Helpful Tips to Make Your Next Day at the Flea Market More Enjoyable

As warm weather approaches, lawn sale and flea market season is just around the corner. If you are looking for some new furniture, artwork, or just the thrill of the hunt, flea markets are a great place to find unique
and refreshing items for your home. Here are a few tips to make your flea market experience worthwhile.

Clothing

Obviously heels and a skirt are not the ideal outfit for a day at the flea market. Wear comfortable clothes, with pockets to store your cash. Comfortable shoes are a must. Be sure they are waterproof, especially if it has rained recently, or if rain is the forecast. Dress in layers, so as the day warms (or cools) you will stay comfortable. I recommend you bring along a sweatshirt, and keep a rain jacket in the car. A hat will shield you from the midday sun. Lastly, bring a pair of warm gloves, just in case it is unusually cold in the morning.

Transportation

If you plan on buying larger items, drive a truck to the flea market. If you spot an armoire that you must have, a truck will save you the headache of trying to figure out how you are going to get it home. For perusing the flea market grounds, a small shopping cart (not the ones at the grocery store) can make toting your bargains much easier. An empty baby stroller (one with rugged wheels) can double as a shopping cart, as well.

Odds and Ends

Other essentials to bring to a flea market include swatches of cloth from items around your house. For example, if you don't have swatches of your sofa's fabric, try to find one that is close to it in color and pattern. The swatches will help you decide if an item will match your sofa, curtains, bedding, rugs, ect... This is especially helpful if you are looking at items you don't want to repaint, such as old paintings and portraits. Wallpaper swatches are helpful as well.

Bring a notebook with a list of measurements for rooms you are looking to fill. If you are looking for a new dresser, jot down the size you would like. You can also write down a list of items at the flea market you want to take a second glance at, later in the day.

Have a tape measure handy to measure large pieces of furniture. Keep rope and bungee cords in your truck, to secure items on the way home. Also have an old blanket ready, to help prevent scratches to your new furniture.


Food

Some flea markets have food vendors, other do not. If you are planning on spending the day at the flea market, you may want to pack a cooler lunch. Also have bottled water handy to drink throughout the day, and some healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and nuts.