I hate wasting time. And having a long list of yard sales to go to is just that for me. A big waste of time.
I’ve learned over the years that I need to be wise with my time and my money.
Don’t waste time
How many times have I gone from sale to sale and picked up junk? And have come home and felt like I just wasted 2 hours of precious time.
One find is enough
If I can walk away with one precious find, that is enough for me.
We don’t always have to have this over-consumptive feel inside that we need more, and that a purchase is going to make us happy.
Be content with ONE find and walk away!
I found an awesome entry table. It was perfect for a space that I had been looking to fill. It made my entry seem inviting and warm. So I bought it for $20. And then I drove home.
Sometimes we think we have to keep buying. I’ve found enjoyment in finding just one item, and stopping at that.
Which brings me back to my philosophy: keep things simple.
Are you good about finding one bargain, and then walking away?
I’m linking to Rhoda’s Thrifty Treasures party, over at Southern Hospitality. If you have time, head over and check out Rhoda’s fun blog and all her yard sale finds! I’m also linking to Selena’s Thrift Monday, over at Apron Thrift Girl. Selena always finds unique items and spent her birthday doing what she loved, thrifting and eating yummy food!
Apron lovers – don’t forget to link up HERE at RE on Wednesday this week for Home is … (see sidebar!) Share a picture or a story!
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. It says that dinner parties are attainable, they are affordable, and that they can be beautiful even when on a budget. 
I can’t even tell you when I went to a yard sale the last time! Because we move so often, I purge all of the time- we unpack every single box every single time and I don’t like unpacking and storing what I don’t use, so I sell stuff at the base thrift shop, on Craig’s List and Ebay. And I am very particular about what comes in the house- something usually has to go out so we don’t accumulate too much.
.-= Tara G.´s last blog ..Welcome to Our Living/Dining Room =-.
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This is such an appropriate post for me today. I had two big yard sales picked out for yesterday morning. My first ones of the season! At the first one, the first thing I saw was a little side table that would be great for a bedside table that I need for my guest room. I grabbed it, found nothing else and went to the next (even bigger) sale. I was so excited to see the many vendors in the school parking lot. After once around, I was sure that I just had missed some bargains and ended up touring around the parking lot about 3 more times! Driving home, I realized that I found something that I needed, and that was enough. It’s a good lesson to learn. Thanks for all your insightful posts!
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It’s been years since I went yard saling
I need to go again, we are re-doing our bedroom. I will try to remember this, but I can’t make any promises. I tend to overdo things.
.-= Angela @Homegrown Mom´s last blog ..Mom’s Night Off =-.
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YES! This one hit home for me today.
I’ve been trying to be good lately about not buying more *stuff.* I haven’t been to a yard sale in a few weeks, and the finds I posted today for Rhoda’s party are actually from an estate sale I visited a couple of weeks ago. I have wasted time in the past going yard saling just because, and dragging my girls in and out of the car just I could look for a good bargain. I am doing my best to keep my wallet in my purse unless the item is one I have on my list! 
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Thrifty Treasures: Good Housewife Edition =-.
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‘Hoping to have my own yard sale this weekend. I’m scaling down my decor items…way down.
.-= Melanie Dorsey´s last blog ..Bring On The Rain…But Not For Long, Please. =-.
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I have too many times not followed this advice. Wish I had done this, this weekend. My next yard sale will inidicate that I need to follow this very sound advice. Today is as good as any to start. Thanks for sharing. Jackie
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..A Yellow Rose =-.
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Great tip Sandy! I haven’t been to a sale in about a year or so. I can’t wait to hit a few. I’ll remember your advice. Actually it’s not too hard because I usually only have a few dollars to spend anyways.
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Very good advice, Sandy! I haven’t been to a yard/garage sale in a few years. Look for 1 or 2 “perfect items” and skip the rest. Most everyone I know is scaling back and reducing clutter and extra decorative items.
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Its great advise but I know I won’t follow it!! Yard sales are past time and a hobby for me. But I do purge alot, and take stuff to Goodwill.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Goodwill , Yard Sale finds , and Playing House! =-.
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I love yard sales…I make it to the thrift shops more often thought…it is a little kiddo thing…I have come to the point where I am happy with one great find.
.-= Holly L´s last blog ..I’m Tickled Pink, No. 3! =-.
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Great advice! I went to 5 sales this weekend and only picked up one item… although I certainly went out expecting to come back with a lot more!
Great entry way table, that’s certainly a find that would make one happy with just one!
.-= Nicole RJ´s last blog ..Purple + Yellow =-.
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Good advice! I usually keep a list of what I need/want and stick pretty closely to that unless I LOVE LOVE LOVE something – then I get it if it’s a great deal!
.-= Abbie´s last blog ..Tulips =-.
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This is such a good lesson and one I certainly need to learn!
.-= Allison´s last blog ..Spring Wreath =-.
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Even though I should follow your advice I am not going to. I find it very relaxing to go to yard sales and it is so much cheaper than retail shopping. I do try to not buy because something is just cheap and sell my excess.
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Sandy Reply:
April 19th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Hi Michelle, I find yard saling fun and sometimes relaxing too (when I’m not in a hurry), but my point is that sometimes there is just nothing out there, and I feel like I just have to find something. OR, I get on a roll of getting a few good bargains, then I feel like I have to keep going (cuz it’s a good garage sale day! LOL) instead of just being content. I agree, it’s so much cheaper than retail
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