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

First you need to clean out the trunk of your car or SUV. Once that's done, here are some items you should bring with you when you go off shopping at garage sales, tag sales, yard sales or flea markets.

• Place in your trunk several plastic baskets or cardboard boxes to hold your merchandise.
  
  
• If you're going to be buying breakable items, bring something to pad the items or wrap them in.
  
  
• Bring along a canvass or net bag or two to carry your purchases to your car. This is especially important if you're going to a large flea market.
  
  
• Plan to bring some water or other drink. It's cheaper than stopping at the local convenience store if you get thirsty.
  
  
• Bring your cell phone especially if your spouse or children are staying at home. You'll often find an item and want your spouse's opinion on whether you should buy it. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a book, only to find that we already have it.