20 garage sale finds worth buying

Bamboo rods and reels are non-mainstream antiques that some collectors will shell out major bucks for.

Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the E.P. (electroplate) marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find!

Bikes can be a great garage sale find, but it’s important to take them for a test drive before you commit to the purchase. Hardcore bargain-hunters might consider bringing a wrench to adjust the seat and get a real feel for how it rides. Ask the seller the right questions: Do you store it outside? When’s the last time you replaced the tubes? What’s the status of the brake pads? For kids’ bikes, the owner’s children might not have used the item much before they outgrew it, but ask. With scooters, if the frame is solid you can often replace missing or worn parts (handlebar covers, brakes, wheels) for much less than the cost of a new one. Check the maker’s website when you get home.

Lights, bells, baskets, all great garage sale finds! Try to talk the seller down if you’re buying bulk-maybe she’ll throw in reflectors for free? However, do not risk buying helmets second-hand, even for kids who might outgrow their headgear soon. Sometimes damage for the casing isn’t visible, even though the integrity is compromised.

Looking for a children’s dress or suit for a special occasion? Formal clothes for kids only tend to be worn on a few occasions, and you will often find them being sold in near-new condition for a low price, which makes them one of the best garage sale finds. Garage sales are the perfect place to look for a communion dress or a suit for an upcoming wedding. Also good to score: slightly damaged, cheap party clothes for kids to use in dress-up games.

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Wooden blocks and toy cars are always cheap garage sales finds, and many vintage wood toys are solid enough to be passed from generation to generation. Clean wooden or plastic toys with a mixture of bleach or vinegar and hot water. Stay clear of stuffed animals, which can be hard to send through the extra-hot cycle on a washing machine and can be full of creepy crawlies. Classic board games are great to pick up too, and even if they’re missing pieces you can always repurpose markers, dice and accessories from other sets.

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New parents want to get rid of baby swings, bouncy seats, high chairs and strollers as soon as their child outgrows them. This makes baby gear a staple at garage sales. Ask the seller when the item was bought and how often it was used. For any future recalls, make sure the model number is still visible. What not to buy: Secondhand car seats (the structure could have suffered from damage, even if it wasn’t in an accident), and drop-side cribs.

A lot of people lose interest in their treadmills quickly, which means you can get the equipment you’ve been looking for at half the price or better. This is one of the best garage sale finds! Look for big-ticket items as well as other indoor merch like hand weights in autumn, when New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Research the equipment first: It’s important to know where certain machines tend to wear out the most.

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Garage sales are a great place to stock up on ski and snowboard equipment, but watch for broken or faulty bindings that can’t be fixed or replaced.

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If you like the shape, size, or material of a certain frame, buy it. Frames a good garage sale find because they don’t go through much wear and tear, and often look as pristine as they day they were first purchased.