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If you want to get some great bargains for your homestead, it’s time to start visiting flea markets. Flea markets get their name from “marché aux puces,” a French phrase that literally translates to “market of fleas.” The name comes from the fact that the first outdoor bargain markets in Paris often included items that were old and worn and possibly full of fleas.
Today’s flea markets, however, feature a wide variety of quality second-hand clothing, household supplies, and equipment that can save you a bundle. It’s worth the time to visit your local flea markets on a regular basis to look for things that can make your homesteading life easier or more convenient at a fraction of what they would cost new.
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Here is our list of items to put on your flea market checklist.
1. Appliances
You might pick up a great deal on large home appliances such as a washing machine or a dishwasher. Check these machines out carefully to make sure they are in good operating order before purchasing, however.
Also keep an eye out for quality smaller appliances such as food processors, bread machines, ice cream makers, crockpots, dehydrators, grain mills and coffee grinders. Hand-operated machines are good choices for homesteaders who live off the grid.
2. Baby Equipment
Kids grow fast, and baby gear can get expensive when bought new. Flea markets are a great place to find gently-used strollers, high chairs, baby carriers, and cribs at a fraction of retail prices. Just be sure to check for recalls, broken parts, or excessive wear before bringing them home.
3. Bedding (Blankets, Quilts, etc.)
Handcrafted textiles often find their way to flea markets. These pieces are not only beautiful but also hold a rich history and are often much warmer and more durable than factory-made blankets. They can be utilized for bedding, cozying up on cold nights, or even as decorative wall hangings.
4. Bicycles
Bikes can be real assets on a homestead. In a fuel shortage or grid-down situation, a sturdy bicycle provides reliable transportation for short trips. Cargo racks, trailers, or baskets make them useful for hauling small loads as well.
At flea markets, you can often find bikes for a fraction of their retail cost. Just be sure to inspect the frame, tires, and chain for wear, and if possible, take it for a quick test ride before buying. Even if it needs a little tune-up, a secondhand bike can be a worthwhile investment.
5. Books
Beyond the usual novels and school books, flea markets often have hidden gems for homesteaders. Old cookbooks, gardening manuals, sewing guides, and even vintage repair handbooks can be incredibly useful. These kinds of books are hard to find new, but flea markets are full of them for just a dollar or two.
By the way, here are some books every homesteader should own.
6. Buckets, Sinks, and Tubs
Oversized containers like buckets, sinks, and tubs are incredibly versatile around a homestead. They can serve as water troughs for livestock, feed bins, planters for container gardening, or even washing stations for produce and clothes.
Old galvanized tubs and enamel sinks also make attractive rustic décor while still being functional. At flea markets, these items often show up cheap, and with a little cleaning or patching, they can last for years.
7. Building Materials (Doors, Windows, Ladders, etc.)
These items can be refinished and repainted for use in your home, your outbuildings or even as charming garden décor. For example, an old ladder can become a plant stand indoors or outdoors. A door can be part of a sturdy and attractive table, and a window can work well in a chicken coop. You also can repurpose shutters for vertical gardening.
8. Camping Gear
Tents, tarps, sleeping bags, cook stoves and cast-iron pots are important pieces for a homesteader to own. Yet, they are pricey when purchased new. Look for quality used items at flea markets that still have years of service left in them.
9. Canning Jars
Whether you use them for food preservation, as drinking glasses, as vases or for other purposes around the homestead, sturdy glass canning jars are usually plentiful at flea markets. It’s not unusual to find them priced at around $3 for a dozen jars.
10. Cast Iron Cookware
Skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles are staples for any homestead. They last forever, cook evenly, and can go straight from stovetop to campfire. Flea markets are often full of well-seasoned cast iron pieces at bargain prices.
11. Clothing
Work boots, gloves, coats, and durable outdoor wear are must-haves for homesteading life, and flea markets are full of them at low prices. You can also pick up kids’ clothing for play and chores without worrying if it gets stained or torn. It’s a smart way to keep your family dressed for every season without breaking the budget.
12. Communication Devices
Classic radios, particularly those that are hand-crank or battery-operated, can be valuable assets when living off the grid. They not only provide entertainment but can also be crucial in times of emergency for receiving updates. Additionally, CB radios or walkie-talkies might be available, aiding in remote communication.
13. Containers
Baskets, buckets, wooden boxes, barrels and other containers can come in handy around your homestead. Flea markets are often full or attractive, useful storage options at great prices. Some vintage containers are so decorative, they can double as home décor pieces as well as being useful.
14. Entertainment (Toys, Games, and Puzzles)
Homestead families need downtime, too. Used board games, puzzles, and toys are cheap entertainment, and they’re especially valuable during long winters or power outages when electronic distractions aren’t available. They’re also a great way to keep kids occupied while you’re working on projects.
15. Fabric
Don’t overlook piles of fabric, old blankets, or even curtains. These can be repurposed into quilts, clothing patches, homemade bags, or even garden row covers. With a little creativity, secondhand fabric can save you money and provide endless uses around the homestead.
16. Firewood and Kindling Supplies
You can sometimes find bundled firewood, old wooden crates, or even scrap lumber at flea markets. These make excellent fuel sources for wood stoves, fireplaces, or outdoor cooking.
17. Furniture
Well-made furniture never goes out of style. You can find bargains on tables, chairs, bookshelves, and cabinets at flea markets. Outdoor furniture can double your living space in nice weather.
18. Gardening Supplies
From old-fashioned hand tools to terracotta pots, you can often find durable gardening items at flea markets. Vintage watering cans, seed trays, and gardening gloves, among other items, can be discovered at a fraction of the price of new ones. If you’re lucky, you might even come across some heirloom seeds!
19. Kitchen Gadgets (especially hand-powered)
In the days before electric appliances became commonplace, many kitchen tasks were performed using hand-powered devices. From hand-cranked egg beaters to manual coffee grinders, these gadgets are built to last. They’re especially handy for off-grid living, where electricity might be a luxury.
20. Lights (Lamps and Candles)
You often can find new or almost new candles at giveaway prices at flea markets. Kerosene lamps are another useful find for the prepared homesteader.
21. Pet Supplies
Pet ownership can get pricey, but flea markets often have supplies like leashes, collars, kennels, and large animal crates for a fraction of store prices. Some items can even double as gear for chickens, rabbits, or other small livestock, making this a smart place to stock up.
22. Sewing Items
Thread, yarn, patches, and fabric scraps can all be put to use for mending clothing or making new items from scratch. You might even come across vintage sewing machines that are built to last for decades. Patterns, buttons, and zippers are also common finds, giving you everything you need to keep your family clothed.
23. Tools
Check flea markets frequently for low prices on well-made, brand-name tools to add to your home and garden collection. Battery-operated tools are a great find. Also look for nails, screws, and bolts at very low prices. Here's a list of the most important tools for homesteaders.
24. Wagons and Handcarts
Moving heavy loads of soil, firewood, or supplies is a lot easier with a sturdy cart. Used wheelbarrows, wagons, and dollies often show up at flea markets for far less than new prices.
25. Water Storage (Jugs, Rain Barrels, etc.)
Large barrels or even old food-grade drums can be repurposed for rainwater collection. Water storage is critical for homesteaders, and flea markets are a cheap place to find containers that can be cleaned and reused.
Be Ready to Haggle
Prices at flea markets are negotiable, and many people find that the bargaining process is part of the fun of flea market shopping. To get the best deals, here are a few tips:
- Arrive early at the sale to see full selection.
- Bring cash.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Bundle items together for lower pricing.
- Treat vendors with courtesy.
- Vendors may be willing to offer better deals near closing time.
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