Trash to Treasure - Three rules to follow when shopping second hand sales
I love shopping at Thrift Stores and Yard Sales. I've always heard that "One man's trash is another man's treasure." It sometimes feels like finding treasure buried in the rubble. Estate Sales make me sad. I once walked into an sale where they had half-dead funeral flowers still on the table. Yeah, I quietly walked out, said a prayer for the family, and moved on.I've learned to be particular about what I drag home, though. I can get upside down quick in trying to store things I "like but don't love", or "have but don't need". So, I have set some simple rules on what bargains I can snag and bring into my home.1) Is this thing already on my wish list or my shopping list?
I use the Reminders app on my iphone to keep lists: Grocery lists, wish lists, things I need for my studio, or things I can use for new sewing adventures. A quick review of my lists before I step into the sale helps to keep me on track and avoid gathering any dust collectors.Sometimes I find things that aren't on my list but would have been had I known such treasures existed! There's no reason you can't add to your list while in the midst of shopping. It is a virtual list after all.2) Can it save me money or earn me more money?When I walk into a sale, I head right over to the sewing and crafting items. These are things that I am using now and can get a return on the investment. When I find things that are on my list or I have an immediate use for, the purchase is justified. This rule also helps to explain to my DH why I'm making two trips from the car to unload my finds!I found this stash of Pebble Braid at a recent estate sale. It's perfect for trim on Doll shoes. I got two cases (42 yards) for $2.50. Not only is this a deal, but this type of trim can often be hard to find.
3) Is the price right?Since I am already in the market for the items on my lists, I have a general feel for the retail cost of the goods. That helps to spot a real-deal when you find one. If I don't have any idea of the value, my iPhone is always handy to do some quick research.
This Morilee Ballgown Prom dress retails for more than $500. I'd say I got the deal of the year when I paid $18.99. It's in excellent condition. I told my girls that if they didn't want it, I could make several gorgeous doll dresses from it! Truth be told, it would be really hard to cut into this beauty.One man's trash is another man's treasureIt's fun to find amazing deals, and rewarding to mark items off your list, paying only a fraction of their retail value. What thrift store or yard sale deals have you found? ...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 20 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also21... Matthew 6 (NKJV)