This Thrifty Girl

My ideal date? A long Saturday (or Sunday – I’m not picky!) early morning to mid afternoon road trip searching for treasure at yard sales and dickering over dollars to get a great deal. It’s a great way not only to learn more about a partner through what catches their eye, but can start some great conversations too.

I love going to garage sales – it’s been a weekly tradition with the women in my family since I was a kid that still persists to this day. While my taste in purchases has definitely evolved from that of my younger years, the thrill of finding something special has never faded. So much so that I don’t stop hunting when it has gotten cold out – rather, that’s when you’re sure to find the best of deals.

In my years of garage sale-ing through the chill of Northern Virginia’s autumn and winter, I’ve learned quite a bit on how to find these sales even in the cold season.

Follow along to learn how!

Use Online Platforms to Your Advantage

The internet has made finding garage and moving sales easier than ever. While lots of people still rely on the traditional method of driving around neighborhoods looking for signs somewhat successfully, these online platforms have become key tools for discovering sales in the on and off seasons both.

• Craigslist: This well-known site is a goldmine for local garage, estate, and moving sales. Check the “Garage & Moving Sales” section in your city, and be sure to set up email alerts for related keywords (pro tip: “Moving”, “Divorce”, and “Multi-family” are great to start with!) within your travel radius to keep yourself informed.
• Facebook Marketplace: Facebook has quickly become one of the most popular places for people to list items they are trying to sell. It’s not uncommon to see people using Marketplace to promote garage sales, and community groups or groups dedicated to buying, selling, or trading items are often a source of moving or garage sale information. Look for groups in your neighborhood or surrounding areas to join for get updates about sales.
• OfferUp: This app is a good second place to check for local items for sale during the off-season. Although it focuses more on individual items rather than in-person sales, and prices vary drastically from user to user, you can still spot listings for great deals and moving or garage sales in your area.
• Nextdoor: A neighborhood-specific social network, Nextdoor allows residents to post local events, including garage and moving sales. Because the site is hyper-local with the option to post to and search further areas, it’s a great resource for finding out about sales that might not be advertised elsewhere.
• EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org: Estate sales routinely happen during the off-season. EstateSales.net & .org are specialized platforms for finding these sales, which are typically more organized than traditional garage sales and often feature high-quality items at good prices.

Look for Indoor Sales and Events

Cold weather can make outdoor sales less appealing, but that doesn’t mean the garage sale season is over. Many communities host indoor sales or events during the winter months, which can be a great alternative for those seeking good deals. These sales are often held in community centers, libraries, churches, schools, and more.

• Indoor Flea Markets: Flea markets don’t stop when the temperatures drop. In fact, many flea markets operate year-round, and many even hold indoor events during the colder months. These can be an excellent way to find garage sale style deals without freezing near to death in the weather.
• Craft Fairs and Community Markets: Some people who would normally hold garage sales may choose to set up booths at indoor craft fairs or seasonal markets instead. Keep an eye out for local craft fairs or pop-up markets, especially during the winter months.
• Local HOA newsletters and online community forums may feature listings for neighborhood sales, which can include moving or garage sales in your area.

Watch for Local Listings in Community Centers and Libraries

While not as easily accessible as sales posted online, local community bulletin boards can be a treasure trove of information about upcoming garage sales, especially those organized by community groups or individuals trying to downsize during the off-season. These public posting bulletin boards can often be found in places like libraries, grocery stores, and community centers.

Timing is Key: When to Look for Sales

Even though garage sales are fewer in the off-season, they aren’t nonexistent. The best times to look for sales are typically:

• Post-Holiday Decluttering (December/January): After the holidays, people are often looking to clear their homes of clutter. You’ll find many people eager to part with items they no longer need, either to make room for new things or because they’re moving.
• Spring Cleaning (February/March/April): As people begin to prepare for spring, many will start decluttering and downsizing in anticipation of warmer weather. This can be the perfect time to find some great sales.

Prepare for the Off-Season: Set Alerts and Be Flexible

The key to finding off-season garage and moving sales is persistence and preparation.

• Set Alerts: On platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp, set up alerts for keywords like “moving sale,” “garage sale,” or “estate sale.” This way, you’ll be notified immediately when new listings are posted.
• Be Flexible: Off-season sales tend to be less predictable, so it’s important to stay flexible. You may need to adjust your schedule or take a drive to a neighboring town to find sales. If you’re willing to travel a bit further or take a chance on an unknown event, you may score some great deals.

Do you have any advice or input to share? Please feel free to leave a comment!

Good luck in your endeavors and happy hunting!