I consistently discover the greatest items at estate sales—here are all my tips for shopping.

      Last summer, I noticed a crowd gathering outside a house in my neighborhood, and of course, I had to investigate. I discovered that an estate sale was taking place, with everything in the house up for grabs. Feeling surprised, I stepped inside, admired the beautiful home, and walked away with a mother-of-pearl frame, two glass drinking glasses adorned with gold foil, and a coffee table book—all for around $15. From that point on, I was hooked.

      Estate sales provide the ideal combination of secondhand shopping and admiring interiors. I have scored everything from designer handbags to glassware and furniture at these events, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Plus, as someone who loves home decor, I enjoy the opportunity to explore stunning homes in my city (hello, mansion sales!). If you're looking for all the details on how to find incredible items at estate sales, you’re in the right place. Continue reading for all the tips and tricks I've learned from my estate sale adventures over the past year.

      What is an estate sale?

      Estate sales are an avenue for liquidating the belongings of a family or estate. Typically held on weekends, these sales are much more extensive than regular yard sales. Shopping an estate sale feels like wandering through a furnished home where everything is available for purchase. You’ll encounter a broad array of items, including clothing, furniture, decor, art, and even household essentials like cleaning supplies and toiletries. To locate sales in your area, you can search by zip code on websites like EstateSales.net. Each listing will showcase images of some items for sale so you can get a preview before attending. Additionally, I follow a few favorite estate sale companies on social media and suggest checking out accounts that feature sales in your locality.

      How to shop estate sales

      Once you’ve identified a sale that interests you, the fun begins! Especially for first-time shoppers, it’s good to understand what to expect. Here’s what to keep in mind before you head to estate sales:

      Be ready for a crowd

      From my experience, if a sale has many high-end items (like designer clothes and accessories), I prepare for a crowd. Usually, you can enter a sale freely, but popular ones might operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Many companies will have a sign-up sheet at the entrance, so if you see a line, don’t just wait—head to the front and add your name to the list!

      Bring cash

      I always verify accepted payment methods before going, but I typically bring cash anyway. While you can often pay with a card or services like PayPal or Venmo, electronic payments may come with an additional fee. To save some money, I recommend bringing cash.

      Plan for larger items

      If you're looking for sizable pieces like furniture, it’s wise to take a tape measure with you. Be aware of your home’s dimensions (and those of your vehicle!) to ensure the furniture will fit, and be prepared to transport the item yourself. (However, if you need assistance, many estate sale companies will provide contact information for movers.) To secure your item, ask someone at the sale for a "sold" sticker or label to place on it. Usually, you have until the end of the weekend to remove the item from the house. I once scored a lovely blue gingham wingback chair at an estate sale, and it was an exhilarating purchase.

      Observe basic estate sale etiquette

      Estate sale etiquette is definitely a real thing, but fortunately, most of it is common sense. Many sales will post a list of house rules at the entrance, typically including guidelines like no food or drink, don’t cut the line, and be respectful of the home and other shoppers. It's also useful to note that restrooms are generally unavailable at these sales—I often feel tempted to grab a coffee or drink beforehand, but I always wait until afterward!

      Understand how pricing works

      Prices at estate sales can vary widely. I tend to expect higher-end items to be priced similarly to what you'd find on sites like The RealReal, while regular sales are closer to thrift store prices. For the best deals, I suggest attending estate sales on Sundays, while Fridays (or the first day of the sale) may be better if you have your eye on something specific. Generally, estate sales will lower their prices as the event progresses—Friday is full price, Saturday is 25 percent off, and Sunday is 50 percent off.

      Know which items are off-limits

      If you notice a piece of furniture with a “sold” sticker, avoid touching it. Some sales also feature a hold table, allowing shoppers to set aside items without carrying them around, and browsing the hold table is certainly frowned upon. Certain sales have strict no-negotiation rules, but if that's not the case, don't hesitate to chat with the staff! Learning about the home and the items for sale can be intriguing, and you might even uncover some bargains by asking.