12 Tips for shopping at Estate Sales for Home Decor 

Estate sales are a great way to find unique and interesting pieces for your home décor. However, they can also be a bit overwhelming.

Here are 12 tips to help you make the most of your estate sale shopping experience:

1. Do your research ahead of time. 

Before heading to an estate sale, do some research online or in the newspaper to see what sales will be happening in your area? This will give you an idea of what kinds of items will be available and how much they may cost.

2. Get there early. 

If you really want to score some good deals, it’s best to get to the estate sale early. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to find the best selection of items.

3. Bring cash. 

Most estate sales only accept cash, so be sure to bring enough with you to make your purchases.

4. Know what you’re looking for. 

Before shopping, take some time to think about what kinds of items you’d like to purchase for your home. This will help you focus your search and avoid buying things you don’t really need.

5. Inspect the items carefully. 

When you find something you’re interested in, be sure to inspect it closely before making a purchase. Look for any damage or wear that could affect its value or usefulness.

6. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. 

Some estate sale organizers are willing to negotiate on prices, so don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re interested in multiple items, you may be able to get a discount for buying them all at once.

7. Be prepared to haul your purchases home. 

Many estate sales do not offer delivery services, so you’ll need to be prepared to haul your purchases home yourself. If you’re not sure if you can manage it, bring along a friend or family member who can help.

8. Dress comfortably. 

You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and standing around while shopping at an estate sale, so dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you won’t mind getting a bit dirty.

9. Bring along a tape measure. 

It can be difficult to judge the size of furniture and other large items at an estate sale. Be sure to bring along a tape measure so you can get an accurate idea of whether or not an item will fit in your home.

10. Have an idea of what you’re willing to spend. 

Before shopping, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away when there are so many tempting items to choose from.

11. Don’t be afraid to haggle. 

As with negotiating on prices, some estate sale organizers may be willing to haggle on the price of an item. If you’re not sure, it never hurts to ask.

12. Check for sales tax. 

In some states, estate sales are subject to sales tax. Be sure to ask about this before making any purchases so you can factor it into your budget.

13. Ask about return policies. 

Estate sales are typically final sale, but it doesn’t hurt to ask about the return policy before making a purchase. This way, you’ll know for sure whether or not you can return an item if it’s not what you wanted.

14. Bring along bags or boxes. 

If you plan on buying multiple items, be sure to bring along bags or boxes to carry them in. This will make it easier to transport your purchases home.

15. Have fun! 

Above all, remember to enjoy yourself while shopping at an estate sale. It’s a great way to find unique and interesting items for your home so take your time and see what you can find.

Estate sale organizers may be willing to haggle on the price of an item. If you’re not sure, it never hurts to ask.

Conclusion:

Estate sales can be a great way to find unique items for your home at a fraction of the cost. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to score some great deals. Happy shopping!