Tips for Finding Valuables at Yard Sales

Here are some tips on finding valuables at yard sales. Yard sales are a great place to find bargains, but you can also find valuable items at yard sales to collect or sell for a profit. Many people make a side income from finding valuables at yard sales and some even make a living from selling their yard sale finds.

Tips for Finding Valuables at Yard Sales - Do Some Research

You don't have to be an expert on antiques to successfully make money with yard sale finds, but a basic knowledge of popular antiques and collectables is a good start. A general antique price guide is enough to learn some basics. Keep the book in your car for a ready reference, though a laptop with wireless internet is even better. Used antique price guides that are a year or two old sell for next to nothing on eBay and Amazon.

Tips for Finding Valuables at Yard Sales - Old Neighborhoods

Older neighborhoods are most likely to produce old jewelry, glassware, books, and other valuables. Focus your search at yard sales in old neighborhoods, but still check on others.

Tips for Finding Valuables at Yard Sales - Start Early

Make a plan for what sales you want to go to and start early. It isn't necessary to get to yard sales at the crack of dawn to find valuables as most people are looking for deals on clothes, electronics, and other items but starting early will allow you to get to more sales in a day.

Tips for Finding Valuables at Yard Sales - Look at Everything

Yard sales commonly have boxes of 'overflow' sitting around or are cluttered making seeing things difficult. That one dish at the bottom of the pile might be just the one you are seeking. Carefully look through everything to make certain you aren't missing a treasure.

Tips for Finding Valuables at Yard Sales - Take Small Chances

So you aren't sure if something is valuable or it is not. If it is cheap go ahead and buy it and see how it works out. When you get the item home do some research and determine its value. Even if it turns out to be worthless you have still learned something. If you don't want the item simply donate to a local thrift store.