Blue Moon Estate Sales - SWFL

Avid readers unite! Take a turn through the pages of a good read and transport yourself into a new world. Action, mystery, horror, love stories, and more, books have a way of helping us escape from reality. There are over 155 million books in circulation across the globethats a lot of stories to listen to, adventures to go on, and words to be read. Whether youre new to the reading world or have an extensive collection on your shelves, finding a rare or vintage book can be one of the most exciting experiences. At Blue Moon Estate Sales, discovering a rare read is more than possible, but knowing when youve struck gold could be tricky. Our team of estate sale experts has put together a guide to better understand the world of rare books and when you should make a purchase at your next Blue Moon Estate Sale. What Makes a Book Rare?Many books are old, antique, or unusual, but that doesnt make them rare. In order for a book to be classified as rare, the book must meet a certain set of criteria. However, the list of criteria for a rare book has been debated for centuries and is not always definitive. Typically, a book is rare depending on its printing date, number of copies issued, or historical interest. Additional factors include first editions and signed copies.Books today are printed using a technique called offset printing. This involves using a computer to digitally print illustrations and words directly onto the paper. Rare books, depending on their age, were printed on a Gutenberg printing press. When searching for books of this rarity, you can usually find a unique watermark on some of the pages, or the book itself will have a notable binding that differs from books published in the 21st century.Finding a First Edition BookThere is nothing more frustrating to a book collector than finding out the first edition they purchased is in fact not a first edition. First edition books are not rareevery book ever printed has a first edition. A first edition is classified as the first time a book is printed by a publishing company and distributed commercially. But, if your book meets other criteria, it can be classified as a rare first edition and therefore worth a lot of money (depending on the demand).In order to spot a rare first edition at a Blue Moon Estate Sale, its important to know what to look out for. There are four major criteria your book must meet in order to be considered a true first edition. In some cases, first edition will be printed on the copyright page, but you should also double-check the publisher, date, edition number, and print run to be sure.Publisher - Make sure the original publishing house is listed somewhere on the copyright page.Copyright Date - Youre on the right track to finding a rare first edition if the copyright date is the same as the publishing year.Edition Numbers - Depending on the publisher, they will have the edition number listed on the copyright page, but if its not clear, youll need to check the print run number.Print Run Number - The print run number is usually the lowest number on the copyright page. This sequence of numbers can help you determine if the book is a first edition or not. If there is a 1 in the print run, it means the book is a first edition. If the lowest number you can find is a 2 then its a second edition, and so on and so forth.For a better understanding of print run numbers, take a look at this guide from AbeBooks.Price PointsLike all book pricings, rare book values differ as the years go on. At the beginning of 2023, Readers Digest published an article outlining rare books that are currently worth a fortune. This list relates to rare books based on the current supply and demand. Though you may be able to stumble upon a rare or unique book at a Blue Moon Estate Sale, you do have to consider the condition and age of the book as well. The older the book, the more valuable it may be, but the condition of the book can drastically change that number.When shopping at a Blue Moon Estate Sale, our professionals take the time to sift through the endless amounts of books on a shelf to determine if any of them are of increased value. Before you askno you wont have to pay astronomical prices for a rare book like you would online, but you can expect to pay a higher price than you would for books published in the 20th and 21st centuries. Caring for Your Vintage BookCongratulations, you did your homework, attended a Blue Moon Estate Sale, and found the vintage book youve been searching for! Now, please handle it with care. Vintage, rare, and antique books come at a price, especially if not maintained properly. The Smithsonian Library offers information about preserving and handling your rare and vintage books, as well as guidance on appraisals and current market values.Find Rare Books at a Blue Moon Estate Sale Near YouWhether youre in search of a new book for your book club or have been on the hunt for the final piece to your collection, Blue Moon Estate Sales can help you find popular and unique titles. Browse through endless bookshelves and discover a new adventure on every page. With our on-point pricing strategies and exceptional level of organization, youll surely find exactly what youve been looking for, and more.Blue Moon Estate Sales is a nationally recognized estate sale company, providing you with ample opportunities to explore incredible books, as well as other antique items your home may need. Find an estate sale in your area today and start the hunt for your next read.Unique Items at Every Blue Moon Estate SaleBlue Moon Estate Sales provides residential and commercial liquidation services throughout the country. We are committed to meeting all our clients needs, whether youre hosting an estate sale or attending one. Shop one of our Blue Moon Estate Sales today to discover captivating books and so much morewe guarantee youll find something unique every time.

