As an avid yard sale shopper, I’ve learned that being prepared is half the battle. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of rummaging through boxes of forgotten treasures, but without the right tools, you could miss out on some fantastic finds. That’s why I always keep a specific set of items in my car, ready to support my yard sale adventures. These items have saved me time, money, and regret on numerous occasions. Here are the 11 things I always keep in my car for yard sales.
1. Cash
The number one item to always have on hand is cash. Most yard sales do not accept credit or debit cards, and you don’t want to miss out on a great find because you didn’t have enough cash on hand. I always make sure to have a variety of bills and plenty of quarters for exact change. Many sellers are more willing to negotiate if you’re paying in cash, and it’s much easier to haggle down a price when you can physically show how much you have to spend. For example, if an item is priced at $20, but you only have $15 in hand, the seller might be more willing to accept your offer rather than lose a sale entirely.
2. A Tape Measure
A tape measure is an absolute must-have for any yard sale shopper. How many times have you found a piece of furniture or a rug that you loved, but weren’t sure if it would fit in your space? Having a tape measure on hand allows you to measure items on the spot, saving you from the disappointment of buying something that doesn’t fit. It’s also a good idea to have measurements of key spaces in your home (like the size of your wall for a painting or the dimensions of your living room for a new couch) saved on your phone for easy reference.
3. Reusable Bags
Not all yard sales will have bags available for your purchases, and even if they do, they’re often flimsy and easily breakable. That’s why I always keep a stash of reusable bags in my car. These are not only sturdier, but they’re also more environmentally friendly. Plus, if you’re shopping at multiple sales, it’s much easier to keep your finds organized and protected in separate bags.
4. Hand Sanitizer
Yard sales are a treasure trove of pre-loved items, but they can also be full of dust and dirt. Having hand sanitizer in your car is a quick and easy way to clean your hands after rummaging through boxes and handling various items. Plus, in the age of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to keep your hands clean. Having hand sanitizer on hand allows you to shop with peace of mind, knowing you’re protecting yourself and others.
5. Water and Snacks
Yard sale shopping can be a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to lose track of time and before you know it, you’re hungry and dehydrated. That’s why I always keep water and snacks in my car. Staying hydrated and well-fed will keep your energy levels up, allowing you to shop for longer. Plus, having your own snacks on hand means you won’t have to waste time or money stopping for food.
6. A Portable Phone Charger
In this digital age, your phone is an essential tool for yard sale shopping. You might need it for directions, to look up the value of items, to take photos, or to make a digital payment. That’s why a portable phone charger is a must-have. There’s nothing worse than finding a treasure, only to have your phone die before you can look up its value. Keeping a portable charger in your car ensures you’ll never miss out on a great find because of a dead phone.
7. A Notepad and Pen
While your phone is a great tool, there’s something to be said for the reliability of old-fashioned pen and paper. A notepad and pen are perfect for jotting down addresses, prices, or details about items you’re interested in. Additionally, if you’re hitting multiple yard sales in one day, you can use your notepad to keep track of where you bought what. This can be especially helpful if you’re shopping for resale and need to remember how much you paid for each item.
8. Protective Gloves
Sometimes, rummaging through boxes at yard sales can be a dirty job. Having a pair of protective gloves in your car can keep your hands clean and safe from any sharp items. These can also be useful when handling items that are heavy, rough, or potentially dirty. It’s a simple addition that can make your yard sale adventures much more comfortable.
9. Blankets or Old Sheets
If you’re planning on buying larger items like furniture, having blankets or old sheets in your car is a good idea. You can use these to wrap and protect your purchases during transport. They can prevent scratches or damage to the items, and also protect your car’s interior. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
10. A First-Aid Kit
While it may seem like overkill, a first-aid kit is always good to have in your car, whether you’re yard sale shopping or not. You never know when you might need a band-aid or some pain relief medication. Plus, if you’re out and about all day, having items like sunscreen and bug spray on hand can be a lifesaver. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
11. A Positive Attitude
Lastly, while not a physical item, I always make sure to bring a positive attitude with me to every yard sale. Not every sale will be a treasure trove, and there will be days where you leave empty-handed. But keeping a positive attitude and seeing the experience as a fun treasure hunt rather than a chore can make all the difference. Plus, you never know what you might find at the next sale!