9 Items That Are Always Worth Buying At A Garage Sale And 8 To Avoid

What if we told you you've been garage sale-ing wrong this whole time? Okay, maybe not wrong, but did you know there are certain things you should always look for at a garage sale, and certain things you should always avoid? Some of it is obvious: Of course you're going to reach for that beautiful cast iron skillet and skip out on the second-hand mattress. But there's much more to it than that.

Not only will you learn what items to buy and what to avoid at garage sales in this article, you'll also get some great tips for refurbishing/refinishing garage sale finds. After all, a hidden treasure is only a treasure if you can actually use it! Whether reselling or shopping for yourself, be sure to keep reading before you hit up your next garage sale.

Searching for a cast-iron skillet, glasses, or plates? A garage sale is a great place to find affordable, used kitchenware. A high-quality cast-iron pan will last forever, so it's absolutely worth buying second-hand. Definitely pass on the cheap, inexpensive cookware (especially nonstick pans — more on that later).

Now, if you find a cast-iron pan with rust, don't fret. You can remove rust from a cast iron with fine steel wool, soap, and water. Try these Steel Wool Scrubbers to transform your used cast-iron skillet. Then you'll want to season your pan. Add a thin layer of vegetable oil (or other cooking oil) and spread it across the entire pan, including the handle. Place the cast iron upside down in your oven and heat it at 350 F for 1 hour. You can also add a baking sheet lined with foil on the bottom rack to avoid any mess. After cleaning and seasoning your cast-iron skillet, it's good to go.

Whether you need sandpaper for your next project or your clamps are getting worn down, tools are a great find at a garage sale. Certain items, like sandpaper, screws, nails, and clamps, are often necessary for a variety of projects, but aren't the shiny new tools you'd like to spend your money on. Getting them at a discount second-hand is the way to go. Plane blades, drill bits, wrenches, hammers, or large shop equipment are also things to look for at garage sales.

It's a good idea to only choose high-quality tools that are in decent condition. If you find some great tools but they're a little dirty or rusted, you can often bring them back to life with a little effort. Most tools can be cleaned with white vinegar, and then brushed with a wire brush to get all the grime off. For a deeper clean, use a bench grinder with a wire brush. Depending on the tool, you may also want to add oil or lubricant to prevent rust.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of thrillers or you love a good romance, garage sales are a great place to find your next favorite book. You can often find a wide variety to choose from, and they're offered at a huge discount. Sometimes they are just a few dollars or less, which is nothing compared to buying them brand new at a bookstore. Getting books from a garage is also a great idea if you're looking to decorate your home using repurposed books.

There are a few things to note before you grab your next read from a garage sale. First, be aware of the condition of the books. It's better to pass on books with any visible mold or mildew. You'll also want to keep an eye out for first editions. You can use a tool like BookScouter to determine the value of a book if you want to make sure you're getting a good deal. You can also refresh an old hardback book by removing the jacket.

Have you ever bought a brand new set of dumbbells or a state-of-the-art stationary bike with good intentions, but eventually got rid of it because you never used it? We have, and it's actually super common. That's why you can often find lightly used gym equipment at garage sales for a fraction of the cost.

It's a good idea to only choose well-known brands, such as Life Fitness or Star Trac. You may also want to inquire about the warranty and examine the equipment. Test it if possible (sometimes this may not be an option for larger equipment), but make sure there are no missing or damaged parts. If you're buying weight plates, consider bringing a scale to ensure the weight is accurate, and barbells should be inspected for bending or wear. Some experts suggest avoiding buying treadmills second-hand, as they are typically bulky, hard to move, and the motors don't last forever. Overall, be wary of buying electric cardio machines.

Need a new nightstand? Check a garage sale. Want a bookshelf for all the books you've been buying? Garage sale. Looking for a chic table? You guessed it, garage sale. Garage sales are awesome places to find secondhand furniture. When looking for pieces of furniture, make sure the piece is sturdy and has good construction. Notched drawers are preferable to drawers secured with staples or nails. It's also advised to avoid upholstered furniture (nobody wants bed bugs).

