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.
Here is our list of items to put on your flea market checklist.
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1. Books – From oldie but goodie cookbooks to novels to DIY guides to school books for the kids, flea markets can have great reading selections. Quality hardcover books are often priced at $1 or less.
2. Storage 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Fabric – Curtains, bedspreads, blankets, and sheets can be used as is or repurposed in a variety of ways for your home and property.
7. Old Windows, Ladders, and Doors – 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. Large Buckets, Sinks, and Tubs – These items can be used as water and feed troughs for your animals, as planters in your garden or as containers for any number of homestead supplies.
9. Toys, Games, and Puzzles – You and your family can spend many happy hours playing games and puzzles that you purchase inexpensively from flea markets. Chances are good your kids will find a fun toy or two to keep them entertained – at least for a while.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Baby Equipment – You may find gently-used strollers, baby beds, playpen, baby carriers and other items for your little ones at a flea market.
13. Shoes and Clothing – Are your kids growing out of everything? Are you spending more time than ever outdoors? Look for big savings on clothing, coats, hats, gloves, shoes, and boots.
14. Sewing Items – Flea markets can have incredible prices on thread, patches, yarn, needles, fabric, patterns and even sewing machines.
15. 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.
16. Bicycles – Bikes and exercise equipment frequently find their way to flea markets. Be sure to ask to take a bicycle out for a test drive before purchase.
17. Pet Supplies – The cost of owning pets can skyrocket if you buy new supplies. Visit flea markets for good prices on pet leashes, harnesses, collars, kennels and crates.
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.
Have you ever found an incredible deal at a flea market? Comment below and tell us about it!
MORNING from SEATTLE,WA. I have gotten a lot of stuff off “CRAIGSLIST” for free like KEROSENE HEATER and just KEROSENE! I even got a KEROSENE STOVE real cheap! EVEN a cast iron cooking stuff ! NOTHING BETTER THAN FREE!
We found our wood cookstove at a flea market. Everything was intact, it just needed a good clean up. We hit the local flea markets every weekend and have bought so many useful items like vintage tools and kitchen items, parts for my vintage sewing machines, good prices on ammo, plants and produce.
I’m a vendor at a swapmeet and I’ve learned that sometimes its better to buy new since some of the things you find are not always in Woking condition and some vendors won’t tell you or will tell you that it works great (usually only the fly by nighters do that) so check thourghly on any machanical or gas operated stuff and avoid electronics unless they have a way to test them
That is why I shop for the “FREE Stuff “ on Craigslist ! You look long Enough you well be surprise what good stuff you can get for “ FREE” I have got over 50 gals. Of kerosene and a few kerosene lamps ! Since I am retired and disable I have lots of time and not much $$$$$
They also make heat,but watch out for the carbon monoxide in tight locations. They work well when then the power goes out for days on end.Like up here in northern Alberta Canada.
would not recommend buying shoes second hand as they can ruin your kids feet.