Retro-inspired homes are making a comeback and seem to be here to stay. With DIY renovations becoming more popular as the months go on, vintage is cool once again. From bold, bright furniture and eclectic wallpapers to old-school finishes and decor, its only natural that homeowners are now taking their humble abodes to the next levelwith antique appliances. In the search for unique pieces to complete the kitchen remodel, the best place to find vintage appliances to complement your design aesthetic is estate sales. At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we honor all vintage enthusiasts by offering some of the most intricately designed and stunningly handcrafted appliances around. You never know what you might find at a Blue Moon Estate Sale, but we do know the possibilities are endless. Lets take a closer look at antique appliances and everything you need to know before purchasing one.Antique Appliances You May Find at an Estate SaleAntique appliances bring a mid-century appeal to any kitchenoffering a unique style. When you attend a Blue Moon Estate Sale, youll likely discover all sorts of treasures to complete your renovation. Appliances that are classified as antique can range from 20 to 100 years old and encapsulate the retro vibes youve been searching for. There is a wide range of kitchen appliances you could find at an estate sale, but the most popular include:StovesRefrigeratorsToastersOvensPurchasing ChecklistBefore purchasing an appliance, its important to do your due diligence. Because of the large differences between vintage appliances and current ones, asking questions and understanding the product youre investing in is crucial. Thankfully, the professionals at Blue Moon Estate Sales will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Lets take a look at some of the factors that should be top of mind when purchasing a vintage appliance. Be Mindful of SpaceVintage appliances can be quite large, so before attending an estate sale in search of a new-to-you kitchen appliance, be sure you have proper measurements for the designated area. We suggest bringing a tape measure with you to ensure the vintage appliance youve found will fit in your space, as exact dimensions are sometimes not known right away. Make Sure All the Parts Are There & WorkingBetween 1959 and 1961, manufacturers shifted to building appliances with parts that needed replacement instead of repair. Essentially, once a manufacturer decided to stop making the part, the appliance became unrepairable. For this reason, we suggest doing a thorough inspection of the antique appliance youve discovered. Plugging in a vintage refrigerator at least a day prior to purchasing to ensure it works is recommended, but at an estate sale, this isnt necessarily possible. Instead, ask the Blue Moon professional when the appliance was used last and if there were any concerns. Additionally, be sure to find out if the original manual is available and if there are broken parts anywhere on the appliance.Ask QuestionsAsking questions is the key to any estate sale buying experience. Dont be afraid to speak up in order to find out if this appliance is something that will work for you. A few questions you should keep in mind are:When was the last time this appliance was used (if ever)?Have there been any issues or concerns with the appliance?Do you know when the appliance was made?Caring for Your Antique AppliancesCongratulations! Youve brought your antique appliance home, and youre ready to incorporate it into your kitchen. First and foremost, please keep in mind that vintage appliances are very heavy (more than modern appliances), so its important to handle them with care. Before installing your appliance, you should have them inspected by a professionalespecially before you start cooking. A certified antique appliance inspector will be able to check for leaks, frayed wires, electrical outlet exchanges, and so much more. This will not only keep your appliance running properly but ensure the safety of your home as well. Keep in mind that the older the appliance, the more challenging it may be to source components if they need to be replaced. Do your research for specialty shops that can work on the specific model youve purchased to guarantee proper working order.Cleaning the ApplianceThough it may seem like common sense, oftentimes, an antique appliance requires a bit more care in terms of cleaning. Use a mixture of soap and warm water to remove any dirt, grime, or debris from the appliance. For tough stains, you can use a 50/50 combination of baking soda and waterwhich is particularly effective for removing rust. Steel wool pads or fine sandpaper are also ideal for scrubbing areas where paint has chipped, or surfaces have been scratched. When in doubt, Easy-Off oven cleaner offers an effective cleaning solution for almost any appliance material. For appliances that contain antique metal finishes, take a look at this in-depth guide to cleaning metal without damaging the appliance.Discover Antique Appliances at a Blue Moon Estate SaleAt a Blue Moon Estate Sale, you never know what youre going to discover. Each of our clients has unique taste and has held on to items for years, sometimes passed down from their great-grandparents, grandparents, and so on. From intricate quilts and furniture to modern-day art pieces and old-school appliances, youll surely find something to accentuate your personal style.Dont rush the process of finding the perfect antique appliance for your home. Instead, browse the market and attend a few of our organized estate sales to ensure youve found the ideal addition to your kitchen. With our on-point pricing strategies and exceptional level of organization, youll surely find exactly what youve been looking for without breaking the bank. Find an estate sale in your area today and start the hunt for your next antique kitchen appliance. The Possibilities Are Endless at Blue Moon Estate SalesHaving provided residential and commercial liquidation services throughout the country, Blue Moon Estate Sales is committed to meeting all our clients needs. Whether youre in search of the next treasure to call your own or looking to host an estate sale for yourself, were your trusted guides to successful shopping.

