7 Estate Sale Finds You Should Always Grab (Before Someone Else Does)
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If you’re someone who loves secondhand shopping, thrift stores and online marketplaces aren’t your only options. You may find lots of intriguing items at estate sales, where people are selling everything from vintage fashion to dishes and furniture—all at a bargain price. But picking out the things you’ll treasure—rather than things that’ll just end up as clutter—can be a little bit tricky.
Before you head off to your next estate sale, consider adding these pro-suggested finds to your shopping list, so you nab yourself a bargain.
Vintage Electronics
Electronics may seem like a not-so-stellar investment, but certain items can be valuable, whether you’re looking to resell or enjoy. Among the items that Reyne Hirsch, a former Antiques Roadshow appraiser suggests snagging are 1970s stereo equipment, early Apple computers, and first-generation iPhones, if you find them at estate sales.
Teak Items
Teak is a very durable wood—and you can often find gorgeous serving trays that are the perfect way to display charcuterie or other snacks, says Kristinn Jensen Vargas, owner of Neon Owl Vintage. “Teak is always a great choice—you can always find a teak cheese board, perhaps with a nice tile insert.”
Cast Iron and Enameled Cookware
Cast iron pans and enameled cookware (not just Le Creuset!) are virtually indestructible, so both Hirsch and Vargas recommend purchasing them when you find them. “If you’re willing to put the work in cleaning and reseasoning it, it’ll be great in your kitchen or something you can resell,” Vargas says.
Vintage Kitchenware
The 1970s are calling, and they’re bringing back their kitschy cookie jars, novelty mugs, and other goodies. Pyrex cookware and storage boxes are among Hirsch’s favorite finds in this category, while Vargas says that the we might finally be moving past the mid-century, as 1970s and 1980s finds are bringing a bit of nostalgia for everyone. “The next big thing is probably going to be the 1980s stuff,” she says.
Proceed with caution with vintage kitchenware, as some items may contain lead. “You do have to watch out for some mugs—the rainbow and smiley face mugs that were popular, and a lot of Corningware—they may contain lead,” Vargas says.
While you may not be able to use them for food—they can make great containers for pencils or plants.
Concert T-Shirts
Old concert T-shirts will be a cool addition to your wardrobe, and are in demand on the resale market as well, Hirsch says. Look for vintage tees in excellent condition.
Vintage Sneakers
Old-school sneakers are always in vogue (and highly prized by sneakerheads), Hirsch says. Even ones that aren’t in pristine condition may be fun to add to your wardrobe after a good scrub.
Things That Bring You Joy
The best thing to bring home from an estate sale? Something that makes you smile. “I just buy what I love and what catches my eye and makes me go ‘what the heck is that?'” Vargas says. “I also tend to buy things I had when I was a kid.” Things that make you laugh or touch your heart belong in your home. (And if you can get it for a bargain price, even better!)
Tips for Shopping an Estate Sale
If you’re ready to get in on the estate sale game, follow these tips so you can shop like a pro on your very first outing.
Research what’s there ahead of time
“Look at the online photos before opening day so you can figure out if there is anything of interest,” Hirsch says. “You can possibly determine what room they are in to head to first.” (And that means you can snag them before someone else does! )
Have an estate sale kit
Hirsh suggests bringing cash and a loup and blacklight so you can closely inspect anything you have your eye on. If you’re in the market for furniture, bring along the measurements of the space where you’re hoping to place the item, and a tape measure so you can make sure it fits.
Understand estate sale etiquette
There are some rules to estate sale shopping that you need to follow. “When you find something you think you are interested in, don’t set it down until you determine for sure you don’t want it,” Hirsch says. “If you set it down, its fair game to others at the sale.”
Have a use for everything
If you’re shopping for your own home, make sure that you’re buying something that you’ll actually use—not just display. “I don’t like things to just sit on a counter,” Vargas says. And keep in mind that they don’t have to be used as they were originally intended. She uses an old cookie jar for holding utensils (and they’d also make a great planter!), and funky mugs to hold paintbrushes or pens.
Don’t leave a box, drawer, or rack unturned
Dream finds are everywhere in an estate sale. “Hidden treasures can be tucked away or placed with other items, so dig through things,” Hirsch says. “Many people don’t have the patience to go through boxes and racks of things.”
