Oh garage sales, how I love thee

by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home on June 28, 08

in Frugality, Good stewardship

Would you rather buy these for $16.50, plus tax and shipping...


Twill cargo pants


...or all of this, for $15.50 total?


IMGP1454 


In a couple hours of garage saling this morning, I purchased 6 pairs of pants (khaki, cord and jeans), 2 knit sweaters, 2 knit winter hats, 1 sweater vest, 6 warm sleepers, 3 long sleeved button up shirts, 1 tee shirt, 3 long sleeved cotton shirts, 1 corduroy jacket, and 1 pair of Striderite runners for my 1 year old son . The majority of the clothes were brand names such as Children's Place, Gap, Old Navy and Carters, and all were in great condition.


Average cost per piece of clothing?


60 cents!


About half of them are for this fall and winter, and the other half go up to size 3 and 4. My theory is that if I continually buy items for the next season (or even a year or two down the road) at rock bottom prices, I will generally have almost everything I need by the time my kids need it. It is totally working for me!


Any takers on the retail cargo pants? I didn't think so!

About Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home


Stephanie Langford has a passion for sharing ideas and information for homemakers who want to make healthy changes in their homes, and carefully steward all that they've been given. She has written two books geared to helping families live more naturally and eat real, whole foods, without being overwhelmed and without going broke. She is the editor and author of Keeper of the Home.

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    { 7 comments… read them below or add one }

    Michele @ Frugal Granola June 30, 2008 at 11:42 am

    Great job! :) I have the same theory, too. I stock up at our “bulk” Goodwill (where you dig through bins of clothes, and they charge you per pound! Amazingly, I’ve been able to find most of what Gen needs, without having to travel around at garage sales.

    Reply

    Mrs. Taft June 30, 2008 at 10:03 am

    I LOVE garage sales! :D Good job, looks like you found some great deals!

    Speaking of finding great deals, lol, I’m hosting a natural carnival and two giveaways on my blog tomorrow. I don’t know if you’d be interested, but if only for the giveaway goodies, check mah blog on July 1st :)

    Reply

    Elizabeth June 29, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Wow! That is a terrific comparison! I love garage sales. Once you wash an outfit for the first time, it looks no different than the used ones you buy for much, much cheaper!! And, that little sweatervest on the top left of the pile is so adorable.

    Reply

    Nola June 29, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    I get so excited about stuff like that, too. I never, ever pay full price for clothes. I have so much stocked up too! You share my theory on getting things when they are rock bottom prices. My DD is in size 2-3 and I have up to size 6 or even 7-8 if its a really good deal (like 25 cents each at yard sales, I don’t go over $1 unless its for the next season or so, or if I really need it now). I was able to get a garbage bag full of clothes size 2-8 for $10 (25 cents each) at a yard sale the other weekend, all in excellent shape. A few weeks ago I got two pairs of maternity pants for $2 each in great shape.

    I am so excited for you! Yard sales are the best.

    Reply

    carrie June 29, 2008 at 11:58 am

    Stephanie,

    That’s my theory, too. Great job scoring all those bargains. I keep an index card in my purse detailing what we have and what we need in upcoming sizes, so I can search specifically and not buy what we don’t need.

    Just came across this book and wondered if you’re familiar with it: http://www.amazon.com/Diet-Small-Planet-20th-Anniversary/dp/0345321200

    Reply

    Donielle June 29, 2008 at 11:50 am

    I love garage sale-ing! I’ve been able to buy most of what my little guy will need all the way to next summer. All in all I’ve spent about 200.00 and that includes all his clothes, a juicer, and a panini grill! Got to love that!

    Reply

    Katie June 29, 2008 at 11:09 am

    What a great find! My husband would have opted for the $17 pants….he doesn’t like garage sales the least bit. :( I e-mailed him your post and he said,”hmmm..your not the only one huh?”

    Reply

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