For many, it can seem crushingly inevitable that your life as a student will be one that lacks funds, and that you may need to make some sacrifices with your living situation as a result. One way to fight back is to visit garage sales often. Garage sales are kind of like looking for a needle in a haystack—a lot of it is just going to be junk, and it may take some time to find something of value.
But they also have huge potential to benefit cash-strapped students who can find old furniture, appliances, housewares, and whatever else they may need for very low prices. Even better, sellers are almost always willing to haggle and negotiate on these prices, because that’s what neighbours do. They are even more understanding when you explain you’re a student.
The Great Glebe Garage Sale has come and gone, and the downside is that it occurred after the school year has ended for university students. There should be a similar community event in September, or the existing one should be moved to that month, so that students can benefit just as much as everyone else closer to move-in days. Garage sales are a great opportunity to shop thrifty and smart while avoiding big box stores.
IKEA is great, but there are plenty of old desks sitting in people’s garages just waiting to be picked up by you for $10. Garage sales are the perfect way for students to save the increasingly limited amount of money they have.
