7 Unspoken Rules of Garage Sale Shopping in Illinois

Garage sale season is officially back, and you know what that means—driveways across Rockford are going to be filled with treasures.

Read More: Top 6 'Straight Trash' Items At Illinois Garage Sales

Back when I lived with my parents, my dad and I would wake up early every weekend and get a head start on garage sales right when they opened.  As an adult, the tradition continues, solo.  Occasionally, my sister will join me, but her patience isn't the same as mine.  I'll happily spend 30 minutes at a sale looking at everything, while she's ready to leave after 5 minutes of scanning every table.

After years of garage sale hunting, I've picked up on a few unspoken rules that make the experience so much better—for myself (the shopper), the host, and their neighbors.  I had some help from this "etiquette expert" to give you the best experience possible.

"one person’s garbage is another person’s treasure. So whether you are hosting a garage sale or attending a garage sale, here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind." [elizabethetiquette]

 

7 Unspoken Rules of Garage Sale Shopping in Illinois

Whether you're a seasoned garage sale shopper or you're new to the game, there are a few things you should be aware of before you go.  Thank me later!

1. PARKING: Be thoughtful when you're parking in someone's neighborhood.  Don't block any driveways, other vehicles, or park up on someone's grass.
2. ALWAYS BRING CASH: If you think every garage sale will have a card reader, think again.  A lot of hosts only accept cash, so have a pocket full of singles ready to go at checkout!
3. DON'T BE PUSHY: Driveways become extremely narrow when everything is laid out.  Be mindful of other customers and
4. BE CAREFUL WITH FRAGILE ITEMS: If you see something you like and it's breakable, handle it with care.  You break it, you buy it.
5. KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE: Like at any store, don't let your kids run free.  It's annoying and you don't want them breaking anything.
6. DON'T WANDER AROUND: Stay within the garage sale property lines.  Don't wander to the person's backyard or into the grass you're not authorized to walk.
7. DON'T TAKE ALL THE FREE STUFF: Listen, lots of garage sales have free stuff at the curb that they know won't sell well or just need to get rid of.  If you're only at the sale for the freebies, don't be that person.  Consider looking around first then take what free things you like.

Rockford is garage sale city come summertime!  There's a sale at every corner, seriously.  Check Facebook Marketplace, local Facebook groups, and newspaper listings for all the garage sales around the area.  That's what I do!  Be courteous, kind, and come with cash!

There are a few things we would NEVER thrift, though.  It could be from a garage sale, at a thrift store, or from someone's curb.  Keep scrolling to see what we're not taking home.