So you’re in the market for secondhand goods for your home. Maybe it’s because you love the unique vibe, or perhaps because you’re trying to save a buck or two. Whatever the reason, there are tons of great places to buy that conversation piece that you’re looking for. Here are ten of my favorite resources.
1. Yard sales – Keep an eye out for yard sale signs or visit Craigslist’s garage sale section in your area. Try towns with pricier real estate if you’re looking for higher end items.
2. Craigslist – You’ll have to patiently pick through listings, but you can find some gems on Craigslist. Just be sure to meet the person in a mutually agreed-upon public place.
3. Facebook yard sale pages – Join a few local yard sale pages on Facebook. Check them regularly to make sure you don’t miss that perfect find!
4. Antique stores – There is a misconception that all antique stores are super expensive and intimidating. Sure, some are – but most are not. Use Yelp to help you find the perfect spot… try stores with good reviews and only one or two dollar signs.
5. Etsy – Etsy.com has a ton of wonderful vintage finds. So many, in fact, that you’ll want to either browse a certain section or search for a specific item.
6. Book sales – Being a book lover, I’m a huge fan of book sales. You can usually find larger coffee table style books there too, which are perfect for adding interest to shelves and end tables. Search sales in your area here.
7. Brimfield – If you live in the northeastern US, you’ll want to put the Brimfield Antique Show on your bucket list. It is the largest outdoor antique show in the world, with over 6,000 dealers. So put on your walking shoes and be prepared for lots of crowds – and tons of amazing secondhand finds.
8. Ebay – If you’re in the market for something specific, Ebay is one of the best places to look. Just be sure to read the description carefully before you buy.
9. One Kings Lane – If you’re in the market for higher end antiques and vintage items, you’ll want to check out One Kings Lane’s vintage section. They’ve amassed quite a large inventory of unique items.
10. Swap with your friends – If you have similar taste as your friends, consider hosting a swap party. It’s a great way to have some fun and score some new goodies for your home!