Second Hand Treasures: Finding the Best Stuff at Garage Sales, Consignment Shops, Thrift Stores

The best advice for venturing into a place with used merchandise is to go with an open mind and no expectations.

Whether or not you are heading toward a garage sale, auction, flea market, estate sale, consignment or antique shop, or your town's thrift store, don't go with a single mission at hand. Sure, you may need some fancy glasses for an upcoming party or you want an extra lamp for the living room. But just remember to peak around at everything. Something hidden could be the next treasure in your home.

It's not necessarily what you need, want or desire. But sometimes, it is the hunt that is exciting. You just never know what will pop out at you from behind the scratches, dents, torn upholstery and wobbly legs. A few people along the way have found treasures worth thousands of dollars.

I have always enjoyed taking a morning or so and going to second-hand shops and Goodwill-type stores. I have found some great bargains such as Princess House crystal, lead crystal glasses, a $5 local artist's sketch that is worth hundreds, a perfect set of china, beautifully-framed artwork for most of my rooms, antique tables, lamps and much more.

My mother was a recycler before it was in style. She'd take me to town on garbage day to find furniture and stuff thrown out to the curb. She would fix it up, paint it up and use it with pride. It was embarrassing at the time, but now I understand it perfectly.

If you know the value of antiques, then you are ahead of the crowd. But if you don't, then just buy stuff because you love it, it is in your price range or it will look great in your home. If the piece entices you right away, then you'd better get it because it usually isn't there the next time around. There have been many a time I've regretted not purchasing the $15 dresser drawer or the $3 vase.

You can buy mismatched furniture and just paint it all the same color for a perfect combination. If the chairs don't have the same shape, paint them all white and it gives your dining room an eclectic feel while still being bright and somewhat uniform.

There's also lots of varnish and stain strippers out there that don't take a lot of effort. You can buy a great piece of wood furniture and refinish it to your own taste.

If you find the most beautiful antique chandelier that doesn't work, don't hesitate. Your local electrician or even hardware store can help you quickly get it to light up your home.

If you want your living room to reflect a 50s look or a sophisticated modern edge, there is stuff there for that, too. And who says you can't mix styles? The best designers put together great rooms that look sleek but comfortable with different era furniture.

Just go through the entire second-hand store or pick through the boxes at a garage sale. It is true that someone else's trash could be your treasure. Find old books that can give your fireplace a sophisticated, old feel. Look for a painting with all the colors of your bedroom. Everyone likes to look at something different from time to time. Find a painting for your bathroom, too. There's nothing better than looking at a great scene while you are sitting on your throne.

Boxes can also be great, cheap purchases - whether they are wicker, wood, steel or plastic. Organization in any room will give you a sense of pride. And the best thing about boxes is that they are decorative while hiding all your junk.

But the greatest advice for anyone before shopping for more stuff is to clean out your own old stuff. If you haven't worn it, used it or even seen it for a year or two, take it to the second-hand store for a tax receipt. You'll be helping out your community, giving someone else a chance to enjoy your stuff a second-time around and you'll be gaining more space for new stuff.