It's GARAGE SALE Time!!!!

Yes, folks!  You read that right!  Garage Sales are right around the corner!!!

I have been Garage Sale-ing for years.  So I guess you could call me a "seasoned saler".   I thought it would be fun to give you a few tips in order to help you use your time wisely and get the best bargains possible!!  Are you ready???  Here we go!!!

#1 - Arrive early.  Find out what time the sale begins, then make sure you are there at least 20 minutes early.  Some people will actually open their doors early if there's enough people waiting.  The old saying, "you snooze, you lose" applies to garage sale-ing.  If you arrive late, you might miss out on the best stuff!!

#2 - Bring food & water.  Seriously.  Make sure you stay hydrated and fed, so you can shop longer!

#3 - Make a list before you head out.  Many people shop for clothes - maybe it's home improvement items.  For others, they are looking for furniture.  Whatever it might be, make a list of the items you are specifically looking for.  That way you won't waste alot of time at places that don't have exactly what you want.

#4 - Move steadily through the sale.  Unless there are many items you are interested in, breeze through and head on to the next!

#5 - If you see something you love, BUY IT RIGHT AWAY!  Don't wait and hope it might show up someplace else.  You can do that in a department store.  Not at a garage sale.  Once it's gone, it's gone.  As long as the price seems right, snatch it up!!!

#6 - Don't hesitate to ask if they will take a lower price.  Usually this will not happen first thing in the morning.  Later in the day, many people just want to get rid of stuff, so they just might make a deal with you.

#7 -  Bring cash, small bills and change with you.

#8 - Map out your route.  Especially if there is a neighborhood sale going on.  Check out where the sales are and have a plan set.  This will allow you to hit more places and get more bargains!

#9 - If you go with a friend, make sure you both understand why you are going - to browse or to find some specific items.  If your lists are similar, then go and have fun!  If you are on a mission to find the perfect dresser for your child's bedroom, you might decide to go alone.    Otherwise you will be ready to go and your friend is still sorting through the piles and piles of jeans!  (this can be frustrating).

#10 - Arrive in a vehicle that's big enough to fit all your purchases in!   If you are a serious saler, you will bring a truck.  Because you just never know when you'll find the perfect "thing" and need to haul it home in a pick-up!  Tell the hubby he gets to stay home that morning and clean - you're taking the truck!!!

So there are 10 tips to help you make the most out of your garage sale-ing!  Most of all remember, go and have fun!  It's such a fun way to get outside, find a great deal, and meet some fun people!!!

Let me know the great bargains you pick up in the comment section!  

Happy Garage Sale Time!!!!
Judy

Simplify this Spring!

Finally......spring!!!!!  I don't care if the forecast is threatening the "s**w" word in it for this week, I REFUSE to let it get me down!!!  April has arrived - it's Spring and it's time to SIMPLIFY!!   Let me explain.......

I spent most of last week helping out my parents.  They have decided to sell their 2-bedroom split level town home and move to a one-level, one bedroom apartment.  Trying to decide what to keep, what to sell, what to give and what to throw is tough work - both physically and mentally.  In the beginning of our process, it was difficult to say "good-bye" to the things they've loved for 50+ years.  Yet, as we forged ahead in our cleaning out, we realized it got easier and easier to get rid of the stuff that really isn't doing much good except for collecting dust.  (plus it would never fit in the new place).

Now I do need to clarify that my Mom is a master cleaner.  I don't EVER recall seeing dust in her house......ever.  She loves to clean and she rocks at it.  She also isn't a pack-rat - you know, someone who collects and keeps everything in sight.  She does have an incredible salt & pepper shaker collection (that's packed and up for sale - let me know if you're interested) and she enjoys pretty plates and a few antiques. So her house isn't crammed with stuff like what you see on the show, "Hoarders".  Her house is usually immaculate - but like everyone else, she has her fair share of "stuff".

Clarification over - back to the story.....

After several days of analyzing & deciding what to do with all of her "stuff", we have cleared out probably 90% of the "stuff" from her home!!!  One evening when we were resting from all the packing & throwing, I asked her if she was feeling ok about getting rid of so much "stuff".  She looked at me, breathed a sigh of relief and said, "YES"!!!  It made her feel wonderful knowing she doesn't have so much "stuff" around anymore.  She kept the things that really mattered to her - the few things that brought back some wonderful memories.  Now when we move them at the end of the month, she will be taking with her only the things that matter most and the things she needs to have in order to live.  What a relief!!

Now, take a look around YOUR home.  Are you feeling like you are drowning in "stuff"?  When's the last time you cleaned out?  Simplified?  Just like our bodies and minds need a vacation every now and then to breathe new life into ourselves, our homes need new breath also.

Pick a room in your home, like your bedroom.  Start at one end of the room and go through every pile, every drawer, under the bed, in the closet.  Get rid of everything that just doesn't matter.  Give away all the clothes you haven't worn in the last 2 years (cuz believe me, if you haven't worn them by now, you never will).   Once you've gotten rid of all the extra "stuff", then do a deep clean.  Wash the curtains, linens, windows, floors, even the walls!  I will even wash the woodwork with an Oil Soap to really brighten up the beauty of the wood - plus it makes the room smell wonderful!!!!

After the cleaning is done, then rearrange your furniture and....... WALLAH!  You will have simplified and created a brand new room - all for YOU!!!   I'm so curious to hear what room(s) you simplify!  Let me know once you're done and let me know how it makes you feel!!

Simplify your home this Spring.  You won't be sorry!!!! 

Judy