Estate sales in Los Angeles are treasure troves waiting to be discovered. They offer a unique blend of high end luxury and nostalgic charm. Imagine a cross between a chic neighborhood garage sale and an upscale thrift store, all set within the elegant ambiance of LA’s finest homes (sometimes Hollywood celebs). From vintage fashion to antique furniture and precious artwork, estate sales offer one-of-a-kind pieces at unbeatable prices. With hundreds of these sales popping up across the city every month, savvy shoppers know that with a little patience and a keen eye, world-class treasures can be yours for a fraction of their original cost. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious first-timer, this guide will help you navigate the vibrant world of estate sales in Los Angeles.
Where to Find Estate Sales
With as many estate sales as there are around Los Angeles, finding the right place to go can be overwhelming. Many estate sales occur sporadically, so we don’t recommend any specific estate sales, but we know how to find the right ones. We’ve seen excellent collections in westside neighborhoods like Hancock Park and Beverly Hills. But also, there are tons of sales down south toward Gardena, Hawthorne, and Long Beach. No matter what neighborhood you go to, start your search on websites like estatesales.net (our fave!) or estatesales.org to locate new estate sales, auctions, and moving sales around town.
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When to Go
Saturdays are definitely where us estate sale girlies are at. Most estate sales run on the weekend from the morning to late afternoon. While some are open Saturday/Sunday, our favorite estate sales open their doors on Thursdays. These long-weekend sales tend to have a higher volume of items, leaving opportunities for more treasures at lower prices. Now you might wonder…”What time and day should I go to an estate sale in Los Angeles?”. Luckily, the rules are simple and easy to remember: you’ll find more products at higher prices on the 1st day of the sale, and there’s less products at lower prices on the last day. So, if you are on the hunt for something specific, show up in the early morning opening hours on the first day, but if you just wanna window shop, you’d find better deals toward the end of an estate sale.
Fight For the Right Price
An estate sale girl knows a good bargain when she sees one, and negotiates for the best price possible. Unlike at the mall, estate sale vendors are usually open to negotiating their prices. Eager to make a sale, they’re willing to provide competitive prices if their products seem overpriced. If there’s visible wear and tear or an unrealistic price point, bring out your inner lawyer and argue for that perfect deal. After all, since most products are vintage (aka ‘used’), vendors understand that they have to price their items fairly. Here’s some of our favorite finds at estate sales in Los Angeles:
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- Antique Books
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- Oil Painting
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- Outdoor Furnishings
What to Know Before You Go
With precious antiques at these estate sales, theft protection is every vendor’s priority. That’s why many estate sales prohibit purses and other bags on-site. Be sure to scope out their description online and plan accordingly! Try wearing your favorite pair of jeans or trousers so you can carry all your essentials (phone, credit card) and be sure to have cash in your pockets. Unlike your favorite shopping spots online and in the mall, estate sales don’t have return policies. Unfortunately, these pop-ups are synonymous with the “final sale” concept that we’re accustomed to at trendy retailers like Aritzia and TheRealReal. So make sure you try on fashion pieces and know the dimensions of the items you purchase because once you walk out with something, you can’t get your money back. Pro-tip: for furniture and artwork purchases, bring a tape measure to ensure the proper fit. Our Editor-in-Chief was able to find Chanel, Escada & Valentino pieces at an estate sale. Check out her fits which can easily be styled up for 2024.
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If you’re not quite done shopping those antique finds, check out the 15 Best Vintage Stores In LA here.
