How to prepare for your Yard Sale adventure:

Who doesn't love a great bargain? And yes, they CAN be found at your local yard sales. But, it's best to be prepared for your outing.

First do a little research ahead of time. By this I mean check out your local newspapers to see where the sales are. Make a list and plan your route accordingly. This way you're not wasting time going in circles. People will list where they are holding their yard sales and you can plan a direct route to include them all. Maybe you'll need a street directory. A great investment anyway! With gas prices so high, there's no need to waste it!

My second preperation tip is to bring a Yard Sale Survival Kit with you. I use one of those plastic shoe boxes with a lid and keep it in the car. Here are some items you may want to include:

• A Map
• A Tape measure (say you find curtains-measurements help!)
• Handi-wipes (dirty hands!)
• Purell
• a pen
• Small notebook (to keep track of what you bought or what you are looking for)
• Snack (a granola bar, etc)
• Water (It's HOT out there!)
• Batteries to test if items work

These are just some general ideas, and items I always keep on hand. What good is an item that doesn't work or fit? Sure it may have only cost a quarter, but now you are stuck with it!

Now the third tip is simple, but often overlooked. Make sure you have small bills and lots of coins on hand. This is especially important if you are venturing out later in the day. The seller may not be able to make change due to so many before you paying with larger bills. Always carry a good supply of ones and fives with you!

Now, lastly, are you venturing out with children? I always take my son with me and I've learned a few things in doing so.

• Make sure they have entertainment in the car (a Game Boy, book, etc)
• Make sure they drink plenty of fluids and have a snack themselves
• Give them their own cash. I have a small box filled with coins for my son. This is his spending cash. He knows he will always be able to buy, but he has to manage his own money. A great teaching experience!
• Let them be involved! Ask their opinion on what you are considering. My son loves this!
• Watch them at all times. You are at another person's house and they should behave accordingly.
• Do not get lost in your excitement. Watch for signs that they have had enough. No one wants to deal with your cranky child!

Going to a Yard Sale prepared will help to insure that there is no buyer's remorse once you get your items home. I hope these ideas have helped.

The most important thing is:

• Have Fun!