Garage Sales - hate them or love them?

Question

Do you have garage sales or shop at garage sales? I hate them, especially when my neighbor has one and people begin parking by my house at 6:00 a.m. and slamming their car doors.

I think garage sales are a pain in the rear. I've already got enough stuff and don't need any more. I won't take the time and trouble to have my own garage sale. I give my good used items to charities.

Answer 1

I actually love garage sales, if I can find a good one that actually has furniture. You can find some really neato stuff at some, and that's especially the case around here because so many people have relatives that came here as pioneers, and had handmade furniture, and they have no idea that the ugly table that's been in the attic is actually a treasure. I always tell them that it's actually a very well-crafted piece of handmade furniture, and they always look at me like I am a lunatic and say, "Well, I still only want $5 for it."

Unfortunately, all the garage sales around here right now are of the "old clothing" variety. Many people don't even bother washing the clothing, which is disgusting.

We had a garage sale for a neighborhood fundraiser a few years ago. We made less than $20. It was kind of a bummer, especially when the girl the money was being raised for died about three weeks later. Her family ended up using the money that was supposed to pay for her experimental treatment to bury her, instead.

I don't think I will ever have a garage sale again. It's a lot of work, and it's just as easy to donate the items to charity--there are a lot of thrift stores where I live, and a lot of people who shop at them not for fun (which is what I do), but because that's the only place they can afford to shop. I have so much stuff, I think I could make one really good, giant donation every month and still have good quality stuff coming out my ears.

Thanks for giving me that great idea. I will start sorting through boxes and trying to donate a nice big box of good stuff every month. I know it will be of benefit to others. Good idea, Miz D!

Answer 2

I don't remember even having a Garage Sale (or a Yard Sale) of my own, but I've certainly attended plenty of them.

I agree that people visiting your neighbors' yard sales, and slamming their car doors (and otherwise making too much noise) at 6 AM is pretty rude. Some communities actually have laws/ordinances restricting yard sales from starting before 8 AM. Check with your local municipal office, and see if you can't have your neighbor fined (LOL).

Also, it's a little annoying having the street where I live all cluttered with parked cars. But at least it's only temporary.

But I DO like garage sales...it's always a crap shoot, but I have occasionally found some real bargains. Usually, it's a case of someone not knowing what they're selling. I have found old (and very collectible) record albums, lunchboxes, and other small items for 5 or 10 cents, which I've sold on eBay for $50 or more. I should point out that I don't do "Yard Sailing" as a full-time job (for me it's just a hobby), but there are plenty of people who do. I don't know, maybe it stimulates the local economy a little bit. And it CERTAINLY gets people out of their houses, and interacting with their neighbors. Isn't that a good thing?

Answer 3

I don't like having a garage sale, tat is a pain in the rear. It aggravates me that they want what you have for practically nothing. That is why I give my things to charities, are those I know need it. (too much a hassle for a little money) I rarely go to a garage sale, but when I do, I like to look at the books or toys.

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Answer 4

Love nosing around a good garage sale....can always find great stuff for the grandchildren, plus paperbacks for myself. Feel the same way about flea markets and have some great "finds" from them. As far as our unwanted and unused things, first I check with our kids to see if anyone needs whatever it is.....otherwise it all goes down to the Humane Society thrift store or Goodwill. Every year I tell myself that I'll have a garage sale come fall, but it's way too much work and it just never happens!

Answer 5

I love going to them. I have found sooooo many great tools at garage sales that would have cost me tremendous amounts more.

I don't think I could be a do-it-yourselfer, and afford the wood and materials without getting tools from sales.

The people that go to garage sales really tick me off though. Many of them are just inconsiderate jerks.

I really REALLY hate having garage sales. I usually just put the stuff out and let people pay me what they want to and what isn't sold goes on the curb at 2 and I take the proceeds and take the kids out for a pizza.

My rule is, once something goes out of the house, it is NOT going back in.

My wife doesn't let me get rid of stuff very often!!!!

The slamming car doors thing REALLY gets me too.

Why don't we just all develop a YA carousel for our junk. I will send my junk to you and you can send your junk to me! I think that that would be a lot easier.

Answer 6

I hate having them. I used to but stopped yrs ago. I like to go to them occasionally when it is not hot outside. I have found some good useful items at garage sales. Do like me and sleep with a fan running in your bedroom and you won't hear those doors slamming

Answer 7

I love to cruise garage sales. Never know what I'm going to find. My husband and I have been talking for years about getting a patio table and chairs, but the nice ones are out of our price range. Then one day I was walking by a neighbors house and there it was... as good as new, a beautiful glass table with a lazy susan and five chairs with cushions for only $70. It had to be over $600 new. We bought it, brought it home and use it every day!

Answer 8

A framed poem about motherhood. A knickknack that matches her collection. A book on a subject she talks about a lot. Something you buy at a garage sale so it is inexpensive and doesn't upset you when she pitches it!

Answer 9

I love garage sales.My husband works out of state and it gives me and my 9yr. old daughter some thing to do on the weekends. we drive around and talk,laugh,and the things we do find at a garage sale gives us some thing to remember for that time. I can look at some thing in my house and thing of that day we shared. Your neighbor should show you more respect and have it at 9or10 not 6 is she nuts.You should go out one weekend and just shop around you might like it.

Answer 10

I love garage sales because I love to look at other people's stuff, and maybe find a bargain.

I need to do my own sale, but can't seem to get around to it. Maybe I'm spending too much time at Yahoo Answers!

I'd rather sell the stuff than donate it, because my income is not high enough for the tax deduction to amount to anything.