Part of the appeal of spring and summer is hitting up a really good yard sale or flea market – not only is it good for the environment but it’s also hella fun, especially when you find that special piece. So, check out my tips below for a majorly successful trip.

Growing up I’ll never forget the panic that set in every time I saw one of those little hand-drawn signs while riding shotgun with my mom. It almost always meant a sudden slam of the brakes, a quick flip of the blinker, and a figurative middle finger to the poor soul who happened to be behind us at the moment. My mother didn’t just have FoMO, she had FoMOOYS, otherwise known as Fear of Missing Out On Yard Sales.

She and I did this for many weekends throughout my childhood, often scoring some of the best household furnishings for a fraction of the retail price. Mom definitely taught me a thing or two about how to haggle, how to be selective, and how NOT to drive, so now I have the opportunity to pass those tricks of the trade on to you. The tips below are designed to make yard sale and flea market navigating fun, successful, and safe for a bargain-filled summer. Enjoy!

1. Early Bird

Sorry night owls, the early bird really does get the worm when it comes to snagging the most sought after pieces. Planning your route in advance, checking newspapers and the internet for sales, and arriving when the doors open are your best bets for snapping up the most popular items. This also means: don’t even think about going out on the night before! Bright eyed, bushy tailed, and hangover-free is how you want to attend flea markets and yard sales, and try to get out there on opening day to avoid having to shop the “leftovers.”

2. Cash is King

The chances of being able to use a credit card or personal check is slim to none at these types of sales, so having plenty of cash on hand, with a few bills in each denomination, is the best bet for getting the best deal. Being able to put your money where your mouth is, on the spot, is a great bargaining tactic. Remind the seller that you’re paying in cash by saying something like, “I can give you X dollars, cash, for such and such.”

3. Size Matters

Delivery isn’t a guarantee, so make sure that the size of what you’re looking for fits the size of your vehicle. There’s not much worse than realizing you can’t fit that treasured credenza in your compact especially if you’re miles from home. Ask a friend with an SUV or truck to come with and offer to buy breakfast. Also, a measuring tape and predetermined measurements of where your items will live is a must.

4. Quality Control

Just because you’re buying second hand doesn’t mean your purchases shouldn’t be up to par. Don’t buy furniture that has major flaws, like deep scratches or broken legs. Also skip out on poor construction, particle board, and any items that have bugs or bug droppings. Clothes should be free of stains and holes, and whatever you do – don’t buy used cosmetics.

5. Deep Breath

You may know you’re scoring the deal of the century by snagging two authentic Eames chairs for next to nothing, but try to contain your enthusiasm. Until the deal is closed, sellers have the right to change their minds. Remember, this isn’t antiques roadshow, so try not to rub in just how much more money the seller could be making for your items.

6. Fuel Both Tanks

A car running on empty is unacceptable for a day filled with treasure and bargain hunting, but so is an empty stomach, so fill up your car and your belly before departure. Also keep a stash on hand, a mini cooler is best, because staying hydrated and having snacks is the key to avoiding dips in blood sugar and putting a damper on your stamina and negotiating skills.

7. Last Call

This is for when you happen to still be shopping at the end of the day and sellers are eager to pack up. Many people will let things go at a bargain in order to avoid having to repack the item into their trucks, or it’s the last day of the sale and they just want everything gone. The special finds may be gone, but practicality still exists with this technique.

Are you ready to score some deals?! Share your favorite yard sale and flea market finds on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Furniture via Shutterstock

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EcoSalon has praised the benefits of buying less this holiday season. At the same time, why not clean out your closets and give up what you don’t use so that someone who needs clothing and toys can benefit?

Modern Mom did a post on what they called Project Giveaway – which is an ideal way to describe what is going on in my own home as I rummage through closets, bagging what doesn’t fit and what we don’t wear. I must do it while my kids are at school because they are creatures of habit who cling to old items for nostalgia’s sake. They have put up a big fuss any time we have joined neighborhood yard sales and it has taken much cajoling to convince them to part with what they don’t use. They are generous kids with great core values but my 10-year-old likes to insist, “I’m saving that for my children!”

Follow my lead and spend a few hours this week allowing retired items to come out of the closet. An indicator you have too much?

“Drawers are usually overfilled and it is hard to find what you actually own,” I’m told by professional San Francisco organizer, Molly Coomber, who helps people get a jump start on what can be a daunting task.

For some, it’s a question of what to give away and how. I’m pretty ruthless about that, dispensing rather easily with what I think someone else could use. For those who struggle more, women like Beth Berliner of Revamp offer closet makeovers. Berliner’s service basically overhauls the contents of home closets helping busy people make the best use of what they do own.

“It’s the idea of being green and recycling and utilizing clothes that are part of your wardrobe in a different way,” Berliner explains. “I think you should get rid of what hasn’t been worn in years and what is not flattering to your body, which obviously changes over years.”

Berliner finds once you have cleared out ill fitting and outdated blouses, shoes and jeans, you are left with what really works for you.

“You end up with more because you can see what you have and you can pull more when getting dressed and save time weeding through your closet,” she says. “Taking stock of what is in there sets up a working wardrobe.”

I love the afterglow of weeding out, and I think an edited closet and toy shelves allow my children to be reintroduced to items they forgot that they owned.

In terms of what to take out, you can separate out garments  that are too small and have no sentimental value. Obviously, you aren’t going to toss out that first birthday dress or first copy of Good Night Moon, but if it has no sentimental value, kiss it goodbye.

I first donate to friends who can use the hand-me-downs and give away the bulk to various charities in my city, including the ARC, which offers  a household recycling pick up of clothing, furniture, toys and books and other household items you wish to donate. Many similar organizations abound nationwide, and are eager to collect during the holiday period. Warm weather clothing, especially,  is so appreciated this time of year.

You can also consign your clothing at many boutiques, such as Designer Consigner and the Junior League’s  Next-to-New Shop in San Francisco. Some of them pay as much as 50% on items sold and donate what doesn’t sell. Some also give percentages of their proceeds to good causes such as cancer research.

Be sure to ask for a receipt for the tax benefit of giving non-monetary items in 2009. Hey, it is just one more incentive for playing Project Giveaway. The biggest incentive for me is that cleaning out means less to contend with, and it feels so good.

Main Image: Liz Marie

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