Essential Estate Sale Tips for Beginners: Your Complete Guide

Just a few weeks ago, I found myself in a small bedroom filled with ceramic swans. I was at an estate sale, and the woman who owned this home not only had a liking for romantic figurines, she also had a closet full of furs from Paris, lingerie slip dresses, and a vast collection of multi-colored glassware. The walls were full of regency-style art in ornate frames, and I was so close to taking one home—if only the price was right. (I wasn’t sure if I had a spot for it in my home anyway.) When it comes to estate sale tips for beginners, this is a risk you take. It’s very easy to fall in love with decor and furniture you simply can’t find anywhere else. 

Estate sales have low-key become my entire personality. You can usually find me treasure hunting at these sales on Saturdays, but if it weren’t for an estate sale popping up in my neighborhood last year, I would have no idea what they are. These sales are fantastic for collectors, resellers, designers, really anyone looking for a bargain—and It girls in the making. I’ve run into so many cool girls on my estate sale adventures and we’re all on the hunt for vintage finds and one-of-a-kind items you can’t link on LTK. 

If you’ve never been to an estate sale though, it can be intimidating. However, if you’re ready to start perusing these sales like a pro, I’ve rounded some of the best estate sale tips for beginners below! 

Featured image from our interview with Claire Zinnecker, by Michelle Nash.

What are estate sales?

First things first, what even is an estate sale? Estate sales typically occur on weekends in a person’s home, where nearly everything inside is for sale. Most of the time, these sales happen due to major life events like a big move, downsizing, or the death of a homeowner. The goal is to sell as much as possible in a short amount of time. These sales include a wide variety of items from clothing, furniture, home decor, jewelry, art and accessories. 

Estate sales offer an opportunity to not only purchase incredible vintage pieces, but you also get to step inside someone else’s home. I’ve been to estate sales in mansions and homes that have gone seemingly untouched for decades. I’ve explored neighborhoods that never would have been on my radar without the sales themselves. In short, it’s fun! They’re truly a feast for the senses, even if you don’t end up purchasing anything. 

How do you find estate sales?

Perhaps the best estate sale tip for beginners is to bookmark Estatesales.net . This is the go-to spot for browsing estate sales, no matter where you live. You can find sales near you by searching your zip code or city. Once you see the results, you can tap on a sale you’re interested in and many sellers include preview pictures of items that will be for sale. Pro tip: sellers will usually wait to release the address of the sale until a day or two before, so don’t worry if it’s not posted right away. 

Another way to stay up to date is social media. There are definitely content creators who share estate sales, and this is my favorite way to learn about sales near me. If you’re in the DC area, be sure to follow @maddytheb—she shares upcoming sales every Wednesday and even does video previews!

What should I know before I go?

Every estate sale is different, and each city surely has its own vibe, but I wish I had known a few things before my first shopping experience.

How to get in

Depending on the size of the sale, there may be a wait to go inside. In my city, most sales have a notepad by the door for you to sign in. You then wait until your name is called to enter the sale. It’s hard to know which sales will be popular, but from my experience, I know there will be a wait if the home is full of designer items. It’s also always helpful to check if there’s a list when you arrive, especially if there’s a long line. I’ve seen people get upset because they went straight to the back of the line without signing in first, which cost them valuable time. I should also note that if you see this happening, let them know to sign in!

Hold the snacks

Every time I head out to a sale, it’s so tempting to stop for a Starbucks beforehand! I always resist though, because food and drink is usually not allowed inside these sales. Also for what it’s worth, there are usually no public restrooms either. Leave your house with a full belly, and don’t forget to take a bathroom break!

Parking and accessibility

I always check in the listing if there are parking restrictions or notes on accessibility. I like knowing what the parking situation is in any event, but it’s especially helpful to know if there are neighborhood rules and regulations. (You don’t want to get towed!) Some listings will also note things like hills or stairs that are required to enter the home, which is important for anyone who may have specific accessibility needs. It’s good information to have if you plan on purchasing furniture or larger items as well.

Large item logistics

Every sale I’ve been to very clearly states the sellers will not help you move furniture or large items to your car. If you know you’d like to purchase a chair or sofa, be sure you shop with friends who can help you load it to your car! Estate sale companies can oftentimes recommend a moving service to assist you too. Since these sales are short, know that you have to get your purchases out of the house usually within 24 hours.

Should I bring anything?

You don’t need much, but there are a few things you may want to have with you to set yourself up for estate sale success.

• Multiple forms of payment. Payment is dependent on the company running the sale. Some may only take cash, while others take cards, Venmo, Cash App, etc. I always bring cash with me, just in case.
• A tape measure. If you know you’re looking for furniture or art, know your measurements. All sales are final, so having a tape measure on hand can come in clutch. I’ve also measured my trunk, just to be sure my items will fit in the car!
• Comfy clothes. So, to be honest, I don’t follow this rule all the time and have gotten a tiny bit dressed up for an estate sale run, just because it’s fun. But in general, you’re probably going to be in an environment where there’s dust, lots of people, and if it’s an older home, perhaps no air conditioning. You want to be able to move freely and comfortably! 

Shopping strategy is dependent on whether you know what you want or if you’re simply perusing. Here are some beginner-friendly estate sale tips that work for both. 

If you know what you want, act fast

If you have your eye on something specific, I recommend you shop early on the first day of the sale. That way, you will know for sure it’s available. Once you’re inside, find the item first so it doesn’t get scooped up by someone else. If you’re not sure where it is, ask someone who is running the sale. They’re there to help and can point you in the right direction. 

Wait for deals until the last day

With each day that passes, many sales will discount all items in an effort to get them sold. You will get the best deals on the last day of the sale! 

Hold onto items you like

If you’re simply browsing an estate sale, take your time and do a full walk-through of the entire house. If there are smaller items you like, hold on to them while you continue to browse. You can always put the items back, but hanging on to them ensures they’re yours.  

Secure large items quickly

When it comes to furniture, most sales will have “sold” signs that can be placed on them when purchased. If you know you’d like to buy a piece of furniture, alert a sales associate. They can help, place a sold sign on your item, and you can then continue browsing at your leisure. 

Use the hold table

Many sales have a hold table that is usually by the front door where you check out. You can place items here so you’re not carrying them around while you shop. 

Are there rules or etiquette I should be aware of?

No need to be afraid here, estate sale etiquette is mostly common sense. Since you’ll be shopping in someone’s home, respecting the space is obviously important. Being kind and courteous to others is expected as well—don’t cut in line, don’t take other people’s items, avoid small spaces if there’s a crowd, etc. Long story short, just be kind to the space and to others.

What should I shop for?

What’s amazing about these sales are they’re each entirely unique and each shopper is unique as well. I personally love one-of-a-kind home decor items (I snagged two ceramic swans from the first sale mentioned!), frames, and art. I also bought a blue gingham wing-back chair that is straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie that I love and I’m on the hunt for an espresso machine. 

I’ve seen shoppers leave with boxes of deeply discounted household items like detergent and all-purpose cleaners, vintage clothing, designer bags, costume jewelry, and bedding sets. One woman I met in line at the last sale I attended said she created an entire home gym from items she found at estate sales. The world is truly your oyster! The most important thing is to buy what you love.  That’s the fun part about browsing estate sales, you never know what sort of treasures you’ll find.