Estate sales are where most of our inventory comes from. An estate sale usually happens when a family is clearing a house after a move or a death, and nearly everything inside is for sale. For clothing, that often means decades of well-kept pieces that never went near a thrift store.
Finding sales
Most Atlanta estate sale companies post their upcoming sales online during the week, usually with photos. Check the listings midweek and plan your weekend route from there.
- Listing sites. EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org list most metro Atlanta sales, with photos, addresses, and hours.
- Company email lists. Local estate sale companies send their own newsletters. Once you find companies whose sales you like, subscribe directly.
- Read the photos closely. A photo of a full closet, a cedar chest, or a basement rack tells you there will be clothing. A sale that shows only furniture and china usually has little to wear.
When to go
- Day one, early. The best pieces go in the first hour. Popular sales hand out numbers or run a sign-in sheet before opening, so arriving 30 to 60 minutes early can matter.
- The last day. Many companies discount by 25 to 50 percent on the final day. Selection is thinner, but you can find bargains on pieces that other shoppers overlooked.
What to bring
- Cash in small bills, since some companies charge a card fee.
- A large tote or an IKEA bag for carrying pieces while you shop.
- A measuring tape, because vintage sizes rarely match modern ones. Our sizing guide explains why.
- A phone flashlight for dark closets and basements.
Where the clothing hides
Look beyond the main bedroom closet. Some of the best clothing turns up in these places:
- Guest room and hallway closets, where older coats are stored.
- Cedar chests and blanket boxes, which often hold sweaters and wool.
- Basements and garages, where work jackets and outerwear end up.
- Dresser drawers, which companies sometimes leave closed. Ask before opening anything.
Checking condition quickly
Hold each piece up to the light to look for moth holes, check the armpits and collar for stains, and test the zipper. Small flaws are often fine for vintage, but you want to know about them before you pay.
Etiquette
Estate sales happen in someone’s home, often while a family is grieving. Be patient in lines, ask before moving furniture, and treat the staff well. The companies remember regular buyers, and good relationships lead to good tips about upcoming sales.
If you would rather skip the early mornings, that is exactly what we do for you. See what we found most recently in New This Week.
