Is it really worth it?

Do you know what I did today?

I had a garage sale.

A sale of my used items . . . sold out of a garage.

Growing up we NEVER went to garage sales. We weren't that well off but we were given hand-me-downs on the sly. Someone at work or a family member or a friend would give my mom a garbage bag or two of clothing for us. I remember the excitement me and my sis shared when we got to go through it. I think my mom was too proud to go to a home and buy used items for us. Or maybe she just didn't have the time. I don't know. Regardless, I went through life ignorant to garage / yard sales. Not anything that made any type of impact, I just had never been to one.

I went to my first garage sale with my husband shortly after we were married. I was embarrassed to be there. Sounds silly right? I just felt awkward looking at other people's possessions. It's difficult to explain. Anywho, fast forward a few years and I actually enjoy going out and about to the occasional neighborhood garage/yard sales and looking for a good deal. Especially now that I have children. Garage sales are wonderful places to find vintage toys and other cool things without breaking the bank.

Last year, I decided to have my first garage sale of my own. Holy shit I had no idea how much work they are. Digging stuff out of storage, deciding whether to keep, sell, or donate. If it's a sale item, how much to ask for it. Organizing, setting up, and sitting in a chair, in a freaking garage all.day.long. In 90 degree weather.

Yeah well, I guess I forgot how much work it took and had another one. It was alot of work for the few bones we earned today. I'm not sure if I have the energy to do it again.
Who am I kidding.
I most likely will.
By most likely I mean it will happen despite the part of me that cringes at the mention of it.

However, I must say that you learn alot about yourself when you put your personal items out there for people to sort through. I learned that the clothes I've ignored last year were fantastic steals for a few ladies today. I learned that there are some other serious Bruce Springsteen fans out there. I learned that sometimes, people don't want to buy jack; they just want someone to talk to.  I learned that every year Tanner manages to acquire a new pair of hand grip strengtheners and every year they sell to some old dude for a dollar. I learned that people aren't above trying to jew (excuse the term) your dollar item down to 25 cents and not feel a bit humiliated. I learned that kids LOVE the toys of other kids even though they probably lose interest in it a day later. And last, I learned that it feels good that people like my stuff enough to pay for it after I have used it.

So I guess today was overall a good day. I made some cash, met new people, and got rid of alot of clutter.

Do you garage/yard sale?