The fashion crowds are always digging into the archives in order to reinvent the wheel for the seasons to come. Currently in the world of fashion, the late 90s are trending hardbringing back platform shoes, funky patterns, and low-rise jeans. Staying on top of the latest trends is one of the most important things when it comes to young peoplewhether you are considered a Gen Z, X, or millennial, fashion trends are meant for everyone.When it comes to fashion, there is no better place to find the trendiest outfit than at an estate sale. Estate sales offer the best of the best when it comes to retro fashion finds, including brand name designers and vintage delights. At Blue Moon Estate Sales, our customers discover top-notch treasures, including fabulous fashion finds.Current Vintage Fashion TrendsCurrently, the fashion industry is marketing nostalgia. From 90s minimalism to 70s prints, fashion in 2022 is taking inspiration from trends of the past. Fashion is all about mixing and matching different eras together to express your unique style. Regardless of if you prefer simple and neutral pieces or enjoy going out wearing bling and bright colors, the world of fashion welcomes everyone. One thing is for sure, vintage will never go out of style.At the moment, vintage fashion trends include:Mini-skirtsLow-rise jeansVintage leather90s patternsChunky platform shoesPuffed sleeves/shoulder padsFind What Youre Looking ForWhether youre looking for a statement shoe to pair with your favorite going-out dress or want to find the perfect cufflinks for your big wedding day, estate sales are the best place to look. In order to find exactly what youre looking for, its important to know how to identify high-profile items and determine whether youre getting a good deal on them.Identify High-End ItemsWhen on the hunt for high-end clothing items, you need to know how to examine each piece. Not all vintage fashion pieces will have the tag sewn into the neck. Often they will have the tags sewn on the inside along the bottom or side seam. Since many vintage clothing brands were handmade, they wont have a tag at all. Youll need to do your research and use online guides to help you identify the authenticity.Vintage clothing often has a copyright on the tag that you could look out for. Though the copyright year is not the year the item was manufactured, you can assume the garment was made a few years after. Any piece made before 1992 is considered vintage. Knowing this information can help you identify which items at an estate sale are authentic and which are replicas. The options will vary at each estate sale, so be prepared to invest some time in scouring the selection. You never know what youll find. In order to find exactly what youre looking for, be sure to make a list before you attend a Blue Moon Estate Sale and arrive early in order to get first pick.Proper Price PointEach estate sale will have a different way of pricing vintage clothing items, but they are typically priced based on the following factors:EraQualityPurchase costTrendAvailabilityDesignerUsually, the older the garment, the more expensive it will be. Since these items are more difficult to come by, you can expect to pay more for them. Additionally, price points are determined based on whether or not the item fits into the current trends, as well as the condition of the garment or jewelry.When searching estate sales for vintage clothing items, doing your research ahead of time will benefit you greatly. If youre hoping to stumble upon a specific treasure from the early 1920s, investigate what items similar are selling for. This will give you a good indication of what to expect to pay if and when you find what youre looking for.Discover Vintage Treasures with Blue Moon Estate SalesFashion trends change as time progresses, but theres no better way to keep trends of the past alive than by shopping for them at estate sales. Blue Moon Estate Sales offers our customers unique items at reasonable prices, assisting you in staying fashionable all year round. Estate Sales with Blue Moon Estate SalesIf youre looking for an estate sale in your area but arent sure where to start, check out Blue Moon Estate Sales. Our friendly hosts will answer any questions you have about specific pieces for sale and ensure your experience is memorable. Visit us here to discover a Blue Moon Estate Sale in your area.

