Guide to Different Kinds of Yard, Garage, and Rummage Sales

If you have never gone to a yard sale before, this spring is your chance to start. There are great bargains to be found, and it is a lot of fun-so grab a friend when you have a free Saturday and try going to some sales. There are several different kinds of yard sales that I will detail, so you have a good idea of what type you will want to seek out.

1. The traditional one-family yard/garage sale. This is the yard sale where one family is selling all the things they do not need or want. The majority of yard sales fall into this category. In case you had not figured it out, a yard sale takes place in someone's yard or driveway, and a garage sale takes place in a garage. Occasionally, there are "porch" sales, which obviously take place on a porch.

2. The multi-family yard sale. This type of yard sale means that two or more families will be hosting the yard sale together. Sometimes this can be at one house, or sometimes it will be at two houses close together. This means a greater variety of goods for sale.

3. The street or neighborhood sale. This is my favorite kind of sale-when an entire street or neighborhood gets together and decides to host a yard sale. I have been to some neighborhoods where there are 90 or so houses all hosting sales-a true garage salers' paradise! Be aware though, some people deceitfully advertise a neighborhood sale in the paper, and when you get there, there are only two or three houses in the sale (very disappointing!). Sometimes at neighborhood sales, the houses are close enough together that you can walk, which is good, because often parking is limited.

4. The church/school rummage sale. A church or school will host a spring or fall rummage sale as a fundraiser. Parishioners or families from the school will donate items to be sold. The prices are really low at these sales for great quality items. I have gotten new Gap and Gymboree clothing for a quarter at church rummage sales. Vintage jewelry and antiques are commonly found. The key to shopping at a church rummage sale is to be there right when the doors open (sometime there is a long line) and get the good bargains first. Within a few hours, the selection will be totally picked-over.

5. The estate sale. Estate sales are when a person has passed away or is moving to a nursing home, and the items in their home are now for sale. Typically, these are run by family members, or sometimes by auction houses (in which case, the items will probably be over-priced). Antique dealers are common at estate sales, and it can be difficult, though not impossible, to find any true bargains.

6. The moving sale. Moving sales are just what their name implies-people who are moving selling the things they no longer will need for their new house. Moving sales are good to check out if you are searching for furniture or home décor.

Going to sales is a great spring and summer pastime. Probably if you start going, you will get addicted. You never know what bargain or unusual item you may find next!