The 10 Things People Buy the Most at Garage Sales

Clothes rack, old-fashioned suitcases, garden tools and interior goods selling at garage market in backyard
shironosov/istockphoto

Backyard Bestsellers

Whether you're in the spring cleaning spirit or just trying to save money, garage sales are on the mind. You know what that means — it's time to start fighting crowds for cheap crap. Just kidding; you can actually find some fantastic deals at garage sales. Whether you're wondering what types of items you should hone in on at a sale before someone else snaps it up, or you're putting together your own yard sale, here's what's hot on the tag sale scene.

Editor's note: We regularly update our stories to make sure they're current. This story was updated in March 2024.

Tools hanging at a carpentry workshop - DIY concepts
Hispanolistic/istockphoto

Tools

From hammers to saws, tools sell well at garage sales. Power tools like drills and sanders are also popular, especially during yard work season when people are looking for these types of items. If you're selling, be sure to have a power strip available for customers to test electric tools out.

Vintage china tea cups on a dusty pink background
pamela_d_mcadams/istockphoto

Vintage Dishes

Those old dishes that are just taking up space? The plates you inherited that you hate? They may be a treasure for someone else’s collection.

Library, research and row of books on bookshelf for reading, knowledge and educational learning. University bookstore, information and zoom of shelves with textbook, academic journal or literature
Kobus Louw/istockphoto

Books

A perfect chance to grab some reads for fall and winter. Cheap books (think under $1) are popular finds, especially when they are bestsellers or classics.

Old and broken jewelry  and on Euro banknotes on dark background. Sell gold for money  concept.
vasantytf/istockphoto

Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry is a fun buy for many people. As with dishware, what’s not your cup of tea may be a major score for someone else.

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blue modern men´s mid drive motor city touring or trekking e bike pedelec with electric engine middle mount. battery powered ebike isolated on white background. Innovation transportation concept.
Grafner/istockphoto

Bikes and Scooters

Old bikes and scooters in good working condition are great garage sale grabs. Kids’ bikes are usually a hot ticket as well.

Vintage stool isolated on white background. Antique three legs chair. Single object with clipping path
firina/istockphoto

Furniture

Old dining room sets, wooden chairs, patio furniture  — all of these items are big sellers.

Series of isolated suitcases, suited for different holidays: Skiing
Maartje van Caspel/istockphoto

Sports Gear

Skis, golf clubs, and other sports gear do well at garage sales. Most people who are causal participants in these types of sports recognize that its worth getting something cheap if only using on occasion.

Colorful purses in the market.
baona/istockphoto

Handbags

Purses from mid-range designer brands that are in good condition can be popular at garage sales. Vintage finds are also worth selling or buying.

Mixed stuff at the flea market near Viennas famous Naschmarkt, Austria
Leonsbox/istockphoto

Collectibles

Some people adore figurines, so what looks like junk to you may be exactly what someone else needs to add to their collection.

This article was originally published on Cheapism

Clothes rack, old-fashioned suitcases, garden tools and interior goods selling at garage market in backyard
shironosov/istockphoto

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