Who doesnt love a good deal? From scouring the clearance ranks at your favorite department store and using coupons to pay for groceries to snagging a table at your local restaurant for happy hour prices, you cant deny that nearly everyone loves a bargain. At Blue Moon, were big advocates for good prices, and when you visit one of our estate sales, thats exactly what youre going to find.But bargain hunting can be a challenge unless youre well prepared. Rather than going at it alone, weve compiled a list of shopping tips for you to try out the next time you attend one of our estate sales. Lets take a look at how you can not only save money but add unique and vintage items to your home or business.Set a Budget Before ShoppingWeve all been there far too often. You head out to the shops with some friends, and before you know it, theyre talking you into spending your whole life savings on a pair of shoes you just have to have. We understand the urge to shop until you drop, especially at an estate sale where there are unique treasures around every corner. But, in order to bargain hunt effectively, its crucial that you set a budget before you even leave the house. Whether its a $50 limit or $500, limiting the amount of money you spend will help you stay on track with the rest of your expenses.Familiarize Yourself With Retail PricesIf you want to be able to find bargains, you should be able to recognize a good deal. To take budgeting a step further, you can do some in-depth research on the current retail market. Estate sales are full of trinkets, clothes, furniture, and other items that are available in local retail and department stores. Recognizing a great find on an item in a category youve been searching for will allow you to know just how much of a deal youre getting.For example, if youre looking for a new dining room table, browse furniture store websites for tables with the same size and style youre looking for. Take a look at the price points and keep those in mind as you shop a Blue Moon Estate Sale. You can always find items for fair market value at our sales, thanks to our professional pricing.Make a ListYou make one for the grocery store, and when you have a million things to accomplish in a day, so why not make a list for shopping at a Blue Moon Estate Sale? This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage your budget and still purchase the things you need. Its way too easy to get distracted by a gorgeous piece of wall art, some vintage furniture, or a collection of first-edition books and completely forget why you are attending an estate sale in the first place.When creating your list, be sure to include the items you absolutely needsalt and pepper shakers, end tables, coffee mugs, and more. At the bottom of this list, you can write down items you plan to purchase in the future, and if you find them while shopping, you can consult your budget to determine if theyre worth buying or waiting for. Dont Rush Your DecisionsGive yourself an hour or two to explore a Blue Moon Estate Sale and find some unique treasures. If you dont give yourself enough time to shop, you may start to feel stressed and otherwise pressured. This can quickly lead to a bad mood, which can taint the entire shopping experience. At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we want you to enjoy every moment, starting when you walk through the door. Take your time to search and find exactly what you are looking for. Then, give yourself time to think about your purchase. Pay With CashWhen you go to the grocery store, out to dinner, or to the mall, you likely pay with a credit card. While theres nothing wrong with using a credit or debit card to pay for your items, you can easily lose track of just how much money youve spent. According to NerdWallet, people spend substantially more money when they make purchases on a credit card. If youre trying to stay on budget and bargain shop at an estate sale, we recommend bringing cash with you rather than a credit card. People are known to spend less when paying with cash because its a tangible piece of paper with value attached to it. When you spend it, you can physically see that you have less in your wallet, triggering a sense to stop shopping.While we would love for you to purchase every item that makes you smile, we understand just how important sticking to a budget is. For this reason, at a Blue Moon sale, we accept all major credit cards and cash payments.Join Our Rewards ProgramThe sooner you join our loyalty program, the more you'll earn toward future finds. You can earn one point for every dollar you spend. Or you can earn points by sharing the love online and referring us to your friends. Youll even receive 25 points when you sign up and 500 points on your birthday. Earn while you shop to save money on your next purchase!Discover the Endless Deals at a Blue Moon Estate SaleAt Blue Moon Estate Sales, were dedicated to providing our clients and estate sale attendees with a friendly and fun shopping experience. Whether youre an avid bargain hunter or want to start managing your money tighter, exploring our nationally recognized estate sales could help you save. We cant guarantee youll find exactly what youre looking for on the first go-around, but that just means more opportunities to explore and find the perfect piece for your space. What are you waiting for? Grab your list and your cash, and come visit a Blue Moon Estate Sale today!Start Saving With Blue Moon Estate SalesAt Blue Moon Estate Sales, our pledge to you is simple: we promise to provide the most honest and professional estate liquidation service in the country, complete with clear systems, guidelines, and true transparency. From hosting a Blue Moon Estate Sale to attending one, our expert team is here to help you make money, save money, and everything in between. Find an estate sale in your area today and bargain hunt like the best of them!

