Garage Sales in the Era of Free Piles

When I saw this sign last weekend, I did a double take. A garage sale, I remember thinking, people still do those? Upon reflection, I can see that’s a crazy first reaction, but not necessarily where I live. As Lucy and I walked on, I thought about how my neighborhood is really a big, dispersed, unattended garage sale. I often feel like I’m roaming the aisles of a thrift store when I’m out walking my dog.

Our streets are covered in free stuff: whether in boxes or splayed on the sidewalk, there are piles of books, clothes, shoes, homewares, car seats, sports equipment, picture frames, art, vases, high chairs, dishes, and of course, furniture. Most of it is pretty good quality, is available 24/7, and is all free for the taking. These are also attributes of online giving/swapping/selling (minus the free) but without the hassle of having to email with someone or make or respond to posts.

And yet, despite the proliferation of less personal and in some ways simpler alternatives, the humble garage sale, where one needs to price every item, advertise the event—likely both online and with adorable homemade signs—then interact with neighbors and strangers to exchange gently worn goods for money, still, somehow persists. What a comforting thought on this foggy Tuesday. I hope it was a success.