Top Five Things to Look for at Yard Sales this Year

Yard sales, garage sales, estate sales.....  what do you call them?  Up north, around Chicago, we always call them garage sales because that's where most people pile their stuff for sale.  But down south, like Kentucky, everyone calls them yard sales, because that's where most people down there set out their stuff for everyone to pick through.   I also noticed that we have way more estate sales up north than what I see down south.  In fact, down south they tend to do auctions more than estate sales.  But no matter what you call them, or what part of the country you live in, they are great places to go poke through someone else's junk treasures.

Maybe you go with some specific items in mind, or, maybe you'll find something you never knew you were looking for.   Personally, I go with a combination of the two.  I usually peruse the items with an eye towards something specific that I need or want to re-do....  Like a breadbox that I can repaint and use, a desk to refinish, or my favorite - a trunk or chest to recreate!

Mostly I go because I'm on the look out for unusual items that I can list in my Etsy shop.   I like it when I can find something, list it, and it happens to be just the thing that someone across the country was looking for.  And I will admit, hearing that little Cha-ching on my phone when I sell something trips my triggers too.

This week I'm joining up with a bunch of great bloggers who also love the thrill of the hunt.  We're all listing the top five things we look for at the sales.  This should make for some interesting reading.  Plus, I'm really curious to see what sells good for other people.  Do you think some things sell better regionally?   I don't know.  At any rate, here's my top five items that I look for....

Vintage Hot and Cold Faucets.  We happened upon a whole box of these about 2 years ago and I'm sorry I didn't buy every single one.  We bought about 20 sets, but they are such good sellers for me that I'm still kicking myself for not buying the whole box.  Besides selling them in sets, I also attach them to painted boards and sell them as towel hangers so this gets a high five as a two-fer.  It's easily my best selling item.

Printers Trays.  I love printers trays and cherish the one that my good friend Moira gave to me.  I have it filled with all my beachy finds like sea shells, coral and mermaid's purses.  Don't ask me to sell it because I won't.  These are hard to find around Chicago and I snatch them up on the rare occasions when I see them because everyone from crafters to rock hounds, and marble collectors to shellers love them for organizing their treasures.....

Vintage Jugs and Thermos.  Here is one item that I wish I had the room to keep for myself.  I love these, especially the older ones and it tears me apart when I have to box one up and send it to it's new home....

 I'm still sort of sobbing about selling these beauties.....

Aluminum Cookie Press with attachments.  People love these.  I sell them as quickly as I list them...

Accordion wood folding racks.  Go figure.  I have no idea why, but this is another good seller.  They also sell quicker if painted white and distressed for some reason.....

So there you have it - the top 5 items that I will throw you to the ground for if you happen to pick them up before I do at a sale.  I know you're as anxious as I am to see what the top sellers are for everyone else, so go over and check out their posts.   I'll be taking notes, will you?

Amy @ Brocante Treasures

Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction

Diana @ Adirondack Girl at Heart

Donna @ Distressed Donna Down Home

Eddie @ Eddie-torial Comments

Jillian @ Bella Rosa Antiques

Linda @ Itsy Bits and Pieces 

Melissa @ Melissa's Antiques 

Pam @ House of Hawthornes 

Rita @ Panoply 

Shara @ Monkeybox

Sharon @ Blue Willow House

Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage