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Yards Sales In Winter??? You Bet!!! They Can Be More Lucrative Than The Warmer Months.

Well, the leaves have changed colors and in many areas, the first snowfalls have happened. Yard sale season is over for another year. But has it really? Just because it is the Frigid Season, doesn’t mean you suddenly stop needing to get rid of your stuff or want to make a little extra money. The winter months can be excellent for selling off old stuff and getting a pretty sizeable crowd to attend. So, here are some ideas and reasons to convince you that Yard Sale Season is never really over!

In June and July in any given town or community, there are hundreds of Yard Sales listed in the paper. But during the Fall and Winter a couple of dozen would be considered a large number. Therefore, you have less competition for shoppers in the chilly season. And. those that are regular Yard Sales attendees will be grateful that their entertainment did not shut down ‘til next year!

Dealers and Resellers consider the winter months as their off season and will spend time selling on line and not shopping as much as they do in the summer. If you have a Winter Sale, they will all attend as they make their living buying and selling. Because they have many choices in the summer, they may miss yours. In the winter, there are less choices and they will definitely show up and be willing to spend more.

The number one reason for a Yard Sale is to make money on stuff you would otherwise throw away. Extra money can be earned for the holidays by having a Fall Yard Sale. A few hundred dollars would definitely put a dent in the holiday bills. There also are many holiday shoppers who would attend. People like sales whether it is at the store or at a Yard Sale. People look for deals for gifts and crafts and decorations.This is also an excellent time to try to sell some of your old Christmas decorations. No one is in the mood for Christmas in July, so a Fall sale is perfect timing. You can charge a bit more since they are high demand items.

Another reason to have a Winter Sale is that you will need more room for the new gifts from the holiday celebrations. Sweaters, dresses, shoes, old electronics all need to go to the Yard Sale table because they will all be replaced with the new gifts coming in!

Life doesn’t stop because it is winter. Sometimes an event comes along that forces you to get rid of your unused possessions. Death, divorce, child leaves home or downsizing all happen every month of the year. Just because it is winter, you will still need to clean out a house for resale, move your life on down the road and make that extra room into the dreamed about man cave.

So, now you have the reason for a Winter Yard Sale, here are some hints and ideas to make it a success and not only get rid of unwanted stuff, but also make some decent money.

First thing is to make sure you have enough stuff for a Yard Sale. People have bundled up and trudged through snow, ice and sleet to come to the sale. Make sure you have checked from the attic to the basement and garage to have more than just a single table with 12 items. If you are lacking in items, ask your friends to join the fun and make some money! The more stuff you have, the better the chance of selling lots of things. The more choices the shopper has the more they will buy.

Then, check out the weather forecast. In most parts of the country, even a terrible winter will offer a respite with a few sunny days and moderate temperatures. Getting items to and from the car will be a lot easier if there’s no snow or rain. Be sure that you pick the right weekend.Plan ahead just in case, and be ready for surprises by keeping tarps on hand and having indoor spaces for your items.

Next, make sure that you advertise. Buy an ad in your local shopper newspaper. Place an ad on your local Facebook Swip Swap. Post on all of your social media and ask people to share the information. Craigslist is a must. Detailed descriptions like brands, dimensions and conditions are great because people search Craigslist for specific items like a “sewing machine” instead of “household stuff.” Include prices and pictures of as many items as allowed. If you have any vintage or rare items, give those extra space in your ad. Post your Craigslist sale on Friday and again Saturday morning so it’s near the top. Keep your ad as short and concise as possible. If it is before Christmas and you have holiday items, make sure you add that in your items list. List interesting items with descriptions that will catch the eye of shoppers and dealers.

Just like in the summer months, keep your prices within reason. Try to remember that these shoppers have come to your sale in the cold and possibly inclimate weather. They are looking for deals and not 5 % off the original price of the item. If you have a tough time putting a price on an item, perhaps it isn’t time to get rid of it. Just set realistic prices.

You can set your sale up in the yard if the weather will cooperate. If your driveway is clear and dry, set tables on either side and a couple of ladders with a pole between to hang clothes in the center. Large items like hutches or recliners should be placed at the end of the drive so that it is easy to load in someone’s truck. If you have a garage, set up inside the night before and throw open the doors on Yard Sale day.

Sometimes, conditions will allow you to set up a Winter Sale inside the home. Not only will you and your shoppers be more comfortable, but you’ll be able to charge a bit more for your items, since the perceived value of something is higher if it’s indoors. If your home is laid out with a couple of rooms in the front of the house that you can close off to the rest of the home, this could work while you live in the house. Clear out some space. Remove furniture, TVs and anything else not included in the sale. You don’t want anything that’s NOT for sale to be in the sale area. Buyers get confused about what is for sale and what isn’t. And, you don’t want to spend your time repeating “That’s not for sale.” Visually mark off the sale area. If the upstairs is off limits, then tie a rope across or leave a chair at the bottom of the stairs with a “closed” sign taped to it. A closed door will not stop everyone from opening it. Tape signs to closed doors so there is no doubt that the sale does not include that room. Ideally, setting a Yard Sale inside the house works when you are completely moving out. Each room can be set up with room specific items: bedrooms filled with items like comforters, bed side tables and clothing; kitchens filled with kitchen items and baby’s room with baby stuff. Set floor liners along a path so that you can save any carpets from snow and slush.

Because it is a Winter Sale...Celebrate and have fun! Offer hot cocoa. Make your yard sale guests feel warm and welcome. Make sure the yard and walkways are clear of snow and leaves. You don’t want anyone to fall or slip and people do not want to have to crawl over snow piles. Portable heaters will definitely help the sale and keep you warm for this all day event. People will stay longer if they can feel a blast of heat and linger.

Winter Yard Sales can be a major event for the many who enjoy sales of all kinds. And having one in the winter makes it all the more special. Perhaps this is the type of sale that becomes an annual event for the entire family! But mostly just have fun! People shopping garage sales usually are at a leisurely pace. Talk with them and make them feel at home roaming through your yard, garage or house. Sales happen when you talk to people!

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StorageUnitAuctionList.com helps you find a complete listing of auctions state by state with only a few clicks .

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Your Golden Ticket To Flea Market Selling Success Is Finally Here!

Flea Markets are not just Flea Markets anymore. They specialize. There are still many traditional Markets but there has been new trends that have invaded the format. Vintage shows, art markets, food markets and swap meets all offer different products and the management is strict with vendors abiding by the rules. No tube socks will be found at a Vintage show! But, if you are selling your products at a regular old fashioned Flea Market, here are a few suggestions for items to sell and are easy to liquidate!

Books, magazines and comics. Even though books have gone digital, there is still nothing like a real page turner. Books, magazines and comics are major sellers on every platform and they can be sold for a pretty penny! Rare books or antique books are snapped up quickly, so you may have to do some research as to the value of your book before you set a price. Carrying books in excellent condition can get you a reputations that people will travel far to purchase your merchandise.

Vintage Housewares. Items from the 1950s are the rage right now and collectors are very savvy on their value. Know your prices! These items can be a little difficult to replenish because they are so popular right now. You may need pickers to help out. But Vintage housewares from the 70’s and 80’s are also catching some good prices and these are a bit easier to find for resale. If you find them in a full set, sell them as a full set. You can get top dollar for sets of anything.

Clothing, accessories, costume jewelry. You don’t have to have a ton of clothing to sell to make decent money. If you display your clothing as a coordinated outfit from head to toe, you can become known as a local designer. Vintage clothing is very popular with all age groups. Scarves, hats and bauble jewelry are sold for solid prices. Purses and handbags are always popular especially if they have a designer label.

Cookies Cakes and other Baked Goods. Before you spend a week in the kitchen, check to see if you can sell food at the Flea Market and if you can, what kind of license, certificate or other requirements that you need. Sometimes, food at a Flea Market is a contract situation and they don’t want anyone else getting in on the food. If you can sell, consider homemade bread or banana loaf. Cookies and candies are always special and of course, you can become famous for fabulous cakes!

Painted and Repurposed Furniture are very popular items to sell. Because of the work, creativity and time, make sure you price your pieces properly. Once people see your furniture, they will come back to the Flea Market just to buy your art! Start out with small items like kid’s highchairs or end tables. They can fit in your vehicle and you can sell them for a lot less than a huge hutch.

Hand sewn clothing. Reworked shirts, blue jeans made into purses, handmade tutus and fluffy bathrobes are all items to consider. If you are a seamstress, the sky is the limit for what you can make. Hand paint a man’s shirt and sell it as an over jacket. Tie-dyed scarves and painted sneakers are popular. Fabric flowers may catch the eye of a bride to be. Just be particularly aware that Flea Markets are dusty, so you may want to keep clear plastic sheeting on top of your cloth displays.

Prints,Paintings and Greeting Cards. People get tired of nothing on their walls and look around at Flea Markets for something beautiful and unique. You don’t have to be a famous artist for someone to really like your work. Make prints of some of your pieces, add a mat around the picture to frame and wrap it up in clear cellophane. Prints are normally much cheaper than an original painting and can sell out quickly Add a greeting card of the same piece of art and they can buy it to frame also!

Toys. Whether old, new, slightly use, toys are an automatic crowd pleaser. If you set up the booth with toys at kid level, you will attract the children who have been dragged by their parents and are looking for things just for them. Train sets, dolls, teddy bears and toy trucks and cars sell well. If you are thinking about vintage toys, keep the collector in mind when setting a price.

When you have everything ready to go with plenty of product and knowledge of what is ahead, then you start marketing. Flea Markets usually do a great job of getting the word out there about where they are and the hours to shop. But your little booth is just one of hundreds of cute little booths. Tell all of your Facebook friends that you are open for business. Tell family and friends and co-workers. Post pictures of your items on all of your social media accounts and add shots during the day of how busy the place is and add short little stories about what is happening. This is YOUR business and you want the world to know how great it is! With just a little marketing effort, you can get people in the door, sell your interesting inventory, and have a very successful Flea Market booth!

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Selling stuff on Craigslist is fun and is a great way to make extra money. But, it can be scary out there and when you are dealing with strangers, it is best to be overly cautious when it comes time to exchange the money. Keep your eyes open, be aware of your surroundings, have friends nearby and all should go well!

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Not Ready To Let Go Of A Few Things During Spring Cleaning?

I never thought of this before, but it makes perfectly good sense to me! Use a self storage unit for spring cleaning! Every few years, a house needs to be thoroughly cleaned, painted and waxed from top to bottom. Pushing the furniture around a room while laying new tile or leaning a bed against a wall while floors are being sanded can cause all sorts of anxiety. So, why not just get it all out of the way and let the real cleaning be done?

We are all used to using a storage unit for storing off season clothes or holiday decorations or for putting the “extras” from the house in a place out of the way. But, when the time comes to paint a room, piling everything in the center and covering it with a tarp may not be convenient. Instead, moving it to a storage unit, you will know that your belongings are out of the way of paint droppings and are safe and secure. So, the following is a quick list what to look for in a storage unit facility that you can rent a safe place for a short period of time.

Distance away from house. Because you are not moving an entire home into a unit, you want to do it as quickly as possible. So, it makes sense that you chose a facility closest to home. Then, if need be, you can have quick access to your belongings when dropping them off or picking them up.

Size. Before you begin the spring cleaning where you are going to get down to brass tacks and paint rooms and redo floors, you have to decide on how much stuff you will need to remove and that will determine the size of the storage unit you will need. If you are moving just clothing, then you will need a closet sized unit. But if you are moving the buffet, couch and two beds, you will need a 10 X 10 or a 10 X 20. If you are going to do a basement that is filled to the brim, you may have to consult the facility manager as to their recommendation.

Security. The stuff you are storing is your stuff and it is near and dear to you so you want to make sure that it is safe. Look for a facility that has an electronic gate, lights, security and cameras.

Depending on what you are storing and what time of year it is, you should consider climate controlled units. Wooden furniture, electronics, records both paper and vinyl, all are affected by heat or cold. Even though you will be renting a unit long enough to redo your home, things can mold and rot very quickly.

Short term lease You are renting this unit for the sole purpose of spring cleaning house re-do. You don’t need to be tied into a 12 month lease. Many facilities today offer month to month short term leases. Some even offer weekly leases. Sign whatever length makes the most sense for your situation.

Now that you have a unit, there are some tips on using the unit for your spring cleaning. First, place everything that you are storing along the walls of the unit. By doing this, you can see everything that you have in the unit. You won’t need to dig around looking for things especially if you are cleaning one room at a time. Also, since it is spring cleaning, it is a good time to decide which things are more than likely not going to come back to the house. Go through the clothes that are out of style or no longer fit, items that are broken and will never get fixed and things that you no longer use and ask for a donation truck to come to the unit and pick it all up.

You can also sort things at the storage unit that you may not have had room for back at the house. Make a box for all the items that should be found in the office. Another box for all the decorating things for the living room and another for the bedroom. Divide items up by room as it is normal over a course of time that things get misplaced or dropped in rooms that they were not intended for. When you are ready to move everything back into the house, things will be sorted and ready to be displayed. Also, this is a good time to figure out if you need more bookshelves. Bookshelves are perfect for organizing just about everything. Bookshelves can save the day for storing dishes, baskets, art supplies, food and collectibles. Bookshelves are definitely not just for books.

Now that you have everything out of the way and safely secured in a storage unit, you can redo the entire house...one room at a time!

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The self storage industry has been the fastest growing industry in the United States for over thirty years. There seems to be a storage facility on every corner and for good reason! We own a lot of stuff! And we have a really hard time throwing the stuff out. There are about 48,500 self-storage facilities in the United States and over 2 billion square feet of rental space which is 20 square feet of space for every household in the country. About 10 percent of U.S. households rent a storage unit.

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Storage Units! Not Just For Storage. Creative Rules And Uses for Storage Units

Or is it? In actuality, a storage unit is simply an empty space...and you can fill it with anything that you want! OK … maybe not anything … but within reason. If your closets are bulging with too many out of season clothes… storage unit. If the garage is filled with too many “toys” … storage unit. If the business papers are covering the dining room table … storage unit. Yes, a storage unit is a necessary space in today’s crowded lives. It gives you the opportunity to get things out of the way and yet you have immediate access to them. It allows you to pack things up and take some time to “think about it” before you decide to donate. It makes space for other things when the winter toys are taking up room in the summer garage. A storage unit is a pretty convenient thing to have.

As stated earlier, there are some things that you can not put into a storage unit. Things that are flammable such as explosives and fireworks are not allowed. Guns and other weapons are not normally allowed, although some storage companies will allow you to store them if you take out additional insurance. Obviously, live animals and plants can’t be kept in a dark windowless storage unit. Fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, cheese and other perishable items cannot be stored in a unit. There are proper places for storing particular things. You can’t store stolen goods. A storage company will not be involved. This goes with illegal items also. And finally, you cannot live in your storage unit.

But there are so many other alternative uses for these spaces. Here is a small compilation of cool ideas for a storage unit space.

A quiet space that is away from the hustle and bustle of an active household, a storage unit can easily be converted into a writers getaway. The space easily allows for a desk a chair and couch and a computer. You will need to have power in the unit, but if there is a light bulb, then there is power. Or, you could add lots of books and cozy lighting and create a library. Shelving, lamps, an overstuffed chair and a large floor rug and the space can be designed to be a different world. Or use it as a hobby space, or a man or woman cave. Put all of your craft goodies on shelves with a giant table and chairs and craft away. Add a giant TV with sports posters and a popcorn machine with overstuffed chairs and invite people to watch the game.There’s no mess at home and it doesn’t matter at the storage unit! Add a ping pong or pool table for a game room to hang out. A storage unit allows you to move the clutter off the dining room table, make an extra bedroom into a real guest room and allow the garage to house the cars.

On the same subject of a library or writers den, a storage space can become an art studio. An easel, table, paints and tools and you have a working studio that can get as messy as you need and all you have to do is pull down the door and be done for the day. Many artists enjoy working in spaces that get messy and can also get stinky with spray paints and turpentine. This doesn’t make for convenience to have a studio in the home. So, a storage unit is a very good alternative. Since most storage units are built on a cement slab, you should be able to clean up messes quite easily. But, it is wise to put down painters tarps if you are exceptionally messy with paints. Another nice part of having a studio in a storage unit is that it is private. Then, there is also the option of turning the unit into an art gallery. Some cities and storage facilities work together to create an artist district with the facility being the focal point. Equipping the units with walls that art can be easily hung on and with lighting that showcases works of art, you have the perfect gallery space.

Another logical use for a storage unit space is to make it into an office. If you work from home and find it difficult to stay on track with all of the interruptions, a storage unit is a perfect solution. You can find out before you rent a space whether there is the ability to have a phone line, wi-fi and electric in a space. If it is possible, then all you need is a desk, chair and your computer and you are ready to work. You can even store your merchandise and set up a shipping station in the unit. Some small companies have moved their entire operations to storage units. Self storage space is an affordable alternative to a typical small office.

A gym or workout space is perfect use of a storage unit. Put up a punching bag, a jump rope, free weights, maybe even a treadmill and you are ready to exercise.You can stop paying fees at a public gym and have your own private one. Putting a home gym in your garage is a good option but having a space away from interruptions and the phone, gives you the ability to have one goal in mind. This suggestion for storage unit use is probably the easiest to set up because there is little chance of damage or disturbance. Many people store gym equipment in a storage unit already and this is giving the equipment the opportunity to be used! And while we are speaking of a workout, another exercise and business opportunity is setting up a martial arts gym! A storage unit is a perfect place to do martial arts practice because of the amount of space available. The space can feature a studio area, weights, cardio-vascular equipment and even a fighting cage.

Then, there is the rehearsal hall option. Whether you are a musician or an actor, it is difficult to find open space in which to rehearse without disturbing others. With a storage unit, you can tape the floor to indicate the stage area, load up stage sets while they are being built and use equipment and leave it in place after a rehearsal schedule. And the best part of this location is that you won’t disturb anyone at all!

A storage unit has a vast number of uses and the rent rate is low enough that it makes having one a benefit for everyone in the family. There are certain etiquettes that you need to consider when renting a unit for more than just a place to store stuff. You should always be polite and aware of others and your surroundings. Do not blast music if there is a neighborhood nearby and if someone is emptying out their unit nearby while you are trying to make important phone calls, remember that you are in a storage unit! All in all, having a unit as an extra room can be both fun and very creative!

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Suddenly, you realize you need a storage unit to get the Christmas decorations out of the way while you redo the basement. So, you go over to the nearest storage facility and you rent out the only unit they have available. They say it can fit an entire home if packed correctly.

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Thrift Store Must Haves

Sometimes, when I walk into a thrift store, I just don’t know where to start. Dishes, clothing, crafts, books… there is always so much stuff to look over! But, it is usually the more “valuable” things I am looking for. I love antiques and I have a house full. But, I also love art and I have a house full of that, too. And I love little, weird, quirky things that make you laugh right out loud! And yes, I have a house full of those, too! I have a house full of just about everything! But when I am out in my element and knee deep in thrift store nirvana, there are a few things that I keep an eye out for that are extra special. I have a list of items that I keep with me for such days and refer to it often. On this list are things that have an extra bit of worth because of their resale value. I sell things on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and on Ebay. So, if one of these things are found, they get cleaned up, photographed and listed!!

Now, I have to admit, I have a thing for plates. I think it started when my grandmother gave me her old china… all 10,000 pieces of it. She claimed she got it all just for going to the movies. Every show she went to, they would give her a dish. Before she knew it, she had 10,000 pieces. I use the set mostly for decoration and occasionally, I will break it out for a holiday meal. But, when I found the design offered for sale on Ebay, I couldn’t believe how much they were asking for it! I told my children that this set of dishes would be their inheritance! Since then, I keep an eye open for those dishes along with others from the same era and earlier. I look for the huge serving platters and the teapots. If there is a large matching set and the price is good, then I will scoop it up. When selling these items online, I am always surprised by the offers to buy them because the people often have the same set and are looking for the exact missing piece that I offer! I also like dishes that have rare designs or even comedic ones. Quirky works for reselling at a decent price. When I have a dinner party, the dishware rarely matches because I am always eager to show off the unusual plates and bowls. So I mix and match and create a stunning table!

Depression glassware is something I have been collecting for a very long time. I have butter dishes in pink and plates in green plus an entire dinner set in amber. It became very valuable in the 70s and it is harder and harder to find. But, I look for any glassware that is dated from the 1920’s and 30s. Another favorite is orange juice glasses. The designs from the fifties are colorful and fun. White milk glass and carnival glass are other favorites to keep an eye out for!

One day, a man knocked on our front door holding a very long metal stick and asked if he could “poke” around in our backyard. I said yes and asked what he was looking for. “Bottles” he happily  exclaimed. It seems our old house was a pharmacy long ago and it was the tradition to dig a hole behind the business and throw your trash in it. Obviously, a pharmacy would have plenty of glass bottles! After a few hours, the man brought out quite a pile of ancient old glassware and bottles and he split the stash with us. I had never investigated bottles before and was quite astonished at their history and value. Ever since that day, I have been a collector of old bottles. Canning jars, powder and makeup jars, and teeny tiny bottles are fun to find and they make a beautiful glass display standing on a window sill.

Coffee Mugs are fun to look for and there are many to choose from in a typical thrift store! You have to pick a coffee mug theme and stick with it or else you will have cupboards overflowing. Old teacups that are no longer with their entire sets are favorites. They have a fragile feel normally adorned with flowers and some gold. Mugs with beloved cartoons or their characters are also one that may not hold huge value, but they are entertaining. Coffee cups that come from the 50s and 60s each have their own styles with those made from glasbake and white milk glass fetching some decent cash.

Cookie Jars are another thing that if you find them, grab them! Many people have made collecting cookie jars an obsession and they can be hard to find. They come in all sorts of different sizes, shapes, colors and characters. If you are lucky enough to find one from the 1940s or 50s, you could be looking at over $100 value! They also make kitchen decor whimsical and fun!

Silverware is in abundance in thrift stores. As an artist, I load up on cool looking pieces as I make plant hangers and wind chimes out of them But, if you come across a piece that is pure silver and not plated, you have found yourself a valuable piece. Real silver can be identified in a pile by its tarnish and the fact that it scratches or dents easily. You can find kitchen platters or serving pieces, cups and even costume jewelry are all full of real silver. You may have to do a little digging, but it is worth it.

Thrift stores have a zillion books and they are sold at fantastic prices. Although I buy books to read, there are lots of books that are good for collectors to be found. Look in the first couple of pages of the book to see if it a first edition and what year it was published and printed. The cover of a book can also give the age of it away. If there is artwork, such as the ones on the Nancy Drew series, it can indicate the decade it was printed. You can also find a massive amount of encyclopedias on the book shelves. If you find a full set, they can go for quite a bit.

Board Games are fun to collect. Original Monopoly games, Barbie games, Operation and Clue can be sold for five time what they were bought for way back when! Some board games in excellent condition have been sold for over $1000. The older the better is the motto for value.  

Now, these may not be the most collectible things ever, but thrift stores are usually overloaded with holiday decorations. You can find some really fun and interesting decorations to add to your own collections. Some will be old and remind of the ones your grandparents had. I have found decorations that had their original price tags still on them, yet the thrift store price was 90% lower! Many are in great shape and can be used to regift people or use them in Christmas packaging.

I have to admit that I don’t know much about the value of Electronics, but I do know that many people collect them. Old video games, play stations and stereo receivers  are items that have high price tags on Ebay. Vacuum tubes from old TV sets and television sets themselves can be found occasionally at a thrift store. Buy them!!! Then, resell them!!! Sound equipment, speakers, microphones and amps can be cleaned up and resold also. Other things to look for in the electronics aisle are old cameras and equipment, vintage calculators, telephones and tech-related toys. They could be worth a bundle.

If you are selling anything you find at a thrift store, always do a search of the item online so that you know what price to set. Thrifting is not only fun, but you can make quite a load of money!

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Storage units are typically not lighted inside. Even with hall lights nearby for interior units, you cannot see what all is inside that dark storage unit, especially if it is a rather large one. The only way to have any idea what is in there is to have a flashlight handy, and a good bright one at that. You don’t want to bid unless you see and feel that there is value all the way to the back of the unit.

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Make Money with Storage Unit Auctions

I went to an auction this weekend. It was very crowded at 11 a.m. and it was hard to see what item was on the block. I kept wiggling my way to the front of the crowd and with my number in hand, tried to get the attention of the auctioneer. But, to no avail. I finally gave up and hung at the back of the chaos and looked at all the items coming up for bidding. As the hours moved on and all of the big stuff was sold and the people departed because they were no longer interested in the small stuff. That is when I started to put my number card into action. There were some small tabletop ornaments that I liked and some glassware that had caught my eye. 

As the crowd had dwindled down to just a group, I felt I had a better chance of winning the items I wanted. As the bidding began on the items I wanted, I was ready and poised. The auctioneer began at $10 then to $5 next to $3 and...really? No one wanted these really cool table toppers? When the auctioneer slid his voice to $1, I popped my arm up so fast with my number in my hand, you would have thought I was in second grade and knew the answer! Exhilaration was upon me and I Won! Oh Glory Days!!! The auctioneer moved quickly to the next item and then the next and again he started the bidding on the glassware at $10, then $5 and $3 and...could this be happening again? No one wanted the beautiful glassware? At the $1 mark, my arm flew up and I heard “Sold for “$1!” What a rush! At the end of the day when there were only five of us bidders left, I had spent my entire $20 on $1 bids and I happily went home with a car full of cool treasures.

A regular auction like I attended is so very fun and exciting as you watch each item come up and you witness a bidding war and people believe they have found the key to riches! Storage Unit Auctions can be the same way. But, instead of a few pieces of glassware or some cool table toppers, you win an entire storage unit FULL of cool stuff! Yes, some of it will be garbage and some will not be worth your time of day. But, there will almost always be a few things in there that you can sell! Just like the regular auction I attended which was full of antique dealers and vintage store owners, you can create a business doing nothing but selling the stuff you won at auctions both regular ones and storage unit ones. Many people have made this into their full time employment. With storage unit auctions, you may win a unit with items that are quite valuable such as guitars, antiques, jewelry, furniture, electronics, or other items that can be sold for a profit. The gamble is that you never know what exactly will be contained in the unit or if you are paying too much for it.

A storage unit auction works the same way as a regular auction. You have to register your information and verify who you are and sometimes you get a number card, too. But, a storage unit auction, doesn’t let you look at items individually. As a matter of fact, you get a ten second peek inside the unit before they slam down the door and start the bidding. In that ten seconds, you have to discern if there is anything inside that looks like it might have value. More times than not, you are literally bidding on boxes! But, what condition are those boxes in? Are they plastic? Are they large? Is the unit neat and well kept? Is there plastic on any furniture? Can you see electronics like TVs? There is a science to “checking out” a storage unit before bidding and there are many who know the tricks of the trade. Previous blog posts discuss this topic.

The big question is how do you make money? After a while, your winnings at auctions whether storage unit or regular, adds up to your whole garage is full! So, now you have to figure out how to get rid of it all (and buy new!). Most of the stuff you find in storage units is the kind of stuff that would be categorized as household items, clothes, books, furniture, TVs, computers, appliances, and other odds and ends. So, to turn this into a business, you have to be able to sell these items quickly. And the best places to sell fast are sites like eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Or, you can sell at garage sales and flea markets. If you get really serious about this, you would might even consider opening up some kind of retail location. The most important decision at this point is to sell where you can make the most money. Clothes, books, and regular household items can be sold easily at a garage sale or flea market. Other items like furniture and electronics can be gotten rid of quickly on Craigslist and you don’t have to ship anything. Or, you can sell on eBay and include shipping charges. Collectibles and other valuable items can do well on eBay.When dealing with antiques or other valuable items, you will do better if you can get it appraised, or at least looked at by an expert in your local area.

The table toppers and the cool glassware I bought at the auction this weekend will go up for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist first. I can easily take pictures from my phone and list there also. If they don’t sell within a week, I will try to sell them on Ebay. If they don’t sell there, I will put them into a box in my garage labeled Garage Sale.When I have enough boxes labeled Garage Sale, I will hold one! If those items don’t sell at a garage sale, they will go into a box labeled Flea Market. And if they don’t sell there, I will start my own little thrift shop! There are so many opportunities to sell and make money off auction finds and it is all very exciting! I have a selling agenda set and a plan of action in place!

Are you a small business owner trying to increase your inventory supply or merchandise selection on a budget? Maybe you are looking to make some extra cash on the side, reselling items online or offline? Regardless of where you sell your items, auctions are one way to get the inventory you require at a fraction of the cost. Most people are familiar with storage auction programming on television; but, the potential is not limited to that niche alone! From estate & government auctions to fundraiser auctions and much more, we at Storage Unit Auction List do all the work to make your venture as simple as possible. StorageUnitAuctionList.com helps you find a complete listing of auctions state by state with only a few clicks! We list storage auctions, auto auctions, estate sales, police auctions, foreclosure auctions, real estate auctions, government auctions, online auctions, and more. Never again will you worry about finding auctions in your desired area. You will have the time to run your resale business more efficiently and effectively!

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Looking For A Diamond In The Rough? Keep Your Eye For One Of These

Most storage unit auctions offer boxes. Tons of boxes. A seasoned bidder can see right through those boxes! Looking for misshaped boxes, markings on boxes and certain types of boxes, bidders can get a feel for what is inside. The types of boxes also show the value placed on the contents. If the boxes are a haphazard mix of types and sizes, little value was placed during packing. If the boxes are all similar types like wine boxes or paper boxes, more effort went into packing the items. If the boxes were purchased (file boxes, moving and storage boxes, or, best case, special boxes for glass or baseball cards) the items inside are probably more valuable.When a storage unit door is rolled up and you have 10 seconds to analyze the contents, you should not pass over units that look like a “whole lotta nothin’”.

The following is a list of items that if found, may be worth a “whole lotta cash”!

Dolls - Porcelain dolls are worth collecting and selling and they have a high value. But these dolls are not the only ones that are worth high dollars. Many dolls produced for children that were intended for play instead of collection can carry a high price. Barbie, of course is the first in line for a value status, especially the “original” dolls. Kewpie dolls are highly collectible as are Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. Some of the Disney dolls are worth a good sum as are original GI Joes. If you are lucky enough to come across a one of a kind art doll, do heavy research before you sell them to art galleries.

Fountain Pens - If you find a fountain pen in a box of bics, you are considered very lucky. Fountain pens can attract a high value even if they are fairly new. Vintage pens are worth a large price tag. These pens date back to the late 1800’s and were notorious for their leaky demeanor causing ink stained hands They lost their lustre in the 1940’s and became a tool more for artists than the regular letter writer. Finding one in the bottom of a box in a storage unit could net you several hundred dollars.

Glassware - Glassware is a mainstay find in a storage unit auction. It may look like the normal kind of glassware found in every kitchen, but you need to do a little research to know what you are looking at. Having a good Glass Information Book along on auction day can help decipher what goes in the trash and what goes into the collections pile. Depression glass, Amber glass, Milk glass, are all pieces that are still around that can fetch a fair amount of money. Green glass is one of the most popular colors to collect as is light pink and aquamarine. Both color or plain glassware are financial finds if you can identify them as vintage.

Silverware - Silverware, especially whole sets are very collectible. Because of their value when new, people are looking for pieces all the time. Salad servers and cake knives and serving spoons are often sought after as are matching steak knives. Look for the name of the silversmith on the back of the flatware to determine its value.

Dishware - Wedgwood, Noritake, Pfaltzgraff and Corelle are all predominant names in the world of collectible dishware. Whether it’s fine china or everyday dinnerware, dishes can not only be found in storage units at auctions, but you can successfully turn sell them for a good price. Again, an informational book about dishes will help in pricing and knowing about what you have found.

Cookie Jars - Cookie jars are hot items especially for collectors. If you come across a McCoy cookie jar, you are in luck! McCoy is one of the first companies to produce cookie jars. The name is located on the bottom of the jar and can sell for $100! Other brand to look for are Brush Pottery, American Bisque and Red Wing USA.

Cookware - An aluminum Dutch oven, a enamelware fondue pot, cast iron and copperware are all pieces of cookware that can be found and then sold for a nice price. Often piled in old boxes and dirty, cookware may not look like much, but once cleaned up, they become collectors items!

Beer Steins- German Beer steins have been the staple of a college guy’s decor for the last 100 years. And now they are major collectibles. They are huge mugs made of stoneware or pewter and they have designs and details and characters emblazoned on the exterior. Steins with lids and are handpainted can get up to $100 per stein. Check the bottom of the stein for a stamp from the production company. Mettlach was one of the most popular companies to produce ornate, carved and hand-painted steins through the 1800s and 1900s. .

Tablecloths and Linens - Tablecloths from the 1950s are very popular along with tea-towels and oven mitts. Look for lace tablecloths in good condition and even vintage curtains. Hand crocheted doilies and coverlets were popular during the 30’s and 40’s and can be of value.Just like cookware, linens tend to be stuffed into boxes and not wrapped properly. Again, a book explaining types of linens to save and discard are always worth carrying for more information.

Keeping an eye out for the right stuff during a storage unit auction can be a challenge. But, if you know what you are looking for and its value, you can make some good money on items that others may throw away.

StorageUnitAuctionList.com offers subscribers the largest database of storage auctions across the country, providing information on auctions in all fifty states and over 51,000 facilities.

Established as the leading provider of storage auctions online, with over 10,000 each month and information on over 250,000 auctions, StorageUnitAuctionList.com is on the way to providing the same results and information for you on all auctions across the country.

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Haggle, Haggle, Haggle! You're Guide to Saving Money!

Haggling is defined as as bargaining persistently to get a lower price. Shopping at a flea market requires haggling. But, there are ways to do it without being mean, rude or aggressive. There is a saying “when haggling goes well, everybody wins” that should be abided by. The best part of haggling at a flea market and sometimes at yard sales, thrift shops and antique stores, is that it is expected. When you don’t haggle, the vendor is usually surprised. But, there are some tricks to the art of haggling in order to get to the price that you want. Even though most people cringe at the thought of bargaining for a better price, there is an unwritten rule that prices really don’t exist at all at the flea market. So, you have to come up with some kind of price if you want something that a vendor has! Let’s go through some of the expectations on both sides of the haggling conversation at Storageunitauctionlist .

First, while you are looking at a vendors merchandise, they are sizing you up. They are figuring out how much they are going to charge for that item. They are making that decision based on what you are wearing and how you behave. So, dress down. I don’t mean to dress scary awful, but don’t wear your designer clothing dripping in jewels. You are going to have to play the game. Give the illusion that you don’t have a penny in your pocket. Then, smile! Smile and say hello. Niceness can win the day and get a better price. When you find an item that you like… a lot, don’t act like you have just won the lottery. Stay calm and cool. Pick up the item and look it over and then set it back down. This is always a great time to engage the vendor in a small talk conversation. Pick up the item again and this time, ask for the price. Set the piece down again. Smile and continue with small talk conversation. 

Yes, this can go on all afternoon. But, the trick at this point is knowing what price you are willing to pay. Think about the very top dollar that you would be willing pay and see where the vendor starts. I have often been surprised at the first price that comes out of the vendor and just went with it! Other times, you will have to bargain and bargain and bargain again until the vendor drops it into your price range. Bargaining can only go on so long before you appear to be someone who is only there to harass the vendor so make sure that your offers make sense. If you can not come to an agreement, thank the vendor sincerely and move on to the next booth. Don’t worry about a vendor telling you no on your offers. It is what it is and is part of the charm of flea markets.

There are some places that haggling is good and expected and there others that it is awkward and not part of the norm. Of course, flea markets is where haggling began. It is an expected part of its character. At yard sales, you have to use your gut feeling here. Some people feel openly offended if you offer to pay another price and other people put no prices on anything at their sale expecting all items to be negotiated. Depending on the time of day, you may want to ask the seller if they are willing to haggle just in case they don’t want to drag all their stuff back inside their home. Junk stores, vintage shops and antique malls are all different with their negotiating rules. If they have booths that are rented out to individuals, you can ask at the front desk if there are the possibilities of negotiation. Many booth owners arrange with management to give a discount if someone asks. Thrift Stores will vary from shop to shop. I have a thrift that I go to frequently and they know the minute I walk in the door, they are going to give me at least 10% off because of the amount of money I spend. And sometimes, they drop the prices even more if they have lots of merchandise in a certain category..

When haggling, make sure that you don’t offer too little. Offer less than you want to pay, but don’t offer so little that it can be taken as insulting. That will just close down negotiations. If there is a price on an item, start with a price that is a little more than half of the tagged price. You can then expect to get a price somewhere between the tagged price and the little more than half price. It helps if you know the value of the item. You can look up the item on your cell phone on ebay and get an idea of its current value.That way you have a way to negotiate and know when to stop haggling if the price can’t be matched. And finally, a very big rule in the world of haggling is don’t start the process of haggling if you are not serious about buying, The seller is good at this game and can identify someone who is just teasing and they will eventually just ignore you. One last pricing trick is the old “worry and walk away”. This is when the seller has given you their final offer. If this offer is too high for you, throw on the “worry” look and state that you are going to look around and think about it. So many times, the seller has come back with a price that is more in the range that will make you happy.

When you are shopping for treasures at a flea market, you are normally aware of the fact that things are imperfect. In the haggling process, point out the flaws of the item to see if you can get the price even lower. While pointing out the flaws, don’t criticize the item. That makes everyone wonder why you are even trying to buy it!

Real haggling success comes when everyone is nice. So, be nice. The seller is trying to make a living and you are trying to buy something cool. Haggling is not hateful. It is not an argument. Being rude to someone selling you something can actually raise the price and get you on the Wall of Shame. Flea Market vendors have been doing this a long time and they talk to each other. If you are mean, rude and nasty, they will tell all of the other vendors. With today’s cell phone cameras, it is very easy for them to take a picture of you and share it to all the other vendors before you have even walked away three feet. So, don’t get a bad reputation. Just be nice and polite. Say thank you and shake a hand because, you may return looking for other items and the vendor may remember you as being a great person and they could offer you the best deal ever!

If the vendor has a lot of something you want, make an offer to buy it all. Buying in bulk gives the vendor a big incentive to sell to you at a better price. And, when the offer is made and accepted, pay in cash. Many vendors now use Paypal, square and other online payment options, but cash is always king. Often a seller will give you a great deal if you pay in cash.

And finally, the best part of the day to get the best deal whether you are at the flea market, yard sales or thrift stores, is when everyone starts to close up. For a flea market vendor, they have to pack up their wares and they are tired and less likely to get into a haggling situation. They are eager to make whatever money they can and will often accept your offer, especially if it a logical offer. This can be said for yard sales. Thrift stores may be willing to negotiate if the next day a large merchandise delivery is arriving and they need the room. Better deals are great at the closing bell.

I frequent all types of flea markets, street shows, thrift stores and garage sales. In the early days, I was shy about negotiating and would just pay full price. But then, I went with a flea market pro who was buying for interior decorators. I watched her “work” the vendors and was amazed at her kindness, professionalism and her ability at buying wonderful things for pennys! The next time I went out, I used her tricks and came home with a carload and had money left over! But, I still say that the best part of haggling is that it is fun! It is a game that all the players should enjoy!

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A storage unit is a space for you to fill with things from your overflowing house. Or is it? In actuality, a storage unit is simply an empty space...and you can fill it with anything that you want! OK … maybe not anything … but within reason. If your closets are bulging with too many out of season clothes… storage unit.

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StorageUnitAuctionList has the most comprehensive list of storage auctions available anywhere. We offer a list for each state. Subscriptions to the list start at $5 a month, a small investment for the profit potential of going to the auctions.

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Bidding at Storage Unit Auctions

Bidding for a storage unit at an auction is exciting. It is heart pounding. And it can be full of the same angst and thrill as an action movie! But, before you bid, you need to know what to look for in the unit because not every storage unit is worth the trouble. If you own a shop that specializes in resale items, storage unit auctions is definitely the place you want to be. If you are a collector of priceless antiques, storage unit auctions is probably not going to provide you with much on the priceless side of things. But, there are always treasures to be found and strange items to discover.

Probably the first rule of thumb in the storage unit auction world is to not get caught up in the excitement. If you get overly enthusiastic during the bidding process, you may over bid. A trick to the overbidding problem is to set a limit for what you are willing to spend on each auction. You may have set your budget at $500. If they open the door to the storage unit and it is full of exquisite furniture and collectables, then that $500 has a pretty good chance of being spent in full at that one unit. Where as you could buy four units if they don’t go for very much. Either way, set the maximum amount that you want to spend and stick with it. When quickly estimating what a unit may be worth, a trick is to calculate at $10 per box of possible value. If you see about thirty boxes, that is $300 of value. So, you should only bid $150 on the unit since you want to double your money. Estimate from the point of what you may sell the items for and bid half of that value. This will more than likely keep you from losing money on your investment.

Using your nose is a requirement in this line of business. When the auctioneer throws open the door of a unit for you to get a quick peek, have your nose ready to smell anything that may waft out. The mothball smell is a good sign that things have been stored properly and may have some value. If it is a musty smell, you know things have been sitting in there for a while and there may be decay. If it has a bad smell, you can back up and walk away. Depending on what that bad smell is, the auction still has to happen and there have been many of these that the unit sold for just $1 so that the unit could be emptied. If it smells rotted and is strong, everything in the unit could have been permeated with the stench and will not be able to be recovered. If it is a dirty smell, you may be able to get it out with loads of washing and cleaning. And… if it is cat… nothing ever seems to get that smell out!!

Another thing to look for before you decide to bid on a unit is if there are organized boxes. If the unit seems extremely clean and the boxes, (especially if they are plastic), are stored on shelves or in neat stable piles, it is likely that they have things in them that have some value.A clean unit also means that the owner took care of their things and it could all be in good condition and be of value. If the area around the storage facilities is on the higher end of the economic scale, the things in storage could be of higher end too because people use storage facilities near their homes.

If you bid and win an auction, it needs to be paid for in cash. Auctioneers and storage facilities do not accept checks, debit or credit cards for units that have been won. And they will not hold your unit while you run to the ATM. You need to be prepared with cash in hand if you are planning on bidding. You will also need locks to put on a unit that you just bid on and won. The storage unit needs to be emptied out quickly and putting your lock on it will save it until later in the day when you can start loading the contents. Then, before you even begin the day and the bidding process, you will need to consider that if you win a unit, where does it go afterwards? You will need a truck or vehicle that can carry a large amount of stuff and a location where you can stuff it!! Furniture, appliances, pianos all need to go to a location, even if it your barn or garage, where it can be divided and inventoried and then decided where it will go.

For some reason, if a storage unit auction is held during the week, Monday is a terrible day to go because it is very crowded. So the bidding will go high because of the competition for the unit. Mondays are usually filled with the people who make a living buying units and then either distributing to or selling to thrift and bargain stores. If you wait until later in the week to attend, you will have less of a crowd and less competition and lower bidding prices.

Keep in mind that when you bid and if you win, you have to remove everything in the unit immediately unless you make arrangement with the facility. And these arrangements will more than likely cost some money. You will need to dress for dirty work and for standing long hours during the bidding process. And...make sure the vehicle you have can fit it all. If you have to leave things behind for a second load, you may have to pay.

Storage unit auctions are fun and exciting. And if you know what to expect and how to do it, they can be profitable. Many interesting businesses have been born from a storage unit auction. Thrift stores, Repurposed shops, Ebay stores and even costume shops have emerged from an afternoon spent bidding on a storage unit auction!