There are many ways to spend a Sunday, but @juliannavlipscomb has found a favorite: “Second Hand Sundays,” a day she spends with her mom hopping from one estate sale to the next. In her latest outing, the pair visited two big houses in Maryland, filled their arms with purses and clothing, and spent only about $50 in total.
Here is how their day unfolded, and what any of us can learn about shopping estate sales on the last day.
@juliannavlipscomb
Why Sunday Is the Day
Her number one reason for going on Sunday is simple: everything is typically 50 percent off. Or, as she put it, “50% off is like music to my ears.” Many estate sales run for a weekend, with the highest prices on the first day and the deepest markdowns on the last. Sunday shoppers sometimes get picked-over selections, but the discounts can be dramatic.
She also shared a tip that many followers ask about. When people ask how she finds sales, she points to a local social media account that posts new sales in the Washington, D.C. area each week and even offers sneak peeks before they open. Whatever your region, there is probably a similar local source worth following.
Sale Number One: Bethesda
The first stop was a house in Bethesda, Maryland. Her habit at any sale is to head straight for the bedrooms and closets. Here, she said, all the shoes were her size, which is rare. She loved a pair of riding boots, but they were a little too small, and she also admired some loafers. She could not quite say why she did not buy them, and we have all been there.
She admitted that her favorite part of the whole experience, more than the hunt, is seeing the layout of the houses. She called herself a little nosy, and said she enjoys seeing how the rooms are arranged and decorated.
Sale Number Two: Potomac
The second house was in Potomac, Maryland, and she said it was honestly one of the best houses she has ever been to. Right when you walk in, there is a whole room full of handbags. They were priced at about $5 to $15 each, and with the Sunday discount, even less. She left that room with about seven bags in her hands.
And that was only the start. She said there were rooms and rooms of shoes and clothes, many of them good quality and well-known brands. There were so many that she began to feel overwhelmed. With a crowd around her, she hurried to find the best pieces before someone else did. She searched four or five closets upstairs.
The Basement Surprise
By this point she and her mom thought they were finished. They had found what they wanted, and she was standing in the checkout line. Then she noticed the sale had a basement.
When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she was in shock. There were racks and boxes full of clothes, and everything was priced at 10 pieces for $5. In another room there were more clothes and more shoes, in sizes 8, 9 and 10, which sadly did not fit her. She also found many pictures of Audrey Hepburn on the walls, and she knew she had to take one home.
Because it was the last day of the sale and there was so much left, the company was practically giving things away. She left with some clothes, maybe five purses and some other items. The total was only about $50, and she promised a full haul video soon.
Why Mother-Daughter Days Matter
One of the nicest parts of this story is that she shares it with her mother. Thrifting and estate sales give families an excuse to spend a whole day together, with plenty of time to talk, laugh and make decisions together. Each person brings a different eye. One may spot the bag, the other the jewelry. They can help each other find the right size, and they can say gently when something is not worth buying.
It is also a way to pass down skills. A mom who knows what good fabric feels like can teach a daughter to spot quality, and a daughter who follows online trends can show her mom what is new. Both come home with something to remember.
Tips for Your Own Last Day Sale
If you are inspired to try a Sunday outing, here are some ideas to help.
Go to the bedrooms and closets first. This is where clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry tend to be. If clothing is your goal, start here.
Do not forget the basement or garage. She almost missed an entire level of the house. Always ask whether there are more rooms or outdoor areas to see before you leave.
Check the sale terms. Discount days and times vary by company. Some mark everything half off on the final day, others offer bundle deals like 10 for $5. Read the listing or ask when you arrive.
Bring a big bag and your sizes. You will probably not be able to try anything on. Keep your measurements in your phone, and check shoe sizes inside before you fall in love.
Be ready to let things go. She passed on boots and loafers because they did not fit. It is tempting to buy a bargain that is a size off, but it will likely sit unworn.
Carry small bills. Many estate sales prefer cash or have limits on cards. Having small bills makes checkout quick.
Have fun with the house. The architecture and decor are part of the fun. Take your time, and enjoy a look at how others have lived.
The Joy of Spending Less
With about $50, our shopper walked away with an armful of clothing, a handful of handbags and a picture of a film legend. That is the kind of math that makes estate sales so popular. When you shop the last day, bring a friend or a family member, and stay open to surprises, even a modest budget goes a long way.
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