Garage Sales are a great way to decorate on a budget.

Garage Sales are a great way to decorate on a budget.

Looking for great ways to decorate on a budget?  Garage Sales

Image courtesy of tungphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ah Garage sales.  What would summer be without ‘em? Starting early in May and extending into the fall, a garage sale is one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning. 

Here are a couple of tips to help you make the most of garage sale season:

Preparation is Key

• Start with an idea of where you are going: Plan your outing before you step into the car to avoid frustration, disappointment and gas.  Check out Kijiji for garage sales planned for the upcoming weekend.  If you spot garage sale signs, take note of the time and day of the sale. Driving around looking for garage sales  is not an effective way to spend your Saturday morning!
• Make a listof what you are looking for.  This will help you do 2 things: avoid buying items that you don’t need (and which might end up in your garage sale) and stay on budget. Speaking of which:
• Know how much you are willing to pay.  Items are only worth as much as what someone (and that includes you!) are willing to pay for it.

On the Day

• Early bird gets the worm.  Selection is best early in the morning and so is your chance of finding what you are looking for. 
• Be comfortable and bring supplies.  Water and snacks are good to have.
• Cash is king.  Smallbills and coin will be appreciated at the start of the day, and make negotiating easier.
• Measuring tape and measurements.  If you are looking for furniture, make sure to bring a measuring tape and measurements of the space where you want to put the furniture.  No point getting it home only to find out it won’t fit.  

 What to look for

• Small décor items.  Mirrors, lamps, vases, décor items. 
• Tables: Coffee tables, kitchen tables, side tables.  Look at the shape and size of the table and ensure it’s steady.  A coat of paint will breathe new life into the piece.
• Dressers: I’ve used dressers for hallway tables and dining room sideboards; storing linens and candlesticks.  Don’t be afraid to re-purpose furniture. 

Armed with a spray can, you can bring new life to any of these items easily, creating unique pieces, affordably.  Get inspired with easy ways to decorate you new garage sale finds. 

What to avoid

• Anything smelly. Need I say more?
• Electronics.  Unless you can confirm that it works.
• Printers.  The ink cartridge (if you can still find one that fits) will likely set you back more than the printer itself.
• Anything you don’t need or won’t use

When you are looking to update the look of your home, remember that garage sales are a great way to decorate on a budget!