Who doesn’t love a good yard sale? The thrill of the hunt, the joy of a bargain, the satisfaction of recycling and reusing – it’s a pastime that combines fun, frugality, and sustainability. But to make the most of your yard sale adventures, preparation is key. There are certain essentials that savvy yard sale shoppers always have on hand. Here are the 13 things I always keep in my car for yard sales.
1. Cash
The first thing I always keep on hand for yard sales is cash. While some more tech-savvy sellers might accept digital payments, most yard sales are strictly cash-only affairs.
To be prepared, I always keep a mix of bills and coins in my car. Small bills are important because many sellers might not have change for a $20 or $50 bill. Coins are essential too, as many yard sale items are priced at less than a dollar.
2. A Measuring Tape
The second thing I always keep in my car is a measuring tape. This is invaluable for making sure that a piece of furniture or other large item will fit in your car, your home, or wherever you plan to put it.
Before you go to a yard sale, measure the space where you plan to put any large items. Write these measurements down and keep them with your measuring tape. That way, you can quickly and accurately measure any potential purchases.
3. Reusable Bags
The third thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is a stash of reusable bags. Not all sellers will have bags on hand, and using your own is a more sustainable choice.
I like to bring a mix of sizes – large bags for bulky items, and small bags for delicate or fragile ones. Some reusable bags even fold up into a small pouch, making them easy to store in your car.
4. Hand Sanitizer
The fourth item on my list is hand sanitizer. Yard sale items have usually been stored in a basement, garage, or attic, and may be dusty or dirty.
After handling items, it’s a good idea to clean your hands. Plus, in the current climate, it’s wise to minimize the risk of germs as much as possible.
5. Sunscreen
The fifth thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is sunscreen. Yard sale shopping usually involves a lot of time outdoors, and it’s easy to get sunburned without realizing it.
Even if it’s not especially sunny, the UV rays can still cause damage. So I always keep a bottle of sunscreen in my car and apply it before I start shopping.
6. Water Bottle
The sixth thing I always keep in my car is a water bottle. Yard sale shopping can be thirsty work, especially on hot days.
Having a water bottle on hand means you can stay hydrated without needing to buy a drink. Plus, it’s a more sustainable choice than buying a single-use plastic bottle.
7. Snacks
The seventh thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is snacks. Yard sale shopping can take a lot of energy, and it’s easy to get hungry.
I like to bring healthy, easy-to-eat snacks like nuts or fruit. That way, I can keep my energy levels up and avoid getting hangry while I shop.
8. A Pen and Notepad
The eighth thing I always keep in my car is a pen and notepad. This is useful for jotting down addresses, prices, or other important information.
I also like to use it to keep track of any bargains I find. That way, I can compare prices and make sure I’m getting the best deal.
9. Wet Wipes
The ninth thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is wet wipes. These are useful for cleaning any items that might be dirty or dusty.
They’re also handy for cleaning your hands if you don’t have access to soap and water. Plus, they can be used to clean up any spills or messes in your car.
10. A Portable Charger
The tenth thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is a portable charger. This is useful if your phone or other electronic device runs out of battery.
I also find it useful for testing any electronic items before I buy them. That way, I can make sure they’re working properly before I hand over my cash.
11. A Blanket
The eleventh thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is a blanket. This is useful for protecting your car’s interior from any dirty or sharp items.
It can also be used to wrap around any fragile items to protect them during transportation. Plus, if you get tired or cold, you can use it to keep warm.
12. A First Aid Kit
The twelfth thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is a first aid kit. You never know when you might need a band-aid, some antiseptic cream, or a painkiller.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, if you’re shopping with kids, it’s even more important to have basic first aid supplies on hand.
13. A Positive Attitude
The thirteenth and final thing I always keep in my car for yard sales is a positive attitude. Yard sale shopping can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun.
Sometimes you might find an amazing bargain, other times you might come home empty-handed. But as long as you go into it with a positive attitude and an open mind, you’re sure to have a great time.