Girls Guide to Antiquing

Are you interested in beginning an antique collection, but don't know where to begin? Are you turned off due to the high prices? Here are a few tips on how to make antiquing fun and affordable.

1. Garage sales are a must!

You won't believe what you can find at garage sales for next to nothing. Anyone who is a fan of "Antique Roadshow" on PBS knows the truth behind the cliché "one man's trash is another man's treasure." In fact, expand your "junking" horizons beyond just the garage sales; frequent stores such as St. Vincent DePaul - consignment stores, second hand stores, and the like. Farmers markets and similar events can also reveal great finds. So get out there and have fun! The hunt is half of the fun.

2. Check out estate sales and auctions.

Estate sales and auctions are wonderful sources for reasonably priced antique furnishing. In fact, you will probably have competition from antique dealers if you go to well-publicized auctions. You need to cultivate several different ways in which to obtain information about estate sales and auctions. It may take a little detective work, but it will most likely pay off. Also, once you have estate sales and auctions lined up, make sure that you arrive early in order to check out all of the merchandise. Go as early as you possibly can. The best items wait for no one.

3. Tour as many antique stores as you can.

You might not like their prices, but browsing antique stores, aside from being a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, can give you tons of ideas on how you'd like to furnish your home. Take a notebook with you and note items that you'd like for yourself. That way, you can look for similar items at auctions, garage sales, and the like. In addition, you may come across a reasonably priced antique store, if not an item or two. There are still affordable items out there.

4. Do your research.

A little research into an item you're searching for can yield great results. It may give you new items on where to look, or help you determine whether the item is truly worth what you are willing to pay. You also might come across some interesting information.

5. Watch "Antique Roadshow" on PBS.

"Antique Roadshow," aside from being an entertaining show, can give you some great tips, especially when it comes to making a decision as to whether or not you should have something repaired. In most cases, it is best to thoroughly research an item before you do anything to it. You might be surprised at what you learn! Who knows? Someday you might be the person shocked to learn that their item(s) are worth over $25,000.

6. Find a buddy!

This certainly isn't a tip that you need to take to heart in order to be a successful antique enthusiast, it just makes it much more fun. You can exchange tips, information on great stores or auction houses, and much more. Having someone to antique with is what helps to make antiquing a true hobby.