Picture the Boxing Day sales in your mind and you've got a pretty good idea of what our garage sale was like. I'm not exagerrating. Honestly. For the first hour or so it was crazy. Manic. Frenzied even. There was pathos, tragedy, commedy...our garage sale had it all! We were not expecting the crowds that gathered on our verge waiting for us to open. At all. And I wouldn't be lying if I said there was a bit of pushing and shoving as our roller door opened...I know I can blame some of this behaviour on those green and white bakelite canisters. They were cheap, very cheap, but it was a garage sale after all, not a glorified vintage shoppe...and things are meant to be cheap at garage sales, arent they?
Anyway...we sold heaps of stuff, made a tidy little sum and at the end of the day still had enough left-overs to fill at least five good-sized boxes with treasures for Vinnies. We were brutal here and didn't keep anything (almost anything, see below) It was good stuff too, but we wanted it gone and out of our lives (and sheds!) Anthony tells me that alot of it is on display in their front window but because I no longer op-shop (I can't believe I've just typed that!) I am yet to see it for myself.
The nicest part of the day was meeting some lovely bloggy friends...Caroline, Sarah and Em (sorry if I missed anyone, but if you were there you know how hectic it was x) and neighbours we hadn't met before. We also loved giving things away (love doing that) like this basket of "grannies"
which we gave to a neighbour who cares for severely physically disabled children. They are just the right size to keep them warm while they are sitting in their wheelchairs. Lovely.
I'm also having fun sending a few little parcels of vintagey goodies to people I think might like them...there were some treasures that I just couldn't donate to Vinnies when I know people (maybe you're one of them???) who would love them.
I'll end with this
x
What a lovely feeling it must be to be clutter-free, and have made a profit and some people's lives better as a result. It clears the mind and paves way for great new changes when you have a massive clearout. I think I would have been fighting my way to the bargains too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend x
Well done Kylie, so great that there was a crowd waiting for your goodies, I'd had been there too! The blankets are beautiful and so great they are going to a great new home.
ReplyDeleteI am also shocked that you admitted you no longer op shop ;o) You should set up a self help group to save the rest of us hehe.
I can see why you said it is liberating, ive taken 4 bags full to the charity shop and it did feel good making a start. So what you you going to spend your takings on?
Scarlett xx
Marvellous! I wish I could have been there - not only to check out your vintage treasures but just to have seen the whole shebang - must have been quite weird to have people shoving to get into your garage, of all places. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway - how lovely to have broken the op-shop habit...I think I might be on my way to quitting too - well...not quitting entirely but being extremely selective and strict about what I buy - it must have an immediate purpose and not just be junk and more clutter, to keep and gaze at.
If I can re-use and sell it on then fine. Otherwise, my pennies stay in my purse.
Your build-up to the garage sale must have been subliminally influencing me - I've been snapping pics for ebay this afternoon... long overdue cull of treasures here too.
ReplyDeleteHope you're putting some of the proceeds of your sale towards that kitchen you want! x
Wow the garage sale must have been a real site. I so wish I lived closer, my head might of exploded attending your sale though. How sweet that you are sending out sweet vintage parcels of loveliness.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear in the end your garage sale went over well.
ReplyDeleteOmg you no longer op shop?? *eeee* I dunno if I would be able to do that.. BUT I have been donating alot of stuff, and have found that now when I go to bag sales.. even if I can only find 5 items and they only take up 1/3 of the bag. (THAT'S OKAY) No reason to bring home items I do not REALLY want or like.
Very nice idea donating those grannie blankets!
What a day...it sounds kinda crazy :)
ReplyDeleteBut at least you will be able to breathe a sigh of relief now that it is all over and you are clutter free.
Love that you donated those blankets..a friend and I were discussing a very similar thing the other week but for the homeless.
x
Hmm. I am the opposite of you at the moment as I seem to just be collecting more and more. I really have to stop! Help me!! Glad you did well on the day. Sherry :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's so sweet that you donated the crocheted blankets for the children in the wheelchairs.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful Kylie! Thanks again :)
ReplyDeleteYou brave fealess and strong woman Brave letting all those people loose in your shed fearless throwing all those goodies away and brave by not opping anymore and heres me with way too much and sending you more junk but feel free to do with as you like its the thought that counts right? lol
ReplyDeleteI really wish I could have been there, although I already know you're a generous woman with an cheerful countenance and awesome sense of style. So glad it went well and you got the results you wanted. Must be lovely to think of all the people who are newly enjoying the fruits of your collecting labours. On to the renovation and extension adventure!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your garage sale went so well! If only I'd replied earlier, I could have come. I'm so lucky to have received such a beautiful package from you!! Thanks again! The shoes have already been out to the local markets!
ReplyDeletexx Aliya
i truly can picture hoards of people at your sale-- it always amazes me those who are "early birds" too. {though i bet if i was there and knew about your sale, you would be my exception! ha} good for you for feeling "lighter"-- kylie as we speak i'm trying to fill my garage with items for a future sale, and i'm trying not to keep putting things back into our house. ugh, i think i am a hoarder!!! but i have to keep in mind that when we move again, it will make things SO MUCH easier (especially after our last pack/move). thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteso pleased that it went well, i wish i'd been there to see the fuss! haha. Hm i love those grannie blankets :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like quite an occasion. You should have made a little video to post for all of us to see! Wish I could have been there to experience the fun - Sharon xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful success,now you can go and buy more "stuff" lol!
ReplyDeletewell done you! sounds like it was incredible. went garage sale'ing yesterday and i bet they had nothing on yours. no more opshopping? not even for special items??? please explain. hope you've had a lovely weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the mass declutter. I'm with KitnNancy though and want to know more about this no more op shopping business. Are you in oppie rehab? Some sort of 10 step program? We are all concerned, and also concerned about the status of your vintage sheets and pillowcases. Please not the RSPCA with them all! melx
ReplyDeleteWell done you! :) I hope you are well.. xx
ReplyDeleteAh, so you no longer op-shop eh...eh? I dare you to say that to me in six months time with total truth, no sidelong glances...no shuffling of the feet, no changing the subject.
ReplyDeletegood for you! sounds like a raging success... am very sad that i am so far away... i would definitely have been banging down your garage door! haha!
ReplyDeleteKel x