i heart garage sales!
truly!
sooooo many steals!
one persons trash can truly be anothers treasure.

No way!!

I want to be the first to work in/use things that I'm buying. I have heard of people finding great things at yard sales, but it's just not for me.

I didn't this summer AT ALL because my bf isn't into it!!!

how can you NOT?! I don't understand peeps who say "eeww that's USED!" Ya so, and when you go to a diner the plates and silverware isn't brand new...and when you try on a dress, chances are someone else has too! And sitting on a train and so forth...My point is just because things are not just from the factory doesn't mean they're not totally rad! I just have the biggest soft spot for vintage...

*sigh*

i'm with georgesbebe!
plus for everyone who's into being eco-friendly:
recycle and reuse everyone!!!

Tips on being a more responsible home decorator and consumer:

"Buy used (don't buy things new). As often as possible, pick it up second-hand. The amount of stuff that's manufactured is determined by how much [new stuff] people are buying; as we cut back, they produce less, and less resources (energy, materials, eco damage) are used. I pick up almost everything I can second-hand now (garage sales, thrift stores, free from friends, mom & pop computer stores, or good will stores) except high-tech gear and maybe an annual piece of clothing or new shoes.

Not everything has to match. It's very wasteful if you have to buy all new plates because one of them broke, or if all your cups have to match each other, or if you have to buy new drapes to match the new dog, and so on. By rethinking what we perceive as beautiful, we can save a lot of energy and resources. Think eclectic, colorful, and unique!"

I just found a Vintage, in amazing shape, Circa 1970's 30 inch disco ball. Its awesome. Paid 5 bucks for it.

Some of my best pieces come from yard sales. Plus you can get some great stuff at amazing prices! Can't go wrong there!

LOVE LOVE LOVE yard saling!!!! Everyone should at least try it once, you will be hooked! My kids even like to go....

I don't go as often as I'd like to cos I'm actually trying to get rid of some of my stuff, not add to it.

CaterpillarGirl - that sounds like an amazing find!

I don't always have the patience for garage sales. Sometimes people have some really great stuff, but you have to sift through a lot of crap, more often than not. That being said, if I find something good, I'll buy it, with the exception of mattresses, sofas, and upholstered chairs (I worry about bedbugs). I always feel good when I can find something used, cheap, and in good condition.

Yard/Garage Sales are an Adventure, your recycling and helping someone make a few extra bucks. I have found rare beatles records, vintage clothes, hart to find toys and so much more at garage sales.
It's also a great way to spend time with family and friends. My Step Dad and I used to go all the time, it was our thing to do together.

absolutely! i love used stuff - the older the better! i love the history items have, plus i don't need to worry about the brand of the product if it is used: like i would never buy sweatshop made stuff new but if it has already been purchased and used by someone once then i don't pay as much attention...apart from Gap stuff. It will fall apart in one washing, i'm sure of it.

Some of my ALL TIME FAVORITE home decor items have come from garage sales! My most recent find was a very delicate and graceful large glass art nouveau vase in a deep green, with subtle copper flecks in it!

not really... they always look soo damn junky. But I am sure there are some great finds

I'm not really into garage sales. Like Gruiag, I'm trying to get rid of some stuff.

There is some huge annual yard sale that goes from AL to KY & is held in August. My aunt recently informed me of it & she wants to go. I'm not sure who had the bright idea to hold it in one of the hottest months of the year.

i love them but now as i get older i get more picky with buying items- clothes, furniture, handbags, etc. even if it is dirt cheap and gently used.

I'm so-so on garage sales. On one hand, you could find amazing items at amazing prices. On the other, my decorating style is very contemporary, and I rarely see things like that at garage sales. Also, I have the ickies about buying used furniture because there could be bugs in it. Fumigating isn't an option, as I have cats that I don't want inhaling chemicals regardless of how "safe" they claim to be. Maybe if the item was professionally cleaned and reupholstered. It's nothing against pre-used items, just personal preference and anal retentiveness.