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)?
Anonymous
I laughed & got a bit misty reading through the comments. I love old things & love to treasure them. I wonder about the stories behind items. I do not have time to go to sales but I have so many things from my mom's gathering when she would take things that others planned to trash. I love the idea of knowing the stories behind loved items, like the pan with the marks. Sweet.
Angela @ Cottage Magpie
Oh my gosh, I do exactly the same thing!! I have never said it out loud because I thought I was the only one. Ha! ~Angela~
Eclectically Vintage
I always envision people coming to my estate sale in the future and saying "what a hoarder she was"!
Kelly
Old Red Barn
I love this barn. It matches my blog 🙂 (Old Red Barn Blog). Feel free to share this barn in my link party. Do you mind if I pin this barn to my 'barn-board?'
Goedele
Jenny
I guess it doesn't really bother me so much because I've been on the selling side more times than I like. I remember how hard it was, all the work & reaching a point where you just don't care what goes or what stays or how much (or little) you sell things for because you're so exhausted. Then the relief when it's all gone & taken care of - you can finally let it go.
So, I try to be very respectful when I shop these sales. I never try to negotiate a lower price (I remember having to leave my sale in tears because two women were trying to niggle my price down to nothing & I all I could think of was how much my mom loved the things they were trying to force me to basically give to them.) If I think the prices are unreasonably high I just leave. Grief is a hard thing, letting go is hard & setting high prices is sometimes part of that. I won't add to someone's pain by being disrespectful.
But, I was very happy when people came & loved what they bought, were excited to find a new 'treasure' - shared with me what they planned to do with the item.
So shopping these sales can help or hurt someone, it's all in how you treat people.
Tazas y Cuentos
Interesting post. I agree with you, sometimes it's better not to know too many details about that wonderful things we are buying, I prefer just having the fantasy of an interesting past story.
I don't like buying clothes and photos but love buying everything else.
Besos!
Ah! Lovely old barn.
Marci
I doesn't bother me in the least. Of course, I work in a hospital and people die on me regularly so I may be a bit immune. After attending hundreds of estate sales one thing I've come to realize, no matter who you are everyone has about the same junk. Oh sure, different furniture, dishes etc, but who cares if someone is looking at your undies, dirty books, or 1980's dresses, everyone else has em too! It doesn't bother me that someday people will come and rifle through my crap, what bothers me is that people will know I bought 90% of it from other peoples esatate sales! No joke!
Shabby chic Sandy
Your posts always make me laugh--even when its about dead people! The little house (barn) is so cute--love it 🙂
WhimsyZ
If you've never heard Cheryl Wheeler's song, Estate Sale, you should track it down and give a listen. Not only will it make you smile, but it will make you realize how lucky others will be when it's your estate sale - oh, all the treasures!
Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)
Oh my goodness, you are just too funny. I'm sure someone knows you're enjoying the barn. Thanks for swinging by to check my issues, fingers crossed they are resolved. fondly ~lynne~
Sherry@Back2Vintage
The little red barn is charming. I'm sure the previous owner is happy about its new home. There are many treasures to be found at estate sales. Thankfully most people at our local sales speak fondly of the dearly departed!
pattysplace
Your "Dead People's Stuff" is hilarious! I even read it to my husband I thought it was so funny.
Debbiedoo's
I gotta say Pam...dead people have some good stuff that's all I know, because I have a lot of it in my house. Hey everything has a story!
Kim @ Touch of Nostalgia
Where's that edit button. 😉 ....that should of been.... "whatever I buy will be treasured by me"
Kim @ Touch of Nostalgia
It's never bothered me as I know whatever I buy I will be treasured by me. I'd rather have someone choose one of my treasures than have it end up in a dump.
Linda @ A La Carte
I think it's the clothes and the really personal items set out that bother me the most! The kitchen items, etc just don't bother me too much! Especially if I try not to think about it 🙂
hugs,
Linda