8 Bargains to Look for at Pandemic-Era Yard Sales

Change is in the air: It's summer, more folks are vaccinated, and as they emerge into the sunlight, they have stuff they want to sell. A challenging and chaotic year has spurred many people to reassess what's most important to them, how and where they want to live, and whom they want to be close to. A 2020 Pew Research Center survey showed that 22 percent of U.S. adults — more than 1 in 5 — reported that they changed their residence due to the pandemic or know someone who did.

Moves like this have led to a major purge of personal belongings for those in transition, a godsend for yard and garage sale aficionados. Whether you're outfitting a new retirement home or vacation cottage for yourself, or a first apartment for the kids or grandkids, or just enjoy poking around for steals, now may be the time to keep your eyes peeled for impressive deals that will save you money.

AARP Membership

Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. 

Join Now

"Garage sales are springing up again, and the great news is that they're outdoors,” says Ava Seavey, author of Ava's Guide to Garage Sale Gold. “Post-pandemic sales are much the same as pre-pandemic, but with more pent-up demand.” And some items that people paid dearly for during the pandemic could be sitting on yard sale tables now.

How do you find a sale in your area? You can look for posted signs or visit Craigslist and search for garage or yard sales on the home page. Websites such as Yard Sale Search and Garage Sales Tracker might also be helpful. Or you can try an app, like Yard Sale Treasure Map, which lets you search for yard sales by day, location, distance and keyword. To use the app, you'll need to allow Google Maps access to your location so you can see all sales within 20 miles.

What are you likely to see? Below are some of the possibilities. As a savvy shopper, when you see something you like, Google the item to check the “new” price and compare it with the price on the tag. Armed with that information, you can bargain with the yard sale proprietor. You will also need to decide how badly you want it.

1. Vintage dishes and pottery

People may love these gorgeous collectibles, but if they're moving, they may no longer have space for them. There may be great finds to be had.

2. Outdoor gear

During the pandemic, some people took up camping, hiking and fishing as reasonably COVID-safe activities. Now that hotels are available, they may not need a tent and sleeping bags. And some families simply outgrow these activities as kids get older. Look for deals on equipment that would be expensive if purchased new.

3. Furniture and kitchen stuff

As people downsize, you're bound to find furniture, kitchen items and electronics. Some may be new, unused and still boxed. And keep an eye out for things that people bought when they had to work from home but no longer need as they head back to the office, such as desks and chairs, Seavey says.

4. Exercise equipment

With health clubs around the country closed for nearly a year, many people chose to work out at home. If they're headed back to work and the gym, they may be looking to sell their nearly new equipment at bargain-basement prices.