Estate Sale Tips
Welcome back to Mae’s Thrift Tips! If you love a good bargain and hunting for hidden gems, then estate sales are a must. But I know what you’re thinking—how do you even find them? Well, today I’m spilling the secret that the gatekeepers don’t want you to know. (Sorry, guys!)
The number one question I get asked is: How do you find out about estate sales? And the answer is so simple… it’s an app!
The Estate Sale Secret: EstateSales.net
Yes, you heard that right. The easiest way to find estate sales near you is by using EstateSales.net. This app is a total game-changer for thrift lovers, antique hunters, and deal-seekers alike. Here’s why I love it:
✔ Customized Searches – You can filter estate sales by location, so you only see the ones closest to you. No more aimless driving around!
✔ Sale Schedules – The app shows you exactly when and where sales are happening, so you never miss out on a good one.
✔ Photo Previews – See pictures of what’s available before you even leave the house. This helps you decide if it’s worth your time.
✔ RSVP Options – Some sales require you to RSVP, and the app makes it super easy to do that.
Pro Tips for Estate Sale Success
Now that you know where to find estate sales, here are a few tips to make the most of your treasure hunts:
1️⃣ Arrive Early – The best items go fast! If you see something good in the preview photos, be there when the doors open.
2️⃣ Bring Cash – While some sales accept cards, cash is always a safe bet and can sometimes help with negotiating a better price.
3️⃣ Be Respectful – Remember, estate sales often happen due to major life transitions, so be kind and courteous.
4️⃣ Negotiate Wisely – Prices are usually firm on the first day but may be more flexible later in the sale. Day two is usually 25% off, and the last day is typically 50% off—so be there at opening! If you want the absolute best deal, go an hour before the sale ends on the last day. That’s when sellers are most willing to make amazing deals.
So there you have it—the inside scoop on how to find the best estate sales near you! Go download EstateSales.net and start planning your next thrift adventure. Happy hunting! 🛍️✨
Have you scored any amazing finds at an estate sale? Share your best thrifted treasures in the comments below!
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Hallway Gallery Wall
How I Created My Hallway Gallery Wall (and Had an Excuse to Go Thrifting!)
There’s just something about a well-curated gallery wall that makes a home feel extra special! I’ve been thrifting and estate sale-hopping for months, collecting frames and unique pieces, but even after all that—I still didn’t have enough to finish my hallway wall. So, naturally, I had to take another trip to my favorite antique shop, Queen of Hearts, and grab a few more fun finds. (I mean, twist my arm, right?)
Once I had everything, it was time to get to work! Here’s how I put it all together:
Step-by-Step: Hanging a Gallery Wall Like a Pro
Trace & Cut – I traced each piece onto brown paper and cut them out individually. Pro tip: Mark the orientation on each paper cutout, so you don’t accidentally hang anything upside down later.
Plan Your Layout – Using painter’s tape, I arranged and rearranged my paper cutouts on the wall until I found a layout I loved. The best part? You can move them around as many times as you want before committing!
Toothpaste Trick for Easy Nail Placement – This hack is a game changer! I dabbed a little toothpaste on the back of each piece where it hangs on the nail, then gently pressed it against the wall. When I pulled it away, it left the perfect little mark for where to hammer my nail!
Hang It Up! – I removed the paper cutouts, hammered in my nails (or used hooks where needed), and hung each piece. A handheld level helped keep things straight, but if you have a laser level, even better!
How I Hung My Pieces
None of my pieces were too heavy, so I used a mix of:
✔ A picture hanging kit
✔ Velcro Command Hooks for 1-2 pieces
✔ These awesome new plate hangers I found (a great way to mix in non-frame pieces!)
And that’s it! My gallery wall is officially up, and I LOVE how it turned out! There’s even a little room at the top to grow—which means more thrifting trips in my future. (Like I needed an excuse!)
If you’ve been thinking about starting a gallery wall, do it! It’s such a fun way to showcase your style, and with these simple steps, it’s easier than you think. Happy decorating!!
For all of my gallery wall essentials click here!!
