I don't know about you, but when I go to an estate sale I try really hard to believe that the people that lived in the house have moved on to sunny Florida and they just need to get rid of some of the extra stuff they've accumulated over the years.
Can't wear a mink coat in Florida, now can you?
No use for a lawnmower at the retirement villa.
And no need to keep your 70's orange Tupperware when you're going to be enjoying all those early bird specials at Home Town Buffet.
But there is always someone who ruins it for me.
Maybe a neighbor from down the street that tries to strike up a conversation with me by mentioning that Fred died two months ago and he had been waiting for this sale so he could buy Fred's tool bench.
Maybe it's the worker at the estate sale who, when I mention what a neat house it is, tells me that it is going to be listed tomorrow, because the kids of the lady who died need to get rid of it fast.
Or the homeowner's daughter quietly asking the estate sale crew if they have found her mom's wedding photos yet, because before she died she told her daughter to make sure she kept them safe.
{covering ears} la la la la la {covering ears}
It's hard to stick my head in the sand, when at every turn, I'm reminded of the fact that I am buying dead people's stuff.
Not that I don't like dead people's stuff, there are some great deals to be had at estate sales and auctions. But there is definitely something weird about traipsing though someone else's house and snatching up their once cherished items.
Speaking of dead people's stuff, I found this cool old barn at an estate sale this weekend. I have no idea what I am going to do with it, but it was pretty neat and the whole reason I went totally out of my way that day to attend the sale.
Not sure if it is a kid's toy or maybe an unfinished bird feeder?
I'd ask the previous owner. But he's dead. Or so I've been told.
I sure hope he's smiling up there in heaven knowing that I'm enjoying his barn.
Do you go with the stick your head in the sand theory at estate sales? Or is it just another place to find good deals for you (not saying you're heartless of anything)?
GardenofDaisies
I love the little red barn you found!! It looks like it's the perfect home for a whole herd of dolly-sized dairy cows.
When I am at sales like that I do think about who might have lived there in the past. I like to think that the previous owner is smiling down at all the people who are buying things. Someday when it's my turn to go, I hope that other people come along to love the things that I collected. (after my children and grandchildren take what they want, of course.)
Laurel@chippingwithcharm
LOL!! I DO have a hard time with estate sales! Once I brought my (then) 4 year old and she kept asking questions like "Where is the lady that lives here?" And "Is it o.k. that people are looking in her closet?". I did get a cool glass aquarium and she got a little tea set...but yea, kinda sad...
Donna Wilkes
Since going through personal family estate sales, I do not mind going through a dead person's stuff. Our family had rummaged through everything and taken what we wanted. If I were dead looking down upon my items being sold, I would love to see Pam get my beautiful red barn to put in her house with her other very cherished vintage items!
Rhonda
I love to go to sales but it is definitely weird seeing EVERYTHING from their life laid out for EVERYONE to see; a complete loss of privacy. I don't think I would ever knowingly go to a sale of someone that I had known.
Olive
FAB BARN AND YOU KNOW I LOVE ESTATE SALES. I LIKE TO THINK I AM HELPING THAT FAMILY OUT. I see your barn under the tree at Christmas.
JunkStuffTreasures
I go to buy, never thinking the items are "dead people's stuff." But, inevitably, I find old pictures, a scrapbook, lovely linens, and I wonder why no family members wanted these precious items. Sometimes there is no family and I take on the role of adoptive daughter and give these special items a new home!
Mitzi
I love going to estate sales. I do not ever go through the clothes closets. That is way too creepy.
Jayne
I don't mine at all, I feel that i will provide a good home for their stuff. I love that barn by the way 🙂 What really bothers me though are old family photos especially baby pictures that are at Goodwill or a thrift store, why aren't they with their families!?
TARYTERRE
I think the dead people in question would be tickled their stuff is finding a new home.
Ellie VanCaster
I hear you on the dead people's stuff-it can feel a little creepy. I love the barn though and it looks in great shape.
Have a good week.
Amy Burzese
Oh, I know. My husband went with me ONE time. He said he didn't feel right picking over people's things like vultures. But, Honey, it has to go somewhere. Love the barn.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
Love the barn! Very often around here estate sales are actually for older people who are moving and getting rid of their stuff. The estate sale goodies on my post right now were from a woman moving into senior apartments!
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Yeah! You found your vintage barn! Don't feel bad, Pam. I once attended a sale where the sickly homeowner was curtained off in the living room while the sale took place to pay the home health care nurses.
Bad as it was, I did buy a few things to help the poor woman out.
Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME/Doublewide Decor
Oh, I love estate sales. I just don't like when all the family picture albums are for sale. That hurts my heart.
Carlene @ Organized Clutter
It bothers me sometimes too. The thought of someone's possessions being rifled through by strangers. But I still go to estate sales because they are the best!
Sally
ha - yes! I remember chatting w/ you about this before, when I did a post on the same thing. It's a weird feeling, isn't it?