Shopping at garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets is addicting ... dedicated junkers are always on the lookout for their next great buy. Whether you're going to a yard sale at your next door neighbor's, or heading off to a once-a-year antique fair, there are a number of tools you shouldn't leave home without.
1. Money. This one seems obvious. Cash is king, and many sellers don't accept checks. If you're on a budget, don't take more than you can afford to spend. Take small bills and several dollars in quarters: it saves time, and it's much easier to get a seller to agree to accept $3 for a $5 item if you aren't handing them a five -- or twenty -- dollar bill.
2. Purse versus pockets versus fanny pack. Think about how you plan to carry your money, and what you can do to keep your hands free for holding the items you want to buy. If you're attending a large sale, and mingling with crowds, you'll want more security than a purse affords. Keep your money in your pocket, or in a fanny pack, and keep your large bills separate from the smaller ones, so that you're not flashing a big wad of cash in front of strangers.
3. Tote bag or backpack. I have a wonderful slouchy fabric tote/purse that can be worn across my chest, which leaves my hands free. I use it to hold my money, glasses, cell phone, a small notebook, bottled water, and a snack (fruit or granola bars). It's lightweight and has lots of room to hold small purchases, too. Other people -- including my husband -- prefer to carry a backpack to hold their basic necessities while browsing.
4. Something On Wheels. Are you a big-time shopper? Planning to buy lots of small stuff or perhaps some really big stuff? If so, you're gonna want wheels. Yes, YOU will be the person getting on everyone's nerves by taking up a lot of space, but there's a limit to how much you can carry and how severely you're willing to abuse your back.
Here are some of the wheeled items I've seen other junkers use: suitcases, baby strollers (with or without the baby), rolling granny market carts (some come with an attached seat), pilfered shopping carts, little red wagons, flatbed carts, folding plastic crates with wheels and a handle, and even two skateboards poised beneath an antique dresser ... whew! The important thing to remember is, whatever you purchase, you're the one who has to carry it ... around the field, the fairgrounds, or the church basement.
5. Bottled water and snacks. Since I mentioned them in #3, I thought I should make it official. If you're going to be at a flea market or antique show for an hour or longer, it's nice to have your own drink and snacks, which saves time and money.
6. Baby wipes, kleenex, ziplock bags, and aspirin. Second hand shopping can be dirty, so I always have a baggie with baby wipes for cleaning my hands, and a full box of baby wipes in the car. Ziplock bags are great for organizing small items, including your money. Kleenex, aspirin, and allergy pills are a blessing when you need them.
7. Sunscreen, chapstick, a hat, sunglasses, and a sweater or jacket. Dress in layers. I like to wear a zip-front sweater with a hood, because it scrunches up easily in my tote bag. In the summer I wear a straw hat or beach visor, and in the winter I wear a rain hat that also keeps my ears warm. Practical clothing and comfort is more important than being fashionable, despite how cute some of the vendors look standing in their booths. Most of the time, you'll get better prices if you make a point of dressing down ... leave your designer duds and flashy jewelry at home or at the hotel.
8. Comfortable shoes ... need I say more? I keep an extra pair of comfy shoes and socks in my car at all times, just in case I come across a sale or need to tramp through a field.
9. Notebook, pencil, measuring tape, magnifying glass, and digital camera. Keep a list of household measurements in your notebook, especially if you're shopping for a special piece of furniture: I've heard far too many stories from people who found the perfect armoire or sofa, but couldn't get it through any of their doors.
Write down locations of booths you might want to check again later in the day, especially if they're holding a large item for you. And if you find something you love -- but the price is too high -- leave your name and cell phone number with the seller, in case they change their mind. A small magnifying glass is helpful for deciphering tiny or worn maker's marks. My trusty pink camera is always with me, and I take tons of photos when I'm out junkin' ... to help me remember an item, to remind me to check price or provenance (origin), to save terrific display and decorating ideas, and -- of course -- to put on my blog.
10. Boxes, newspaper, tissue paper, plastic or paper bags. It's amazing how often sellers don't have anything available to package or protect your purchases. When I pull up to a great-looking yard or church sale, I bring in my own box so I can collect things quickly. I use U.S. Postal Service mail tubs for this, because they're sturdy plastic and have handles, and they're always in my car for shipping my eBay sales. The Postal Service provides them for free ... just ask at the counter, and keep one or two on hand in your car. They're terrific for coralling groceries, wet beach towels, and bedding plants from the nursery.
When I'm doing large amounts of junk shopping, I bring along a supply of flat-folded filing/storage boxes with lids, available at office supply stores. These, too, have built-in handles, and they're great for repackaging items in beloved Suburban for safe transport. Once I put the lid on, the boxes can be stacked and offer lots of protection along with efficient storage.
Coming home from last summer's buying trip to Washington, Oregon, and northern California, Ray and I had 42 filing/storage boxes wedged into the truck, along with 2 suitcases, my computer, an ice chest, three cases of wine, 2 folding chairs and a TV tray, and a Rubbermaid tote that held our kitchen stuff: pots, pans, sharp knives, cutting board, corkscrew, a strainer, and spices. Whenever possible, we rent apartments with full kitchens when we travel, so we can take advantage of local farmers markets and not have to get dressed up to go out to eat at the end of a long day. Like many cooks, we prefer our own favorite cookware and knives to the lightweight, low quality ones available in rental units.
Today's question: What did I forget to add to my list of must-have items for junkers?
Please leave a comment, and be sure to let me know if you have any specific questions about the wonderful world of junking.
If you'd like to share a post about junking, just follow the directions below. I've created a button to place on your blog, so please grab a copy, tell your friends, and jump right in.
How to Participate in 30 Days of Junkin' ...
1. Write a post about junking on your blog, or link to a post you've already written. We want to hear about the hunt and the rewards ... where you shop, how you do it, and what you do with your goodies. This is a celebration of All Things Junk, so please share your treasures as well as your tips.
2. Place the 30 Days of Junkin' button at the top of your post.
3. Add your permalink using Mr. Linky. Please do not link until your post is up.
I encourage everyone to share at least one post celebrating junkin' during April, any day you wish. Once your post is up and linked, you can grab a copy of this badge for your sidebar. Please link it back to my main blog addy ... http://auctiongirlvintage.typepad.com
