Yard/Rummage Sales?

I have been starting to think, albeit a bit prematurely, about what I will be bringing vs. getting rid of. I asked DH about yard sales in the UK, but he seems to think that they are not common there. Being that he is a guy, and would not notice a yard sale if it introduced itself, I am wondering just how accurate that is. I adore yard sales to find bargains as well as for the great people watching opportunities it lends. I am endlessly fascinated by seeing how people will display their 'junk' as well as how much they want for it! My latest great find is a bright red (new!) trenchcoat that I would have never paid retail for, but picked up for $1. 

So is it true that yards sales are not common?

I've yet to see or hear about one here.  I think most people go to car boot sales, if anything.

We do car boot sales instead.  

Houses here dont have 'yards', they have gardens, (unless it really is a 'yard',  which is usually just a bit of concrete...) and most people would not be keen to have the neighbourhood and beyond tramping over their gardens!

Sorry to seem dense, but what is the difference?

With a car boot sale, you dont have people coming to your house... you take all your stuff to a field or car park (usually) and sell it from your car (hence the term 'car boot sale').

With a car boot sale, you pack up all your junk and take it a central place.  You rent a stall and sell your stuff.  Just a big yard sale, but you have lots of competition!

Ahh. Thank you. 

And it's a brilliant Sunday pastime... loads of people turn up for these things, regardless of the weather!

It sounds like a load of fun! Looking forward to checking those out.

Courtney, you're gonna LOVE car boot sales! They're brilliant! The place I go (yes, nearly every Sunday  ) also has fresh fruit & veg as well as plants and stuff for the garden. And there's an indoor bit next to the field o' cars which has new stuff -- not as exciting, but a good place to pick up household cleaning supplies, cheap T-shirts, etc.

Goodies AND fresh produce?? I think I've died and gone to heaven!

I always whine to my husband about this. Why dont they have yard sales here! He said sometimes kids do and sure enough over the summer you can often see little kids like 7 year olds on the sidewalk selling toys and stuffed animals. Weird.

No lemonade stands? 

That is weird, Pebbles! I've never seen kids selling their toys on the streets around here!!! It's kind of sad, isn't it??? lol

We do have kids selling lemonade from time to time, though. On those rare hot days!

Also, if people have too much garden produce in the summer (the dreaded courgettes!), they tend to put boxes of 'em out on their front steps or on the pavement in front of their house. It's either free if they're desperately trying to get rid of them, or else a pittance. People around here also do that with old paperback books.

Also, if people have too much garden produce in the summer (the dreaded courgettes!), they tend to put boxes of 'em out on their front steps or on the pavement in front of their house. It's either free if they're desperately trying to get rid of them, or else a pittance. People around here also do that with old paperback books.

What a great idea! You can make a mock apple pie with courgettes that really does taste like apple pie. Prob came from someone who had too many courgettes in the garden that year.