Junkin 101

If you love junkin as much as my hubby and I you probably already know most of these hints. But if you are new to treasure hunting at estate sales here are some Junkin 101 hints for you.

1. Research the estate sale before you go. There's an app for that! I use EstateSales.net. It's a great app that will pull up posted estate sales in a given range from your home. Study the photos on each sale carefully. Even though most items are pictured many times box lots can still hold hidden treasures but it's a good start. The app also will have a GPS link to the address which is not usually given until Thursday before the sale.
   
2. I like to take screen shots of things I'm interested in and try to determine where they are located on the property so I can get to them first.  At the sale the screen shots below are from I determined the blow mold candles (LOVE THEM) were in a metal out building while the aluminum  Christmas tree (OMG) was in a wooden shed. We got both of these items because we arrived early and while we waited for the sale we scoped out the property from our car. See step 4 . 

   

   Blow mold spotting!

   

   I spotted this Aluminum Christmas tree in the box! 

   
    
3. Prepare for the sale the night before. I always have a big IKEA bag folded up to put my stash in as I locate it at the sale. Wear flat shoes, comfortable, appropriate clothes for the weather, a hat and sunglasses. It helps to stick a small tape measure and a magnifying glass in your pocket too. I always wear jeans and never carry a purse because it just slows me down. And of course money or debit cards. Most dealers take debit and credit using a Square but few take checks. Be aware there is sometimes up to a 3% charge if you use plastic. Gotta pay for that convenience. 
4. Get to your chosen sale early. Most estate sale companies give out entry numbers at 7:30 or 8 if a show begins at 9. If you are interested in items you have seen get there before numbers are given out. We usually grab a breakfast biscuit and a cup coffee to enjoy while we wait for the sale to begin. (Confession here: we are never # 1. I think some of these guys camp out there or something!) 
5. Most estate dealers have a holding area with boxes for you to put your intended purchases in while you shop. Be aware that sometimes people will "shop" these boxes while the dealers are distracted helping others. I always put a bag on top of my sales box or something big to block the sight to the items inside. I never put my things on the end of the row of boxes. Too easy for someone to shop out of unseen.
6. My hubby and I often split up with one of us taking the outside buildings where we have spotted things or the basement. For some reason the things we love are often in the basement. 
7. Don't forget to look around as you head to your favorite items. I totally missed a huge box of Shiny Brite ornaments because I was headed to a rotating Christmas light. (I did get the light!) 

   

   Scored the light but sadly I missed the Shiny Brite ornaments.

8. After you have chosen your favorite items and you are sure your picks are secure in the holding area go through the property again. You never know what else you may find.
9. If some items are priced higher than you want to pay don't despair. Most dealers sell items under $200 for half price on day two and the  higher priced items for a discount. Many times at 1:00 on the last day of the sale everything is greatly discounted. Although we haven't gotten many things at that time we have scored a beautiful vanity with a mirror for $37.50. So think about what you want and come early the next day. 

   

   Bargin Vanity
10. Remember as you shop you want to get things you can fit in your vehicle. If you plan to buy furniture bring a truck, trailer with hand trucks or furniture carts to move the pieces you buy. I bought this small red farm table thinking we could get it into the Jeep. Alas, my brother-in-law had to come to the rescue and picked it up for me in his truck.

    

    Farm table that was too dang large for our car. 

11. Think out of the box while looking at the photos and while on site shopping. We bought a washboard at one site and a coke crate at another. My talented husband put them together and made this wonderful cabinet. He also made this wine glass rack from and old rake. 

    

    Wine Glass Rack

    

    Cabinet made from washboard and coke crate.

12. Buy what you love and have fun JUNKIN.