8 Things You Should Always Buy at Estate Sales

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You never know what you’re going to find at an estate sale. That’s part of the fun.

Estate sales are treasure troves if you know what to look for. They tend to have such a very wide variety of items that it can be overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Knowing what to buy can help you score some amazing deals and find pieces that add real value to your life.

You can find practical household items, but also more unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Plus, you can often negotiate the price, which means you might score a high-end piece at a fraction of its true cost.

Here are the things you should always keep an eye out for when browsing estate sales.

On the flip side, here are nine items you can sell for the most money at garage sales.

Antique Furniture

One of the first things you should look for at estate sales is antique furniture.

Older furniture was often built with solid wood and high-quality craftsmanship. So, estate sales are great places to find a vintage piece that will last a lifetime.

Look for items that have unique details, such as hand-carved designs or dovetail joints. These are signs of quality. 

Art and Collectibles

Paintings and sculptures can be hidden gems at estate sales.

Many people overlook art because they don’t know how to assess its value. And it’s true, you’re probably not going to discover a million-dollar masterpiece — but you can always find something unique that catches your eye. If you love it, it will hold personal value even if it’s not a masterpiece. 

Kitchenware

Be on the lookout for high-quality kitchen items. These are the kind of things that can serve you for decades.

A cast iron pan, for instance, only gets better with age. Vintage silverware and serving dishes can also add a unique touch to your kitchen.

Buying these items secondhand is a smart way to upgrade your kitchen for less.

Tools

Estate sales are a great way to build or expand your tool collection.

Look for brand names or tools that appear well-maintained. Items like wrenches, hammers and screwdrivers may seem simple, but when they’re made with care, they last longer and perform better.

You might also find larger equipment, like lawnmowers or workshop machines, for much less than their retail value.

Books

Whether you’re a collector or just love to read, you might be able to find rare or out-of-print books that you’d never come across in a bookstore.

Look for first editions, signed copies or old leather-bound volumes that add character to your bookshelf. This is also a great place for picking up coffee table books or large collections to give your home a cultured, lived-in feel. 

Rugs

New rugs are expensive, but estate sales are the perfect place to find high-quality vintage rugs.

Finding a durable, well-made Persian or Oriental rug is a smart investment. They may have some damage or wear, but remember that many imperfections can be repaired, making the piece as good as new.

Crystal and Glassware

Many estate sales sell beautiful crystal and glassware, such as vintage wine glasses, vases or bowls.

If you want to add a little elegance to your dining table, look for affordable, unique pieces at an estate sale. Also keep an eye out for recognizable names like Waterford or Baccarat, which may be more valuable than their sale price.

Lamps and Light Fixtures

Lamps and light fixtures are often overlooked at estate sales, but they can be some of the most unique and valuable finds.

Antique or vintage light fixtures were often made with materials that never go out of style, like brass, bronze or stained glass. A great way to add character and style to any room in your house is to add a table or floor lamp.

You might even find a beautiful chandelier to replace your boring ceiling lights. The wiring might need to be updated, but the cost of restoring these pieces is still likely to be less than buying a new fixture.

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