??? What I Learned from Estate Sales (and Why I'm Hooked!) ??

Estate sales are a whole vibe. If you've never been, let me tell you—it’s like stepping into a time capsule filled with quirky treasures, jaw-dropping bargains, and unexpected surprises. I first got hooked on estate sales back in 2020 when I moved from a small flat in Chicago to a 3,500 square feet house in Phoenix (surprisingly, the monthly mortgage payment for the two are the same, but that’s a story for another day!). Being in need of new furniture and decor, I decided to give estate sales a try (thanks to my hubby's recommendation). And wow, what a goldmine! ??

Here are some fun and surprising lessons I learned along the way, and maybe they’ll convince you to rethink your shopping habits or even your lifestyle.

1. Huge Savings on Furniture & Decor

When I was furnishing my new Phoenix home, I didn’t want to break the bank—especially with little kids who can be a bit destructive. I was amazed at the deals I found at estate sales. Solid wood furniture, gorgeous home decor, and even a full living room set—all at a fraction of what I’d pay in stores. Estate sales became my go-to, and I ended up cutting my furnishing budget down to less than $3000. My best find? A full Southwestern-style couch and loveseat set, with pillows, side tables, AND a lamp for just $20, including buyer's premium! Four years later, it’s still serving us well in our living room. ???

2. Customized Stuff = Little Resale Value

One of the most surprising things I learned at estate sales? Customized or sentimental items often have little to no resale value. At one sale, I saw a full-sized taxidermy peacock go for just $40. ?? I mean, that thing was a real-life peacock, center of the attention as you step into the house! Another time, there was a massive family portrait oil painting—of 20+ people, no less—hanging as the centerpiece over a fireplace. Guess what? No one wanted it, not even the family! It didn’t sell for a dime. It made me wonder why the family didn't hold onto it. Maybe it’s a lesson that even the things we think are irreplaceable or meaningful might not hold the same value for others. ??

3. Big Joy for Small Money

This was probably my favorite story. My mom, a typical Asian mom who loves a good bargain and an estate sale pro by now, showed me that big joy can come at a tiny price. At the end of one estate sale, she managed to grab a FULL trash bag of clothes for just $10. Not only did she get three stylish outfits for herself, but she also found a $20 bill in one of the pockets! ?? And if that wasn’t enough, she gifted 5 of the items from the bag to her friends, spreading joy and style all around. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to find happiness or cool stuff. Sometimes, the best finds come with a surprise bonus!

4. Estate Sales Tell Stories

One of the most fascinating parts of going to estate sales is the stories behind the items. It’s not just about grabbing a good deal, but about connecting with the lives of the people who lived in the home. Some homes are filled with decades of memories, and every object feels like it has its own history. From hand-painted WWII fighter planes to antique magazine collections, every item feels like it has a rich history. Estate sales give you a glimpse into the life of the homeowner. It really makes you think—what do we truly value, and what will we leave behind? In a way, estate sales make you realize that life isn’t about the stuff we accumulate, but the memories and stories we create.??

5. Unexpected Life (and Financial) Lessons

Aside from the bargains, estate sales offer profound life lessons. They’ve made me more mindful of what I choose to buy and keep. It’s a humbling reminder that the things we value now may not hold much value to others in the future. Ultimately, our lives are defined by our experiences and relationships, not our possessions. ??

Final Thoughts

If you want to save money, find unique pieces, or just enjoy a new adventure, I highly recommend checking out an estate sale. You never know what treasure—or life lesson—you might find! Maybe you’ll even walk away with a great story, like I did. ??

??? Want more tips on how to save money and maximize your financial potential? Check out my video, "How to Optimize for Money: 20 Things That Could Save You $10,000s" on YouTube! You’ll find a ton of actionable strategies to supercharge your financial well-being. ??

?? Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=bpdfRJXFyoY

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found at an estate sale? Or have you had a life-changing lesson from an unexpected place? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories! ??

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