If your secondhand furniture needs a little love, you can easily refinish it or give it a refresh. To refurbish wooden furniture, you'll likely need sanding equipment, filler products, primer, paint, stain, and varnish. Start by thoroughly cleaning the piece, strip and sand the wood, seal it, and then apply a paint or stain. You'll want to finish it with a varnish as well. Now, on the other hand, you can easily give your piece of furniture a refresh by adding new hardware. This Brushed Brass Cabinet Hardware Set offers a sleek, beautiful finish.

Finding an authentic piece of designer clothing or a handbag is a thrifter's dream come true. Be sure to check labels and tags and search for brands you recognize. It's also a good idea to get children's clothes from garage sales, as they grow out of them quickly. Get major savings by purchasing quality clothes from a garage sale rather than always buying new.

When looking for designer pieces, try to only purchase items with an authentication receipt. You should only purchase something designer from a garage sale if you can tell the difference between a fake and the real thing (if authenticity matters to you). Before you go strut your new (well, new to you) clothes, be sure to clean them by following tag guidelines. For example, only dry clean "dry clean only" pieces. For items able to go in the washer, use hot water and high heat when drying. If needed, you can also deodorize items using baking soda or vinegar.

Rather than spending an arm and a leg on brand-new sports equipment, consider finding it at a garage sale. This is an especially good idea if you're looking for sports gear for your kids. Just like with clothes, kids grow out of equipment fast, so it's smart to save on secondhand equipment. Golf clubs, rackets, bikes, and more are items you should look for at a garage sale.

One thing to note — don't buy any secondhand helmets (we'll tell you why later). Make sure the equipment is in good condition, and leave behind anything with major damage. Be sure to properly clean and disinfect all sports equipment that you buy at a garage sale. For pads and gear, you'll want to spray with a disinfectant and then launder. Don't forget to check the tag for specific instructions. For baseball bats, rackets, balls, etc., be sure to spray with a disinfectant before using.

Whether you're looking for a ceramic vase, mug, or even a ceramic lamp base, a garage sale is a great place to find it. Not only will these items be cheaper secondhand than new, but chances are you'll find some super unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, you'll be practicing sustainability with used ceramics instead of purchasing mass-made items. Keep an eye out for ceramic bowls and mugs, jugs, casserole dishes, and more.

Obviously, when purchasing ceramics at a garage sale, you'll want to make sure there are no cracks or chips. Ensure the piece is in good condition and not damaged. Wash the ceramics with soap and warm water, and dry with a cloth. Make thrifted vintage ceramics the centerpiece in your home by choosing vintage ceramic pieces, displaying them on open shelving, or highlighting a large ceramic piece on a console.

Your next statement art piece could be hiding at your local garage sale. Framed art is an absolute "yes" when considering what items to search for secondhand. Whether you're looking for something colorful and bold or rustic and neutral, you'll find unique, interesting pieces at a garage sale. You may want to thrift your wall art instead of buying from home decor stores for a vintage, sustainable vibe. If you don't find any artwork that speaks to you, look at the frames. You can always place your own art in a quality frame.

It's a good idea to look for pencil-signed works if you want something that could be rare or limited edition, and seek out quality wooden frames for the best deal. You should also always look for valuable, centuries-old wall art at thrift stores and estate sales. Whether you like the art or the frame, it's easy to switch out either to make a piece of art into something you love.

It may seem like a great idea to buy baby items secondhand, as your kiddos will grow out of these items so fast. But in general, it's not a good idea to get baby items like car seats, cribs, crib mattresses, baby bottles, and even some highchairs used. The main reason for this is due to safety concerns. Safety guidelines for these items constantly change, and it's necessary that all baby gear is up to safety standards.

Some baby items are okay to buy secondhand, like clothes, strollers (made after 2015), and toys (unless they are made with lead paint). Be sure to look for expiration dates on baby items, and check to make sure any items are not part of a product safety recall. Any items you buy should be undamaged and include all parts (cribs missing fasteners are a no-go).

If you find a PS5 at a garage sale for a steal of a deal, you may be tempted to grab it and go. But you should really test it first. Electronics are often found at garage sales — everything from old laptops to TVs, printers, or even smartphones — but if you can't plug them in to ensure they are functional, they are best left behind.

Used electronics may have defects you can't see or missing parts that make them useless. Often, no warranty is included in buying secondhand tech, so if you buy the PS5 and it doesn't work, you may be out of luck. Repairing electronics isn't cheap, and you don't want to get stuck paying more for a repair than you did for the item in the first place. With how quickly technology advances, secondhand items are often outdated as well. It's better to invest in new electronic items in the long run.

