Ready for Rummaging

The season of rummaging is upon us! A string of the county’s garages and driveways will soon be littered with used golf clubs, microwaves, piles of clothes, assortments of knick-knacks, dishes, frames, lamps, shoes, jewelry, and more.

I love rummaging. I love sifting through others’ possessions and finding doilies, lamps, and vintage t-shirts for mere dollars. I’ve learned a thing or two during my days of rummaging – essential tips to live by before you greet whoever sits behind a card table with a shoebox full of cash and coins and find yourself elbow deep in paperback books, floral bedding, or matchbox cars.

Be Respectful

A rumagee’s used possessions may be funny to you, but suppress the giggles when you come across that Thighmaster, stuffed mallard, or collection of crazy-haired trolls. Take it from someone who has unnatural sentimental attachments to objects – I fell into a daylong depression when we donated my Polly Pockets to Goodwill – be respectful.

No Stains

Hold yourself and your purchases to a decent standard. Chances are if the rumagee is selling a beautiful embroidered tablecloth with a red wine stain, it’s because they could not get that stain out. Be sure to check clothing, curtains, furniture, and bedding for stains before you pull out your money.

Always Ask Yourself

“Do I really need or want this?” Yeah, it’s pretty cool to find a My Buddy doll, a red leather jacket like Michael Jackson once wore, or an antique dresser with shinny knobs, but you’re an adult who doesn’t play with dolls, can’t pull off red, and has no room for an antique dresser with shinny knobs. Don’t fall victim to unnecessary clutter in your garage, save it for someone who could use it, or it will be sold at your own garage sale in a year or two or three.

Get your rummage on throughout Baileys Harbor and Sister Bay during their community-wide rummage sales on May 18.

To find more rummaging opportunities check out our Classified Section.