Some estate sales are so full of goodies that the organizers cannot fit them into a single weekend. That was the case for the sale that @emorypepper_ visited, and she says she “really, really had to restrain myself.” Between the purses, the jewelry, the dishes and the closets, she wasn’t sure where to start.
Her morning is a fun tour of what a large, well-stocked sale can look like, and a good reminder that a little self-control goes a long way.
@emorypepper_
Part Two of a Very Big Sale
She started the day by waking up at 7:00, finishing a hip workout and heading to the sale in her workout outfit. She told her followers that she loves sales run by this particular company because there is always an abundance of pieces. This one was the second part of a sale that had to be split across two weekends because there was so much stuff. Her reaction was simple: “I’m not judging. Looks exactly like my vibe.”
The sale was held in a townhouse, and she joked that she should zip up her jacket because the space looked tiny from the outside. Inside, she found plenty of room, and plenty to see.
Purse Heaven
The first thing she noticed was the handbags. She said she was in “literal purse heaven,” and she began a pile. She was refreshingly honest about what she was buying. Some of the bags looked like they might not be genuine designer pieces, and she did not mind. They were adorable and the prices were great, she said, in the range of about $10 to $25. One bag was marked as made in Italy, and she pointed out that it might be real leather, even if it was not her style.
She admired bags for their shapes and colors. One she loved was far too big for her, so she passed on it.
Jewelry, Silver and Dishes
While other shoppers crowded the jewelry table, she headed to the silverware, which she called pretty. She found a charm bracelet with what looked like abalone shell, and an oyster plate priced at only five dollars. She also noticed a lamp, a mirror she was obsessed with, and a butterfly rug that she loved, although she wondered whether it would be a pain to get home.
Chairs, a duvet and even a pretty perfume collection caught her eye, but she was trying to be selective, since she already owns a lot of perfume.
Closets Full of Clothing
Then came the closets. She said she had a full closet to herself and had never seen a bigger selection of clothes. The lighting was poor, but she pulled out a tapestry-style jacket, a vintage Lilly Pulitzer piece and a patterned sweater, all of which were cute but too big or the wrong size for her. The shoes were mostly sizes 8 and 9, and she is a 6. A bed in one room was piled with hats.
She had a lovely moment when a fellow shopper recognized her from social media and said she hoped to meet her. She answered warmly that she hoped to see her at future sales too.
An Hour Well Spent
By 10:00 she had spent an hour in the sale and was in line to check out. She noticed her friend Tony had put together an impressive pile as well. People were buying a lot, she said, because the prices were so good. Even after all that, there was still plenty left, and she encouraged her followers to go. The sale was running Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She said a full haul video was coming soon.
Why the Two-Weekend Sales Are Worth Knowing About
When a house is packed to the rafters, a sale company may break it into two events, either to keep crowds manageable or to prepare the second part of the house while the first is open. For shoppers, that is good news. It means that if you miss the first weekend, you may get another chance. It also means prices tend to drop as the final days arrive, because the company wants everything gone.
Many estate sale companies list their schedules and photos online ahead of time, and they often hold the bigger discounts for the last day, typically 25 to 50 percent off. Others may offer a preview. Check the listing carefully so you know which days are best for your goals.
How to Restrain Yourself at a Packed Sale
Our shopper admits it was difficult, and anyone who has stood in a room of bargains understands. Here are some practical ways to keep your haul under control.
Make a quick lap before you buy. Walk the whole sale once and see what is there. You may find a better version of something you almost grabbed in the first room.
Use a pile, but edit it. A designated spot for your finds is a smart way to keep your hands free. Before checkout, review the pile and put back anything you are not sure about. She was doing just that, being selective.
Check your size and fit. She passed on lovely things because they were too big or too small. That is a great discipline. If it does not fit, it will likely sit in the closet.
Ask yourself where it will live. A butterfly rug is wonderful, but you should know where it goes before you buy it. Think about your home before the item comes through the door.
Do not worry about brand names. She said she did not care if a purse was not real, because it was adorable and the price was low. If you want a genuine designer piece, look for quality materials, clean stitching and authentic hardware. If you just like it, buy it for the price you would be happy paying for a nice purse, nothing more.
Set a total budget. Decide your limit before you start, and bring cash for smaller sales. It is much easier to stop when you have an exact amount in your pocket.
Making Friends at the Sale
One thing that comes through is how friendly the whole scene is. She ran into a friend, talked with shoppers and was greeted by a reader. Estate sales are social events as much as shopping trips, and those who go regularly often get to know one another. If you are nervous about trying one, remember that the people in line are often happy to share advice.
So the next time a big sale pops up in your area, consider going on both weekends. Bring a tote bag, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to say no to at least a few things. Your closet, and your budget, will thank you.
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