Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by lindseymahoney
Estate sales and garage sales are both great opportunities to find second-hand treasures, but they are quite different in terms of scope, items sold, and purpose. If you love thrifting or finding unique items, knowing the difference between estate sale vs. garage sale can help you score the best deals.
Let’s break it down and show you how to find each type of sale and what to look for when you get there.
Table of Contents
- Estate Sale vs. Garage Sale
- Estate Sale vs. Garage Sale | What to Look For:
- Which Sale is Right for You?
- Other Types of Sales to Find a Good Deal
- More Content You Will Love:
Estate Sale vs. Garage Sale
What is an Estate Sale?
An estate sale typically happens when a family is liquidating a large portion of a person’s belongings, often due to downsizing, moving, or after a family member has passed away.
A professional estate sale company is often hired to organize these sales, and they generally offer a wide range of items, including old furniture, antiques, art, kitchenware, and more.
What to Expect:
- High-End Items: Estate sales usually include valuable items or vintage items like fine furniture, collectibles, jewelry, and even cars or property. These items are often in good condition and may have significant value.
- Entire House Open for Shopping: Unlike a garage sale, which is limited to a driveway or yard, estate sales typically allow shoppers to browse through the entire estate, offering access to more personal belongings
- Pricing: Estate sale prices are usually firm on the first day of the sale, but it’s common for estate sales to offer discounts toward the end of the sale (often 25% off on the second day and 50% off on the final day). This is a great opportunity to get lower prices on higher value items in the sale.
How to Find Estate Sales:
- Estate Sale Websites: Sites like EstateSales.net or EstateSales.org list sales by location and date, making it easy to plan your visits. You can download the estatesale.net app and browse upcoming sales easily from your phone.
- Social Media & Local Classifieds: Estate sale companies and families often post on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Most estate sale professionals have a Facebook page where they share items and information on upcoming sales in the area.
- Estate Sale Email Lists: Sign up for email notifications through estate sale companies to stay informed about upcoming events.
**Check out the 15 items to absolutely buy when you find them at an estate sale!
What is a Garage Sale?
A garage sale (or yard sale) is more casual and usually involves an individual or family selling their unwanted household items. These sales are typically held in the driveway, garage, or front yard, with a wide variety of everyday items on offer.
Holding a garage sale is often a quick and easy way to make some extra cash while getting rid of unwanted personal items. Neighborhood garage sales are a great way to look at a lot of items for sale in a short amount of time.
What to Expect:
- Lower-Priced Items: Garage sales feature everything from used clothes, toys, and books to household goods, electronics, and tools. The prices are usually much lower than at estate sales, and haggling is common.
- More of a DIY Setup: Unlike the professional organization of estate sales, this kind of sale is typically run by homeowners. Expect a more casual event.
- Bargain Hunting: Since items are generally priced to sell quickly, garage sales are perfect for finding deals on items that families no longer need but are still useful.
How to Find Garage Sales:
- Local Neighborhood Signs: Look for hand-made signs in your neighborhood, especially on weekends, advertising garage sales nearby. The summer months are generally considered garage sale season. The warmer months are when you will have the most opportunities to attend the sales.
- Online Listings: Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or community bulletin boards for listings.
- Garage Sale Apps: Apps like Yard Sale Treasure Map can help you locate garage sales near you.
Estate Sale vs. Garage Sale | What to Look For:
At an Estate Sale:
Furniture: Estate sales often have high-quality, vintage, or antique furniture at great prices that are significantly under market value.
Collectibles & Antiques: Keep an eye out for rare or unique pieces. This includes fine china, vintage decor, and collectible items like stamps or coins.
Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, and other fine art are often part of the sale, which may hold significant value.
Kitchenware & Appliances: Estate sales are a great place to find durable kitchen appliances, cookware, and dishware.
At a Garage Sale (or Moving Sale):
Everyday Household Items: Look for lightly used kitchen utensils, electronics, and home decor at bargain prices.
Kids’ Toys & Clothes: Families often clear out children’s items, and you can find toys, books, and gently used children’s clothing for a steal.
DIY Project Materials: If you’re into upcycling or DIY, garage sales are perfect for finding inexpensive furniture or craft supplies to repurpose.
Outdoor Equipment: From lawnmowers to bicycles, garage sales often feature outdoor tools and recreational gear.
Which Sale is Right for You?
- Estate Sale: Ideal if you’re looking for valuable or unique items, like antiques or higher-end furniture, and are willing to spend a bit more for quality.
- Garage Sale: Perfect for bargain hunters and those looking for everyday household items at rock-bottom prices.
Personally I prefer an estate sale because there is more to choose from and you can check out sale items in advance. With a busy schedule, this is a little easier to shop for quality items throughout the year. When I shop garage sales, it is usually more sporadic if I stumble upon the sale.
Other Types of Sales to Find a Good Deal
There are many different types of sales where you can find items at discounted prices. Here are a few more options for you to keep in mind as you bargain hunt!
- Liquidation Sales: The sale of a company’s assets and products at discounted prices
- Church sales (or rummage sale): A fundraising event where a church sells secondhand items, usually donated by members.
- Flea Markets: A market, generally held on the street or in a field, where vendors sell second-hand items. These are generally pop-up events that happen on a specific date or timeframe.
Whether you’re seeking a vintage treasure or just some budget-friendly household items, both estate and garage sales offer exciting opportunities to discover something special. Happy hunting!
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