What Is an Estate Sale? A Friendly Guide for First-Timers

FOR ESTATE SALE SHOPPERS

Never been to an estate sale before? You’re in good company. Here’s what it is, how it works and what to expect when you walk through the door.

An estate sale is basically a temporary store inside someone’s home. Instead of selling a few individual pieces online, a large portion of the household is priced, organized and offered for sale over a short period of time.

Some estate sales happen after someone has passed away. Others happen because someone is moving, downsizing, relocating or simply beginning a new chapter.

For shoppers, that means every sale is completely different. One house might be filled with antiques and collectibles. The next might have contemporary furniture, tools, designer clothing, kitchenware, toys and a garage full of things you didn’t know you needed until approximately 30 seconds ago. 😂

How Does an Estate Sale Work?

Before the Sale

We sort, organize, research, stage and price the contents of the home. We also photograph and advertise the sale so shoppers can get a good idea of what they’ll find before sale day.

During the Sale

The home opens to the public and shoppers move through it much like they would a store. Items are individually priced or clearly marked, and most things are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

At Restless Mommas, our typical in-person estate sale runs for two days. The first day is full price, and the second day is generally 50% off.

After You Buy

Small purchases can leave with you right away. If you buy furniture or another large item, we’ll let you know when it needs to be picked up.

Bring help if you’re shopping for something heavy. Estate sale staff generally can’t load large furniture or appliances for you.

What Will I Find?

That’s the fun part: you really never know.

Estate sales can include furniture, artwork, kitchenware, clothing, jewelry, tools, books, records, electronics, linens, patio furniture, holiday decorations, collectibles, garage items and ordinary household necessities.

And then there are the things that don’t fit neatly into any category at all.

Every home reflects the people who lived there, which is why no two estate sales are quite alike.

How Does Estate Sale Pricing Work?

We price items based on a combination of condition, age, brand or maker, current demand, comparable sales and what makes sense in our local estate sale market.

Our typical two-day sale begins at full price. On the second day, remaining merchandise is generally 50% off.

Waiting for the discount can absolutely save you money, but there’s a tradeoff: the thing you wanted may be gone.

That’s one of the great eternal estate sale dilemmas: Do I buy it now, or do I risk coming back tomorrow? 😂

A Few Estate Sale Etiquette Basics

Estate sales take place inside real homes, so a little common sense goes a long way.

• Respect closed doors, blocked-off areas and anything marked “Not for Sale.”
• Ask before plugging in or testing an item if you’re unsure.
• Keep children with you and be mindful in crowded or fragile areas.
• Bring your own help and an appropriate vehicle for large purchases.
• If you’re unsure whether something is for sale, just ask us.

Most importantly, take your time and look around. Closets, garages, kitchens and bookshelves can be just as interesting as the obvious displays.

Do I Need to Be an Antique Expert?

Absolutely not.

Some shoppers come looking for antiques, collectibles or items to resell. Others need a coffee table, a cast iron skillet, a garden hose or a stack of children’s books.

You don’t need to know anything special to shop an estate sale. If something catches your eye, pick it up, look it over and decide whether it’s worth the price to you.

That’s really it.

Ready to Try One?

Take a look at our Estate Sales page to see what Restless Mommas has coming up around Gainesville and North Central Florida.

And if you see something you love at a sale, remember the unofficial rule of estate sale shopping:

You probably should’ve bought it when you saw it. 😉

Every home has a story. Every treasure gets a new beginning. ❤️

Restless Mommas Estate Sales