How I Shop At Estate Sales

10 Tips: From Helpful Hints to (Somewhat) Unhinged Secrets

Jun 09, 2025

It’s no secret that I love a secondhand find. (If it was, please refer to the title of this publication.)

Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and estate sales are my happy places - and how I’ve managed to fill my home with pieces that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.

Last week, I shared in stories about my trip to a local estate sale, and the responses were overwhelming:

So, I’m sharing 10 tips for your next estate sale trip - from helpful hints to unhinged secrets.

1.) Know where to find them

Sometimes, just knowing that a sale exists is the hardest part. My top 3 are pretty reliable:

EstateSales.net - An easily-navigated online estate sale finder. Simply enter your zip code, and you’ll find both in-person and online estate sales near you. You can also change your search and location parameters, if you’re willing to travel.

Facebook Marketplace - Some smaller estate sales, hosted by families rather than companies, are often listed directly onto FBMP to avoid fees associated with listing sites.

Estate Sale Company Newsletters - If you find a downsizing, moving, or estate sale company that you love, be sure to subscribe to their email newsletters.

2.) Make sure you check the payment methods

Frankly, there’s nothing more frustrating than doing all the things right on sale day, only to get to the register and learn that they won’t accept your credit card. Though one may assume that these are falling by the wayside, I’ve seen more and more of these crop up lately - and they don’t take Venmo. Double check, and stop by the ATM beforehand, if needed!

3.) Plan Your Route

Photos are almost always included in estate sale listings (though, frequently, the price tags are flipped over so as not to share the cost - harumph!). This not only gives you an idea of if the sale is worth going to, but also helps you plan what items you’ll prioritize snagging— as well as your route.

Sometimes, you’ll spot an item or two that makes the whole trip worth taking. When I find these “gotta have it” items, I go a little unhinged. Allow me to explain.

Oftentimes, the homes in which these sales occur are listed for sale. If they are, I’ll do a quick Zillow search to check out listing photos and see if I can piece together a layout. This way, I know exactly where to go when I get in the door.

Sound crazy? Maybe. But if you’re after the same antique pine chest as 3 other ladies, and you have a better grasp of the home’s footprint… who’s taking it home today?

4.) Bring a Buddy

While some prefer to work alone, I highly recommend bringing a buddy to tag along, if you can.

Personally, my dad is my go-to: he has an excellent eye, can use a measuring tape quickly and efficiently, and guards a holding table like no one else. (More on that below.)

The most important thing is that this person is patient, a touch aggressive, and willing to stick to the plan (if there is one.)

Estate sales are a lot of “hurry up and wait,” with some higher adrenaline moments (okay, we’re not being chased by leopards here, but still…) and you want someone who can not only roll with the punches, but perhaps (gently) elbow their way through a crowd to get that decorative plate you came here for.

Have a buddy in mind? Share this with them!

5.) Come Prepared

I bring three things to almost every sale:

1.) “SOLD” tags filled out with my name and contact information (plus painters tape to stick them to things)

Sound like overkill? Maybe. While some estate sales are “tag sales,” meaning that you take an item’s tag to claim it, others require you to physically move your own items, or to have a sale worker add a SOLD tag to larger items (like furniture). Rather than wait for someone to help me, I like to stick on my own tags and let a worker know after-the-fact. I’ve never had an issue with this method.

2.) A giant tote bag (IKEA bags work perfectly.)

While these aren’t great for breakable items, something that you can throw over your shoulder - versus dragging cart behind you in a crowded hallway - is very helpful. From linens to smaller paintings, these bags hold a lot!

3.) A measuring tape

This is pretty self-explanatory, but I don’t like to waste time asking a sale worker for help. Efficiency is key!

6.) Get There Early

This is perhaps the most important point on the list. Get there EARLY. I’m talking hours.

Don’t worry - you likely won’t have to stay the whole time. Most estate sales have sign-up sheets that you’ll add your name to, or numbers to take with you - meaning that you can leave and return closer to open. However, a word of warning: make a plan to be back to the front of the home 20-30 minutes before the sale begins.

Don’t forget to account for parking!

Around that time, sale workers will start lining patrons up in number order. If you miss your spot in line, you’ll likely miss out!

7.) Divide and Conquer

If you have a buddy (and a priority list) - it’s time to divide and conquer! This way, you’re more likely to get what you came for. If, however, you’re just there to peruse… take your time and have fun!

8.) Guard the Hold Table

I’ll be honest: I am not a huge fan of holding tables. I understand their purpose, but frankly, I’ve seen far too many items lifted off of holding tables from people either inadvertently - or maybe not so inadvertently- taking things that aren’t theirs.

For this reason, if I can’t walk around with what I’m purchasing, either my buddy or myself will guard the holding table. This way, Sticky-Fingered Susan doesn’t walk off with my prized finds!

9.) Don’t Be Afraid to Bargain

This is more applicable to smaller, “mom and pop” type sales, but it’s always worth a try…

Don’t be afraid to make an offer. While bigger estate sale companies are angling to maximize profits, other sales are just trying to empty out the house.

I’ve found that this is more likely to work on bigger-ticket items, large pieces of furniture and art, or collections of things.

10.) Check on Discount Days

Have your eye on something, but your budget just won’t allow it? If making an offer doesn’t work, try returning on a discount day.

Usually, the first few days of an estate sale are full-priced days. However, as time goes on, discounts are applied (ie, 30% off on day 3; 50% off on day 5; and 70% off on day 5.)

Though it may be gone by then, you may get lucky! I’ve also found that most sale organizers are happy to answer calls or messages/emails about whether or not particular items have sold - saving you the trip if you don’t want to physically check yourself.

There you have it! My top ten tips. Did I miss something? Leave it in the comments below!