and each other. Sometimes we sell the item cheap (between our own sales) and sometimes we just swap pieces that we each need. It is a great way to change the look of your home and still know that you're not picking up any bedbugs or other unwanted pests.
As our life style changes, we move to different homes or as our parents move in and our children move out, swapping furniture is a great way to maintain a sense of creativity without spending much money. One word of caution, you should be clear about the permanency of the pieces and the alterations the new owner/borrower can make with each swap.
I also have gotten pieces from friends and relatives that they just wanted removed. Often times I will refinish or paint the item, add new fabric or hardware, even cushions. After I've used it for a few years, I may find something else to fill the purpose better and I re-sell it at my own sale. Much of the time I have made a bit of money on the item when I do sell it.
Swapping or buying at garage sales allows me to pick up a piece that I need to purchase new more easily and faster than if I bought everything as a new purchase. I also don't feel badly if a garage sale item I've re-done, gets ruined or replaced. I have to say my customers love my garage sales and often give me their names and numbers to call next time I have a sale. I usually get close to my asking prices and sell larger items fairly soon in the sale.
Using these simple and fun ways to shop will not only save you money, but you will have a lot more places to shop (like at your girl friends' homes, lol). Scheduling your garage saling with friends is also a cheap way to spend a day with your friends. Have fun!
By susan from Elkhart, IN
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
