Philadelphia / South Jersey

A Step-By-Step Guide to Shopping at Garage Sales, Tag Sales, and Flea Markets

From John Fischer, former About.com Guide

Now it's time to map your route. The easiest way to do this is also on your computer. I prefer to use Google for this task.

Just enter the address from your list. We'll say, for example that there's a tag sale at 100 N. Providence Road in Wallingford, PA 19086. That's actually the town library. Enter the address in the Google Search box and click enter.
You are then given three mapping options. I prefer to use Yahoo! Maps.
Click on Yahoo! Maps and voilà! You have your map.
You can click on "printable version" and print a map of your tag sale, garage sale or flea market location.
Now that you have all of your maps, all you need to do is put them in a logical driving order from your home. You need to note, however, that some sales may start earlier than others and you should keep this in mind when planning your route.
Make special note of block sales or multi-family tag sales. It's so much easier when you can park your car and go to several sales all in the same block. Some local towns, such as Media, PA, have dates in the fall when the entire town has an annual tag sale. These are the best tag sale opportunities of the year. Moving sales are often excellent places to find lawn equipment, garden tools, and good furniture for cheap prices.
Vary your search area. Many folks have tag sales twice a year every year. Always be looking for new inventory. Don't be afraid to spend a Saturday in a town where you've never shopped.

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