If you’re looking to dive into the world of estate sales, you won’t want to miss out on our ultimate guide to shopping like a pro. Here, we’ve compiled tips from estate sale fanatics detailing what to expect at estate sales, how to find estate sales, what to know before your first estate sale, and what you should look for when shopping. You can thank us later after you score the finds of a lifetime!
What to expect at estate sales:
Estate sales may be overwhelming at first, and you’ll want to expect a competitive environment of sorts, at least on opening day. “I always tell people to be confident and act fast, because it's not like your average retail store where you can stand and think about the potential item—someone will take it from under you,” says Paige Kontrafouris, the founder of Paige Kontrafouris Home.
How to find estate sales:
Use websites like AuctionNinja to search for upcoming estate sales by zip code. Whether you’re looking to shop locally or will be traveling, this will help you pinpoint intriguing looking sales in your area and beyond. Kelly Riley, the founder of vintage boutique June Taylor, also recommends searching online for estate sale companies near you and then signing up for their email lists or following them on social media. Signing up may allow you early access to addresses and photos of upcoming sales, explains Lauren Caron, the founder of Studio Laloc.
Use websites like AuctionNinja to search for upcoming estate sales by zip code. Whether you’re looking to shop locally or will be traveling, this will help you pinpoint intriguing looking sales in your area and beyond.
Don’t forget to check Facebook groups or Facebook Marketplace, either.
But that’s not all. “Follow those signs on the side of the road,” Riley adds. “Estate sale companies are great at leading you right to the house. It could be a fun little detour on the way to the grocery, and you never know what you'll see!”
Tips for first time shoppers:
First and foremost, remember that you’re setting foot inside of someone’s home, says Amanda Smith, the founder of Vintage Smith Co. “Be respectful and know that this home once belonged to a family or someone that greatly valued their belongings.” Anna Barnard, the founder of The April Home, agrees. “You're walking into someone’s entire life,” she says. “And I think that's what makes estate sales extra special. You get to see where they traveled by seeing the souvenirs they brought back. You get to see their hobbies, what they liked to collect, and what styles they were drawn to.”
“Be respectful and know that this home once belonged to a family or someone that greatly valued their belongings.”
Arrive early to estate sales, instructing Ariene Bethea, the founder of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio. “Sometimes, lines form, and people may appear to be just standing around,” she says. “Check if there’s a list you can sign or if numbers are being given out.”
Kontrafouris expresses similar views. “If you are on time, you are already late in the estate sale world,” she says.
You’ll want to come prepared with shopping essentials including reusable totes, packing materials, and the like, Kontrafouris adds. “Carry a tape measure during the sale so you can quickly measure something if needed!” It’s also smart to bring cash in case credit cards are not accepted.
Before a sale, scope out the listing photos online and see what speaks to you. This way, Kontrafouris says, “you can make a list of things that you want to check out as soon as you get to the sale.” Use your list to then make a game plan before you arrive. “I try to figure out which rooms the items are photographed in and make a point to get to those rooms first,” Caron says. “It’s helpful to bring a friend or partner to split up and find the items you may really want to purchase.”
Don’t feel the need to follow the crowd once you’re inside of a home. “Often, people go straight for the kitchen or living room, but I like to go to the bedrooms or even storage sheds in the backyard as these are some of the more unassuming areas to score some great pieces,” says Katherine Thewlis, the founder of Hausmatter.
“Often, people go straight for the kitchen or living room, but I like to go to the bedrooms or even storage sheds in the backyard as these are some of the more unassuming areas to score some great pieces,” says Katherine Thewlis, the founder of Hausmatter.
If you find something you love but aren’t fully attached to at its current price, it may be worth returning to the sale at a later date. “Most of the time they will lower the prices the longer the sale is going,” Kontrafouris explains.
On another note, feel free to speak up to get clarification on an item’s price. “If you don’t see a price tag on an item, don't be afraid to ask,” Thewlis shares. “I once spotted an amazing bamboo mirror in a basement bathroom that was actually built into the wall. I asked the homeowner about it and they actually got their powder drill out and removed it from the wall for me!”
Finally, keep an open mind and don’t rush as you shop. “I have found some really amazing pieces at estate sales that were at a fraction of what they would have cost new,” says Sara Nidiffer, the founder of Sara Elizabeth Collective. “If you have a little patience and an open mind, you'd be amazed at what you'll find.”
Items you can typically find at estate sales:
You’ll be sure to come across a wide array of items of all kinds when shopping at estate sales. “You can find a wide range of items, from coffee makers to mink coats and everything in between,” Bethea says, “Everyone in line is there for something. Common items include jewelry, rare books, drapery, wallpaper remnants, furniture, lighting, clothing, and handbags.”
Written by:
July 30, 2024 Updated 12:07 PM
Sarah Lyon is a Washington, DC, native living in New York City. As a freelancer, she frequently covers pieces pertaining to interior design, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her pieces have appeared in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and more. When she isn't writing, Sarah works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots (and can't stop rearranging and redecorating her own apartment, either!). She has a penchant for shopping secondhand and loves giving preloved pieces new life. Sarah’s own spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine.
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