Some Welcome Spring With Garage Sales

For many families garage sales aren't just a hobby, they're a must in a bad economy. With Spring here, you can expect lots of competition this weekend. We've found one sale that has people driving in from all across the state.

If there's one thing you can count on in the Heights, it's that there will be a garage sale every Saturday morning. Most advertise "everything but the kitchen sink," but not all can promise this: "The garage sale of awesomosity."

Then again, not every host is Courtney Barton. Her blog, insidetheloopblog.com, is nationally known for dispensing the latest on fashion and design. "People go there for a certain aesthetic, so when they hear we're putting on a garage sale they get excited. They think things they read about on my blog will be representative of stuff we're selling."

To an extent, she says, you'll find her good taste on a budget. Fabric swatches, vintage lamps, a reel of maps and even a custom bike will be closely examined by bargain shoppers.

If you don't want to go to all the trouble of throwing your own sale, the guys at Houston based Grand Slam Garage Sales will sell your stuff. "We have a newsletter that goes out to 400 people. We have trained professionals so they're up to date on how to price every item," said Kegan Blumenthal, Human Resources Manager.

The company has seen a 50 percent increase in business in the past few months. Barton recruited family, friends and neighbors to sell at her sale.

Each has a reason for wanting to trade the sentimental for cash.

"Well we have a little one on the way, our first," said Barton's sister, Leigh Baxter.

Barton's parents filled a whole trailer, wanting to retire soon. And Courtney is moving overseas, hoping what some might call a glamorous garage sale will give her the funds she needs.

The sale begins at 7 a.m. at the corner of Melwood and Julian in the Heights.
 

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