5 Tips for Surviving the Mother of All Garage Sales

The Mother of All Garage Sales returns for its ninth year in the Northwest Neighborhood Saturday, August 4, and we have all the tips and tricks to get the most out of your perusing and haggling in the summer sun. Happy hunting!

New for 2018

1. An interactive map!

New for 2018, MoAGS now has an interactive map loaded with info. From where participating homes are to a general idea of what each home will be selling, it’s the perfect way to craft a bargain hunting battle plan.

2. Food Trucks are back, baby!

All that digging is going to make you hungry, but MoAGS has you covered. There will be six food trucks at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park ready to quell your rumbly stomach. Grab a slice from local favorites Major League Pizza or a hot dog from Road Dawg. See the full list here.

Here’s what to know if you go

1. Pack water

The MoAGS is held on the first week of August. Of course, our Washington maritime climate can throw us a rain squall at any time, but expect crispy brown grass and heat.

It pays to pack in your own water. Or, if you are especially Eddie Bauer, you can always Camelpak it.

2. Park smart

What are you buying? Can you transport it? Things worth thinking about.

Larger items like furniture, of course, will need to be hauled by a truck. Do you have straps? Tarps?

Residential parking areas in the Bayside Neighborhood can fill up quick on the day of the event. You may not want to carry your treasure trove seven blocks to your hatchback. Parking strategically and perhaps frequently re-parking can save you a headache or even a backache.

3. Bring cash

Cash is the common currency of garage sales. Get bills beforehand, preferably in large and small denominations (for making exact change). This isn’t a hipster boutique where everyone has Square readers on their cell phones.

Cash also makes it easier to budget if you want to avoid impulse buying ceramic deer figurines in bulk.

4. Bargain

The MoAGS has a swap meet-like mentality. The shrewd bargain hunter can talk her way into some killer deals—if the seller is willing to negotiate. As I see it there are two ways to play the game of yard-bargain hunting.

You could show up early. The inventory of secondhand goods will be mostly intact and unpicked-over. This is to your advantage. You don’t want some rival opportunist swiping your Pendleton before you get there. Show up early and pick hard.

That could be your Pendleton flannel. Think about it.

OR you could play it the opposite way. Show up toward the end of the event and see what bargain-basement deals you can score. In the past I’ve seen several yards full of items with big signs that say “make an offer” or “everything must go.” I've seen shoppers hauling away goods by the literal truckload.

5. Take a break

Lots of homes will have drinks for you for a couple of bucks (or sometimes free!) if the heat gets to you. Need to powder your nose? Port-a-Potties are available at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park (on 13th & Colby). Need something more upscale? Real bathrooms are open at Legion Park.

The MoAGS is Saturday, August 4th from 9 AM to 4 PM in the Northwest Neighborhood. To find it, drive/bike/walk/bus/Uber north on Colby from downtown and you’ll see the signs.

Or check out/RSVP/share the FB event by clicking the big button below.

MOAGS FACEBOOK EVENT