You may think you've hit the jackpot finding brand-name cosmetics at a garage sale, but it's actually better if you leave those behind. Many cosmetics have an expiration date and shouldn't be used if they're past their shelf life. Often, skin-care products are best used within one to three years. If the previous owner dipped their fingers in the products, there could be unknown bacteria present. You definitely don't want to put contaminated products on your face.

Worst case, used cosmetics could result in a rash. No, thank you! Experts also say expired sunscreen should never be used, as it becomes less effective after expiration. On the other hand, if you spot your favorite moisturizer that's still in the original packaging, sealed, and unused, that might be a safe buy. It's super easy to buy the wrong shade online and forget to return it.

Yes, you should buy the sports gear and gym equipment, but you should definitely skip buying safety gear at garage sales. Bike helmets should always be purchased new. You can't be sure about the item's history, and if it was involved in a crash, its effectiveness could be greatly diminished. Once a helmet has absorbed impact in one crash, its integrity is no longer intact.

Similarly, safety guidelines are constantly updated, so outdated helmets may not provide the best protection. Used helmets may have damage you can't see, and that may hinder their effectiveness for the future. It's always a good idea to buy a new helmet. Other safety gear you'll want to be wary of buying used includes climbing gear, like harnesses or ropes.

There's nothing quite like finishing a puzzle you've worked on for hours, unless you're down to the last few pieces and there's one missing. This is one of the major reasons why you should think twice before buying puzzles or games with lots of pieces at a garage sale. Before buying puzzles, board games, or decks of cards at a garage sale, you should definitely check to ensure all pieces are included.

Now, if a puzzle or game is completely sealed, you're good to purchase. You should also keep an eye out for vintage games (especially if there are no missing pieces). Collectors often seek out vintage board games, and as a result, they can be very valuable. If you see an old board game that appears in good condition at a garage sale, do a little digging to see if it's worth any money. You can also repurpose old board games as home decor. Consider using pieces to create coasters, unique serving trays, wall art, and more.

Chances are, we all had a stuffed animal we took everywhere as a kid. Whether it was an elephant, giraffe, or teddy bear, it was probably played with outside and spilled on more than once. Used stuffed animals should often be left behind, as they can carry allergens you can't see and definitely don't want to bring home.

Now, if you find a stuffed animal that looks to be in good shape, it may be okay to purchase it if you clean and sanitize it right away. If the tag indicates it's safe to put in the washing machine, put the plush in a laundry bag on a delicate cycle with cold water and dry on low. If the stuffed animal can't be put in the washing machine, you'll need to hand-wash it with mild dish soap. Put the animal in soapy water, rinse, and air dry. If you need to remove any odors from plush toys, sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes, then shake and vacuum to remove. Using baking soda is also a great way to dry clean stuffed animals at home.

Purchasing nonstick cookware at a garage sale is a nonstarter. The nonstick coating on used pans may be chipped and could flake into your food, which is not good. Some older nonstick cookware used per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), which have been linked to negatively impact human health. Cooking at high heat can even release PFAS (also known as "forever chemicals") into the air.

Instead of grabbing older nonstick cookware, it's a good idea to only buy used stainless steel or cast iron cookware at garage sales. On the plus side, oftentimes these alternatives (plus ceramic or carbon steel) are just as nonstick but are nontoxic, too. In general, it's advised to avoid using nonstick cookware and to try the better alternative (cast iron).

Last but certainly not least, you should avoid the mattresses and pillows at garage sales. This shouldn't come as news; it's pretty well-known that secondhand mattresses and pillows have a higher risk of bed bugs and even mold. You don't know the history of a used mattress and pillow, so it's best to just buy these items new.

In some states, it's actually illegal for stores to sell used mattresses. That's even further incentive to avoid these items at garage sales. Plus, it's suggested that you replace your pillows every one to two years to avoid the buildup of allergens, dust mites, fungus, and even mold. Chances are that the pillow they're selling at a garage sale is over a year old, so turn around and buy one new. There's a test to tell if it's time to replace your pillow – if you fold it in half and it remains folded for more than five seconds, it's time to let it go.