Let's Get Rrrrrrready to Rummage!

That's right, folks. Rummage sale season "officially" begins this weekend! For those of you in the south, I'm sure they last all year round, but here up north, most wait until the weather is a bit warmer to start. This is also the spring fishing opener weekend, so many men will be out on the lake, leaving their wives to hold sales or to go shopping!

Last year, I wrote a post about garage sale strategy. However, I thought today would be a great time to mention it again. Some key thrifty garage sale tips:
- With the price of gas at an all-time high, doing some research before setting out makes more sense than ever. Use Craigslist to search for garage sales in your area. Once you find some promising ones, map the addresses out using google maps in order to determine the best route.
- Take some time to empty out your change jar, pockets, cup holders, and other places that coins gather. Keep them in a ziptop bag in your car or purse and use them for your garage sale purchases. Garage sale hosts love getting more change, and it's "free money" for you.
- If you really don't need it, don't buy it. Even if it's only 50 cents.
- Check everything over to ensure it's in good condition, and make sure to disinfect or wash the items once you get them home.
- Have fun!

Over the past two days, I went to four garage sales and purchased the loot you see below. Any guesses as to how much I spent? Answer below.

Black jean jacket, fleece hoodie, fleece hat with matching gloves, 2 pairs fleece gloves, four Christmas hand towels, Strawberry Shortcake beach towel, hooded sweater with flowers, new tights, new swimsuit, four pairs of shoes (two being Stride Rite brand), Connect Four (not pictured).

Grand total..... $20.25. $5 of which was from my change bag so really I only spent $15.25 of "real money."  Nice.

Thrifty Strategies- Garage Sales

Some recent garage sale finds by me, my mom, and my husband, including a $1 exersaucer.

Where can you buy a side table, package of swim diapers, a cooler, baby clothes, some work gloves, a board game, and an exersaucer, all for a total of less than $5? At garage sales! Garage sales are hit-and-miss, sometimes you hit the jackpot and sometimes you come up short. Here are some strategies to make the most of your time (and money).

• Use Craigslist to find garage sales near you. There is a whole header under the For Sale section. You can search on the location and/or on specific items or categories.
• Once you have a list of several sales, use Google Maps to develop the best route, and print it out so you can find your way.
• Once on the road, if you see a sign for a sale that's not on your list, stop in. You never know what you might find!
• Bring lots of change and small bills, I use this as an opportunity to empty out our change jar
• Don't be afraid to bargain or to offer one price for a group of several items
• Go in with a list of what you're looking for and try to stick to it
• Make sure the items you buy are in good condition and not broken. Wash and/or disinfect all items, especially things for babies or children.

I learned my garage sale strategies from my mom, who has made some amazing finds over the years. Especially recently with items for our baby, including a swing for $20 that sells in stores for $150, a bike trailer, and all kinds of baby clothes for 25 cents or less each piece. Give it a try, you might find some treasures!