Home may be where you make it, but it’s also a sum of its parts — and definitely where the “heart” is. Sustainability is finally trending and most people are gravitating to thrifting home goods that are up-cycled or, at the very least, not flat-packed.
Whether a seasoned thrift store veteran, or possibly a newcomer, the price-hikes at some nationwide secondhand stores have not gone unnoticed. It may take some legwork, but estate sales can be the answer to finding good deals.
Some may shy away from estate sales because buying “dead people’s stuff” makes them uncomfortable. Here’s the thing, though — people rarely purchase their homes anymore with the intention of leaving “feet first.” Many retirees (or younger families relocating out of state) are now choosing to downsize after deciding to move to their secondary homes. Estate sales give them the opportunity to offload anything that doesn’t fit in a secondary home that's typically already furnished.
Estate sale newcomers may be very surprised by the things I’ve walked away with for ridiculous prices: countless collectible art books and folios, silver housewares of every variety, my Tiffany & Co wine chiller ($37), Versace Home crystal centerpiece ($100), and my Baccarat Crystal panthers ($90) just barely scratch the surface. Lots of these high-end items will eventually make it to boutique consignment shops and online retailers like 1stDibs and Chairish where they may be priced far above original retail — scarcity is quite a motivator — so sourcing from estate sales is the best way to score a deal.
Driving around in search of sale signs will usually pan out, but living in a large market like Houston can complicate things. Here are some tips for anyone delving into estate sales for the first time:
1) Many estate sales are pop-ups, but I tend to save those for last. Having a more organized approach can streamline the buying process. I use estatesales.net to seek out nearby sales and to look at photos of the homes and the items. Pick a zip code and search radius to see what is available within the next fifteen days. I look at all of the photos to decide where to begin, then go from there. The address of each sale is released the night prior to opening, making it easy to map out the morning. Many estate sale companies have a “vibe,” and once you get the hang of that, you’ll know who to shop for certain price points as well.
2) Make a plan. In search of anything specific? There are many estate sale staples that one can usually find — think step ladders, coolers, and garden tools. Whimsical browsing is fun as well. If you want something specific from the photos, make sure to arrive early to be at the front of the line. I once showed up to a big estate sale to find a group of older ladies tailgating out front as if it were the Nutcracker Market!
Photo by Emily Cotton
The author paid $100 for a Versace Home Medusa centerpiece.
3) As antiquated as it may seem, bring a checkbook and cash. Very rarely do these companies accept credit cards, but it is becoming more commonplace to accept Zelle and Venmo. The prices on many items can be up for discussion, so having cash is helpful when trying to score a discount on a bundle.
4) Packing paper and boxes are not commonly provided, so it’s best to keep some stashed in the car. Realizing something hasn’t made it home in one piece is a heartbreaking discovery.
5) Keep an open mind. Many times otherwise beautiful pieces are overlooked, simply due to a lax polishing routine. A willingness to show a little love to an object can reap impressive rewards. I’ve taken home heavily patina’d silver pieces that, once polished, were discovered to be none other than Tiffany & Co — happy times!
Most importantly, have fun! Shopping an estate sale is a fun way to spend a morning and is always an adventure…you never know what lies ahead.
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Share your estate sale finds with Emily by emailing her at emilycharlottecotton@gmail.com.
