24 Things Financially Smart People Buy at Yard Sales

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Summertime means yard sales, and oh, what a fun place to shop for unique and affordable items! 

Yard sales are a treasure trove of possible savings and hidden gems. 

But you need a game plan to make the most of your yard sale shopping experience. 

You should always be on the lookout for certain items at yard sales if you want to make the best purchases and save or even make money in the long run.

This article is about 24 things that people who are good with money always look for at yard sales.

These items, from furniture and appliances to clothing and books, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars each year. 

And who knows, you might even make money if you resell them.

So, let’s take a look at 24 of the most sought-after items by financially smart people when they go yard sale shopping. 

#1. Furniture

Furniture is always a hot item at yard sales because it can be so expensive to go out and buy new.

Always look for solid wood pieces that can be refinished or leather items that can easily be cleaned. 

Even upholstered pieces can be cleaned if they are in good shape and you like the style. One warning, however, is to pay attention to the smell. This is especially true of sofas and chairs. The seller might try to mask the smell of their pet by using a deodorizer or fragrance on it. If you smell this, be sure to ask about pets.

#2. Tools

Tools are another highly sought-after item at yard sales, especially good quality hand tools or newer power tools.

You can find great deals on name-brand tools and use them yourself or resell them at a higher price.

#3. Toys

Whether you are looking for a vintage Barbie, Hot Wheel car, or the latest trending toy, yard sales are a great place to find toys at a fraction of their retail price. 

You need to look for barely used and popular toys when buying toys.

If you are buying vintage toys, do your research to ensure you are getting a good deal.

#4. Holiday Decorations

Yard sales are a great place to find holiday decorations, even unique and vintage pieces, for a fraction of the cost you would pay in stores.

Whether you need Christmas lights, Halloween costumes, or Thanksgiving decor, you can always find these at yard sales if you look long enough.

#5. Baby Gear

Baby gear is a smart buy at garage sales for more than one reason: it is usually in great shape because it hasn’t been used very long, and second, it is so expensive to buy new.

The newest top-of-the-line stroller, which will cost you $600 if you buy it new, may still be in great condition and only cost you $100 at a yard sale.

#6. Gardening Tools

Gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, pots, watering cans, lawnmowers, and weed eaters, are easy to find at yard sales.

These items can be expensive when bought new, but you can find them at yard sales in good condition, so next time you need some new gardening tools, skip the trip to the hardware store and head to a yard sale instead. 

#7. Electronics

Many people upgrade to the latest technology and sell their old electronics, such as TVs, laptops, tablets, sound systems, phones, and gaming systems, at yard sales, giving the smart shopper a chance to snag a deal.

Don’t forget about accessories like chargers, cases, and headphones; you can find these at yard sales, too.

#8. Weight Equipment

Many people purchase workout equipment intending to get in shape but never use it and eventually decide to sell it at a yard sale.

At yard sales, you can find items like dumbbells, resistance bands, treadmills, and even weight machines for an affordable price.

#9. Antiques

If you love antiques or if you have a resale booth, yard sales can be a goldmine for unique and valuable finds.

Just be sure to do your research and know the value of the items you are interested in before making a purchase and haggling for a lower price is always encouraged.

#10. Books

You can always find books at yard sales and are usually sold for pennies on the dollar. 

Whether you’re looking for classics, cookbooks, or children’s books, you can build an impressive library or resell them to make some extra cash.

#11. Cast Iron

From iron skillets to penny banks, cast iron items are highly sought after by collectors and can often be found at yard sales for a cheap price. 

You can buy a cast iron penny bank at a yard sale for a couple of dollars and then sell it on eBay for at least $20, with some unique banks being worth hundreds.

#12. Shoes and Boots

Shoes and boots are great items to buy at yard sales, especially if they are new or gently used.

Branded shoes and boots that are in good condition can be resold on platforms like Poshmark or Depop for a much higher price than what you paid at the yard sale

#13. Kitchen Appliances

Whether it is blenders, pyrex, can openers, cookware, or any other kitchen gadget, you can find them at yard sales, and they are a smart buy because they are so common that they sell really cheap.

These are great for replacing any of your kitchen items for a fraction of the cost that you would have to pay if you went to buy it new.

#14. Appliances

People often upgrade their appliances and sell their old ones at yard sales, which is a great opportunity for you.

You can get a good deal on an appliance that may still have plenty of life left in it just because someone didn’t want to move them to their new place.

#15. Mirrors

At yard sales, you can find mirrors of all shapes, sizes, and styles, even antique ones, so look for styles that work well with your decor.

Mirrors are also great for reselling items, especially vintage and unique ones, so look for them at yard sales.

#16. Picture Frames

If you have shopped for well-made picture frames, you were probably surprised at how expensive they are, so look for them at yard sales.

You can even buy pictures that you don’t like but you love the frame, you can remove the picture for an awesome discount.

#17. Purses and Bags

Yard sales are a great place to find gently used high-end brands or unique styles of purses and bags.

You can even find designer bags for a fraction of the cost, so whether you plan to use them yourself or resell them they are a smart purchase.

#18. Pottery

Cool-looking or unique pottery, such as wok pottery, is a great yard sale find.

These items can be bought for as little as a dollar or two at a yard sale but can be sold for much more online.

#19. Musical Instruments

People will sell instruments that they no longer use or have upgraded from, and these can often be found at yard sales, especially estate sales.

If you are lucky, you can find a high-quality or vintage instrument priced well below its value.

#20. Home Decor

At yard sales, you can find everything from lamps and pictures to throw pillows and vases to decorate your home.

With people constantly changing their homes’ styles or clearing out clutter, you can always find great deals on home decor and decorating your home for much less than buying these items new.

#21. Vintage and Retro Items

Many people collect vintage and retro items, from clothing to home goods to toys, so you can shop yard sales to find these items at bargain prices to add to your collection or to resell.

Keep an eye out for popular brands and items from past decades, as these can often be highly valuable to collectors.

#22. Camping Gear

Smart yard sale shoppers never have to pay full price for camping supplies because you can find everything from tents and sleeping bags to cooking utensils and coolers for a steal at yard sales.

Also, since the camping season is short in many areas, you can often find camping items that have only been used once or twice, saving you hundreds of dollars compared to buying them brand new.

#23. Kids Clothes

Kids outgrow their clothes before they wear them out, so you can often find items in great condition and at really cheap prices at yard sales.

If you find top brands of kids’ clothes, you can easily make a profit by reselling them online or at consignment stores.

#24. Backpacks

If you have been shopping for a backpack lately, you know how much they can cost, especially for higher-end brands. 

At yard sales, you can find all kinds of backpacks, from simple school backpacks to high-end hiking or camping backpacks.

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