It’s garage sale time which not only means great deals on lots of junk (okay and some great deals on great items) but it also means free entertainment.
Seriously. Have you never been to a garage sale that had items for sale that made you snicker? If not, you’re not going to the right ones then. If you don’t walk away from at least one garage sale per summer that made you shake your head and wonder what in the heck those people were thinking, you’re missing out on some valuable yet cheap entertainment.
Things You Should Never Ever Buy From a Garage Sale and alternatively Things that Should Never Ever Be Sold at a Garage Sale
1. Underwear. Please don’t make me explain. I do think unworn baby pants are acceptable to sell and buy from garage sales. Grandmas don’t even like grandma panties and really don’t want your Grandma Bea’s old underwear either.
2. Makeup. Used cosmetics are unsanitary and I don’t care who only used that mascara twice, it should not be for sale. If you’re going to buy someone’s used cosmetics, you may as well wear the underwear they’re selling as well.
3. Personal Hygiene Products. True story, I’ve seen sanitary napkins at a garage sale. And worse, they weren’t even extra cheap. Purchase personal hygiene products from the Dollar Store or if you’re really strapped for cash, make your own at home. Note: if you click on that link, you’ll go to a site that includes directions on making sanitary napkins. Reusable and washable ones, mind you. Not for the squeamish. By the way, this also means the garage sale is not the place to purchase disposable razors or half used bottles of shampoo either.
4. Food. I’m not talking about the garage sales that offer refreshments. I’m talking about the ones that have the original Wheaties box of cereal that has been opened. If you think you’re getting something valuable, you’re wrong because a half eaten box of cereal is not only not worth anything, I wouldn’t trust consuming what is still left in the box either. If you don’t recall seeing the product in the grocery store ever, it’s too old. A picture of OJ Simpson in a Buffalo Bills uniform is a good indication the cereal is older than dirt also.
5. Medication. Of course most people know not to purchase medicine second hand, but I have seen a number of things for sale at garage sales that shouldn’t be. Any kind of cream or ointment including denture cream or packets of pills or cold medicine should not be purchased from or be sold at garage sales. Unless of course you throw the used dentures in with the cream. Then that’s a steal.
This should in no way deter anyone from garage sale-ing. There are plenty of steals and deals to make up for the weird things that shouldn’t be sold. What’s the grossest or weirdest item you’ve seen for sale at a garage sale?
Have a great weekend, and hope you catch some of those deals!
3 Comments
Thanks for the guide! The tone indicates that you speak from experience. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen at a garage sale?
You should also list your stuff for sale online. There are several sites that will allow you to do so. I recommend http://www.privategaragesale.com because it’s great and totally free.
Hey, just saw that you mentioned reusable sanitary pads. I have been using reusable menstrual cups and I love them. They average at about 35-40 dollars for one, however Diva Cup (a canadian based company) is often online for less. It is important to find a cup that fits your body well, as they are all slightly different in size, to ensure proper fit and no leaking. Some cups can last up to 10 years if taken care of, a huge money saver!!