What to buy (and skip) at estate sales in Chicago
Estate sales in Chicago are where vintage dreams and bargain-hunting fantasies come to life—if you know what to look for. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned thriftista, I’ll help you spot the gold, and make the most of every early Saturday morning adventure.
What to buy at estate sales
Vintage furniture (especially solid wood)
Estate sales are the holy grail for quality, vintage, and mid-century modern pieces.
Look for:
- Dovetail drawers
- Teak, walnut, or oak wood
- Credenzas, bookshelves, coffee tables
- Unupholstered chairs for easy DIY projects
Tip: Bring a tape measure and know the dimensions of your vehicle. Bring cash and blankets for transport.
Cookware & kitchen treasures
Estate sales often yield well-made, heavy-duty items that last forever.
Snag:
- Cast iron skillets (look for Wagner, Griswold, Lodge)
- Pyrex and Fire-King glassware
- Dutch ovens, muffin tins, and copper molds
- Vintage utensils, mixing bowls, breadboxes
Tip: Avoid scratched or heavily used non-stick cookware, which can be unsafe.
Fabric, craft supplies & linens
You’ll often find entire sewing rooms or craft bins brimming with unused or barely-touched supplies.
Buy:
- Wool, cotton, silk, or linen fabric
- Embroidery thread, buttons, vintage zippers
- Crocheted doilies, hand-embroidered tablecloths
- Bins of ribbon, wrapping paper, and vintage gift tags
Tip: If it’s been in a basement, sniff it before you commit. Moldy smells are hard to get rid of.
Hand tools & workshop finds
Estate sales often yield fantastic deals on hand tools—especially if the homeowner was a hobbyist or tradesperson.
Great finds:
- Hammers, saws, screwdrivers, wrenches
- Power tools (if tested on-site!)
- Garden shears, spades, and old metal watering cans
- Vintage toolboxes or hardware drawers
Tip: Skip anything rusty beyond repair or without working parts unless you love a fixer-upper project.
What to skip at estate sales
Electronics & appliances
That VHS player might work. But then again, it might not. And there are usually no returns.
Skip:
- Old TVs, DVD players, printers
- Blenders and appliances with frayed cords
- Unmarked speakers or mystery wires
Heavily used bedding or mattresses
Unless it’s vintage textiles, steer clear of anything with stuffing or stains.
Avoid:
- Mattresses
- Pillows (unless decorative and clean)
- Electric blankets or heated mattress pads
Everyday clothes
Unless it’s high-quality vintage, estate sale clothing tends to be more practical than fashionable.
Exceptions: real leather, vintage denim, wool coats, or handmade pieces.
Where to find estate sales in Chicago
These companies and apps regularly host or list Chicago-area estate sales:
Apps & listings
- EstateSales.net – Chicago
- EstateSales.org
- Yard Sale Treasure Map (app) – Great for planning your route
- Facebook Marketplace – Look under “Garage & Estate Sales”
Thriftista tips for estate sale day
- Bring cash. Not all sales take cards, especially smaller ones.
- Arrive early for best selection; come back late (or the next day) for deals.
- Bring a reusable bag or basket to carry your finds.
- Test electronics or tools if outlets are available.
- Map your route if you’re hitting multiple sales in a day.
Final word
Estate sales are one of the best ways to find high-quality vintage and secondhand goods—often cheaper than thrift stores, and far more interesting. Come prepared, shop smart, and you just might walk away with a teak credenza, cast iron skillet, and vintage wrapping paper… for under $100.
