You may be aware that I’m a huge fan of kids consignment sales. You might even call me obsessed. I won’t even be mad if you call me obsessed, because you’d be right. So aside from my kids, what’s my other obsession– besides shoes and martinis? You got it– my home, homes in general, and decor specifically.
And Cheez-its. {WHY CAN’T I STOP EATING THEM?!}
Last year, a semi-annual home consignment sale popped up in my neighborhood. It’s a fantastic concept– sell what you no longer want, get inspired, and pick up furniture and home decor items that are new to you. Since then, I’ve been hearing professional decorators rave about finding great items at home consignment stores, and I think it’s only a matter of time when the term ‘pop-up shop’ and ‘consignment’ starts merging. Which leads me to wonder– are home consignment sales the next big trend?
I hope so. It’s a fantastic way to save money, be eco-friendly, find treasures for your home, and perhaps make some cash to boot. This will be my first time consigning at the sale, and I’m curious to see how it goes. I’ve been pricing my little heart out, discovering a few things I’d tucked away in the pile only to feel unsure if I’m ready to part with them. The OCD in me screams ‘SELL IT’ but the hoarder in my whispers ‘keep it, my precious…”
For proof, here’s part of my pile. Don’t judge, pretty please?
There’s lots of fun stuff in my inventory. I’ve been tagging for two days straight (well, between caring for a sick daughter and dealing with a fairly grumpy son– is there such a thing as a late growth spurt in the twos that leads to excessive grumpiness? please?)
Here’s a few items I’m consigning. Some were hard to let go, and others reminded me of how much tastes can change over a decade. They also reminded me that open space is better than clutter, so even though I have to pry them out of my hands they’ll go to a better place.
These birds were in my daughter’s bird themed nursery. It’s time to set them free.
I’m getting a sneak peek of the sale around 6PM (ET) Thursday night with a few fellow bloggers so join the fun on Instagram or Twitter. I’ll snap pics of my favorite finds, what I’m selling, what we buy, and the sale in general. Hopefully you’ll give me the thumbs up or thumbs down on a few things, too– I need your opinions!
If you’re in the area, here’s the details of the sale:
New 2 You Home Treasures Sale
Lower Providence Volunteer Fire Department
Ridge Pike at Mount Kirk Avenue, Eagleville, PA, 19403
March 22-24 (Friday: 8am-8pm; Saturday: 8am-1pm; Sunday: 8am-1pm HALF PRICE SALE)
If you’re not in the area, I hope you’ll join us virtually as we treasure hunt. Or, maybe start one of your own? But only if you promise to invite me. 😉
What do you think, is this a trend you’d like to see? Have you spotted any home consignment stores or sales in your area? And who’s going to snap up that green Crate & Barrel lantern that’s so hard for me to part with?
This would be so dangerous for me! I’ll have to see if there is one in my area:)
It is great that you are at least willing to part with some of your stuff. I have a much harder time. One question though. What is the difference between a home consignment sale and a garage sale?
That’s a great question! There are a few differences. First, because this is home decor items only (no clothing, electronics, kids stuff, etc) the market is more directed at home decor and furniture buyers. Second, it’s styled by a professional stylist so it has the look of a retail store (instead of sifting through piles of stuff). Third, the prices are a bit higher because it’s more curated, and also for the reasons above. It’s the same thing for kids consignment sales– baby items might be cheaper at garage sales, but they are more likely to be stained, unsorted, and you have to visit a lot of sales to find a few good things. This type of sale seems to solve those problems!
This is a great trend! I will have to see if we get any of these in South Jersey. Good luck with the sales!
This is great. I don’t think they have anything like that in our area in PA yet. I’m going to look into it.
I want to participate 🙂
Just noticed that you are actually only an hour away from me.
How did I not know about this sale?! I have so much stuff I could consign. And I’m so tempted to head over and check out what I could find!
I know it’s late, but if you want to consign sign up! The system closes at midnight, but I believe you can still print tags tomorrow. DO IT! And if you want to check it out early send me a message and I’ll make it happen. 😉
Do you know if there are any national companies that run these via local franchisees?
I haven’t heard of any yet, this one was started by two local women. One is a stylist and the other started a huge kids consignment sale in the area years ago.
Sounds like a great idea! Where is Eagleville? Is it near the Monkey Fish Toy Store?
By Barb! Eagleville is by me, near Collegeville/Trooper/Blue Bell (sorta). It’s near Germantown Pike, if that helps…
i love this idea! dont be surprised if i show up!!!
whats the diff btw this and a garage sale?
I hope you do show up! You asked a great question and I answered it in a comment above yours, but here it is again:
“There are a few differences. First, because this is home decor items only (no clothing, electronics, kids stuff, etc) the market is more directed at home decor and furniture buyers. Second, it’s styled by a professional stylist so it has the look of a retail store (instead of sifting through piles of stuff). Third, the prices are a bit higher because it’s more curated, and also for the reasons above. It’s the same thing for kids consignment sales– baby items might be cheaper at garage sales, but they are more likely to be stained, unsorted, and you have to visit a lot of sales to find a few good things. This type of sale seems to solve those problems!”
oopsie sorry i missed that earlier response. i’ll try to get there for the 1/2 price sale!!
It must feel so good to “clean house!” As for the grumpy 2 yo son – my older son was impossible from 2 3/4 yo to 3 1/2! My doctor called it the terrifying threes. I hope your grumpiness is shorter lived!
Now that I’m really needing to do my office (never decorated it since living here), I am going to start looking at consignment shops!! So excited, there’s a ton of them near me. Thanks, great finds you have.
Wow! I want one in my area — to get rid of some stuff and to pick up some items. Unlike kids’ consignment sales, where there seems to be a market saturation at this point, I see real potential for entrepreneurs to take this idea and run with it!
I agree, and… ahem, perhaps a lawyer would be a great entrepreneur for this type of thing!
Oh my goodness, they have so many wonderful things. I could see me shopping all day!
There are a few consignment shops around me, but some are more expensive than just going and buying the item new. I love to shop a good bargain. I think consignment shops are the new thing.
Um, you had me at consignment!! This is all news to me (shocking for such a thriftier) but now I will keep my eyes out! Happy selling!!
I’ve not heard of home consignment sales..what a great idea! I’m a huge thrifter and love finding a good deal, especially on pieces for the home. I even wrote about how to do it yesterday. (: Once I get settled into life again, I’ll definitely need to pursue this idea further!!!
http://www.seewhatiseadesigns.com/2013/03/tips-and-tricks-fo-thrifty-thrifting.html