1. Hazardous Materials
If you’re not considering cleaning solutions and paint as part of this ominous group, think again. Lang says paint, chemicals, cleaning supplies, and the like should only be purchased if the products are unopened, unexpired, and have clear instructions for use. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself and your home at risk. While Lang says Blue Moon’s vetting process ensures items that are unsafe or unhygienic never make it to one of their sales, it’s important to be aware when shopping elsewhere.
2. Items Without Clear Documentation
Purchasing a car, trailer, or boat from an estate sale is usually fine, as long as the seller can provide clear, transferable documentation. Without this, it's smart to skip these types of purchases to protect yourself legally. “If there’s any uncertainty, it’s best to avoid purchasing these items,” says Lang. If you really want to be cautious or are in any way nervous about the transaction, simply avoid any items that would require ownership titles and paperwork.
3. Linens
We’re not suggesting you pass up a beautiful vintage tablecloth, should you be lucky enough to spot one, but bed sheets, pillows, and other personal linens are best to skip in most instances. “Even when inspecting the garment in the store, previously owned linens can have stains, wear, or damage that is not visible until after washing,” says Johnson. If you’re really inclined to purchase one of these items, the resale expert suggests doing so only if it's still in its original packaging or you’ve thoroughly inspected it from top to bottom.
4. Swimwear and Lingerie
“I see these all the time at estate sales, and people are very inclined to buy them because they are usually vintage,” says Johnson. But, before adding them to your stash, the vintage seller urges caution when considering items worn directly against the skin.
While she advises against purchasing lingerie due to sanitary reasons, other items might still have their place—though perhaps not as originally intended. “An alternative would be if you see an amazing retro swimsuit (as I have seen), perhaps think about framing the swimsuit as a piece of art,” Johnson suggests. “That way, you can still enjoy the item.”
5. Baby Items
“Baby and child items, especially stair gates and car seats, which are used to ensure safety, should always be avoided as many of these regulations have changed over time, and wear and tear could make them risky to use,” says Lang. If a silver baby rattle or wooden toys are hard to pass up, consider using them as room decor instead, placing them out of reach so they can be enjoyed without posing a risk.
How to Shop an Estate Sale Like a Pro
Johnson and Lang offer quick tips for scouring an estate sale with an expert eye.
- Early bird gets the goods. Don’t sleep on an estate sale. Getting there early can help you score the best finds.
- Shop trusted vendors. Lang says the professional team at Blue Moon Estate Sales ensures every item is sorted, staged, and properly prepared, so only safe items are included in their sales. To ensure you don’t find yourself purchasing an unsafe, low-quality, or generally undesirable item, seek out professionally run estate sales and utilize the trained staff at the event if you have any questions or concerns about items you’re considering.
- Scope it out. Take a first lap of the entire sale, grabbing what you immediately want as you go. Before checking out, take another more intentional trip around. This can help ensure you don’t miss any hidden treasures while also giving you time to thoughtfully consider the items you originally gravitated toward.
- Inspect your items. Really look at the items you’re considering purchasing. Take out your phone to do a bit of quick research to find out if you’re getting a deal, consider how you’ll use or display the item, and whether it’s something you’ll truly enjoy. If all signs point to go, hit the checkout line.
