Mama's Frugal Living Tips: Yard Saling!

 One of my FAVORITE summer activities is yard saling! Check out my tips below on how to maximize your shopping experience -but most of all have FUN!

Here are My Top 5 Tips for shopping a Yard Sale!

1. Make a List! Be prepared and armed with a game plan. The goal isn't to accumlate a bunch of stuff that you don't need just because it was a 'great deal'. Make a list of everything that you are in need of and/or want. You can categorize it by person, room, or any other category that will make it easy for you to use and read (e.g. Kitchen, Children, Crafts, Books, ect.). Now, that you have your list -put it in your purse or car so you will always have it with you when you shop!
2. Map out your route ahead of time! Not only will this save you time, it will also help save you gas! Use sites like Craigslist or your local paper to find yard sales in your area. Then use Google maps to plan your route.
   Other GREAT sites that will help do all this work for you are:
       * http://gsalr.com/
       * http://yardsaletreasuremap.com
3. Get there EARLY! "The early bird gets the worm" is how the saying goes. It's best to get there early while the selection is at it's largest and all the "good" stuff isn't taken and accounted for. Can't shop until later in the day? Don't beat yourself up, as it gets closer to pack-up time, sellers will be anxious to get rid of things and may give bigger discounts to move an item, plus they might even have even started a pile labeled FREE!
4. Leave the kids at home -if at all possible. If you do need to bring along your little ones, try giving them a couple of dollars for them to spend on their own treasures. It will help prevent them from bringing EVERY stuffed animal or toy car to you for purchase while also helping to teach them about money. 
5. Haggle! While this is not required to have a satisfying and enjoyable time yard saling, sometimes it can be fun! If that antique dresser you have your eye on has a sticker a little too high than your comfortable with, ask the seller if they'll take a lower price. What harm can it do? Worst case scenario they say no, best case scenario you just bought a great new piece of furniture for a fantastic price!

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