Downsizing in any capacity can be a stressful task to take on. Whether youre moving from one home to another, have accumulated more clothes than your closet can handle, or simply want to start fresh, decluttering is the best way to start living a new way of life. One of the easiest ways to remove items from your home that no longer serve a purpose is to host an estate sale.At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we can help you downsize in days! With over 10 years of successfully planning, staging, and promoting estate sales, our experts can guide you through the most beneficial ways to start fresh and have a minimalist mindset. The Benefits of DownsizingMaintaining a state of harmony between yourself and your home provides a range of benefits that are backed by science. First and foremost, decluttering reduces stress levels drastically. Messy spaces mean more cleaning in the future. This means the mess continues to grow over time, and so does the mental weight of knowing your home is never fully clean.Additional benefits include:Helps fight depressionMakes it easier to focusLeads to better eating habitsImproves air qualityCut Back on ClutterWe know it well, the infamous mystery drawer. Theres always one drawer or cabinet in every home that acts as a catch-all. Some call it a junk drawer, others call it a hodgepodge. Regardless of how its referenced in your home, its the area where items enter and are never seen again. Dont let your home become a catch-all for items you no longer need or use. Instead, cut back on the clutter, reduce your environmental footprint, and live a simpler life.Start ImmediatelyOne of the most common mistakes homeowners make when attempting to declutter their home is procrastination. What sounds like a great idea at the moment can quickly become an Ill do it tomorrow problem. This is especially stressful during a time when you must vacate your home for a move in a timely manner.Rather than putting off your downsizing attempts for another day, start as early as you can to provide yourself with enough time for a break. Youll quickly realize you dont feel as rushed to get things done, and you can comb through each item with carefeeling confident you made the right decision during the estate sale process.Address One Room at a TimeTackling a complete home decluttering project can seem like an impossible task, but there is a way to make it feel less overwhelming. First and foremost, focus on one room at a time. Trying to tackle multiple rooms at once can quickly become exhausting and confusing, but when you focus on a single room, youre able to manage the process more effectively.Additionally, create small tasks in each room. Perhaps you start with the closet and make your way to the dressers and nightstands, or focus on the clothes first and then trinkets and books. Deciding on items to donate or sell from a section of the room will make the entire downsizing process go much more smoothly. Categorize Your ItemsHere comes the most difficult part of the downsizing process: determining what will stay and what will go. Sort your belongings into three categories: keep, trash, and donate/sell. Take careful consideration of each item before deciding which pile it belongs in. Clothing, for example, has a general rule of thumbif you havent worn it in the last six months, chances are you wont wear it in the next six months. Follow this rule for the remaining items in your home in terms of use and wear, and eliminate items that are no longer of value to you.Duplicates Arent NecessaryHave you ever wondered why you have 8 bottle openers lying around in your kitchen? Dont worry, we wonder the same thing in our own homes. Duplicate items are easily acquired but are rarely discarded. Downsizing is the perfect opportunity to get rid of these duplicates and free up space for more useful items. Downsize Easily with a Blue Moon Estate SaleMoving can be a lot of hard work, but eliminating valuables you no longer need shouldnt be. With the help of Blue Moon Estate Sales, we can do the heavy lifting for you. Once youve gone through your belongings and determined whats coming with you and what should stay, our professionals will come in and organize your estate sale. Were able to explain what items have the best resale value and what should be donated to your local thrift shop, assisting in additional decluttering.If youre ready to host an estate sale and better your living conditions by removing items youve held onto for years, find a Blue Moon near you to get started.The Professional Estate Sale Company You NeedBlue Moon Estate Sales has been providing residential, commercial, and moving estate sale services since 2009, consistently exceeding our clients expectations both in service and compassion. We have locations all across the United States and are ready to help you create the life youve always dreamed of living. Visit bluemoonestatesales.com/have-an-estate-sale to get started.