|| Garage Sales - They're Good For You ||

This is my absolute favourite time of year. Spring is setting in, everything is in bloom and the Garage Sale Trail is just around the corner. In my eyes, it doesn’t get any better. Honestly, I get more excited for the Garage Sale Trail each year than I do for Christmas (Do you see the size of that grin ☝️😬😂)

For those whom aren’t familiar with it, the Garage Sale Trail is a national initiative encouraging communities Australia wide to host garage sales on the same weekend in an effort to reduce household waste and connect with the people around us. And, of course, find crazy, wonderful, useful and beautiful things at bargain prices. It started in one suburb six years ago and has grown with exponential force to communities all over Aus.

But why is an initiative like this important and why do we do it? Two reasons – sustainability and community.

The amount of furniture, homewares, clothing and other bits and pieces we throw away is astonishing (anyone that has driven around during verge collection time knows what I mean). We are a society of consumerist driven wasters, and our collective mindset seems to be “It is easier to throw it away than fix it/donate it/sell it/give it away.” And I understand the reasons, and I know not everything can be saved, but our mentality on what is waste needs to shift. Our landfill and environment simply can’t take it anymore. Buying secondhand is far more ethical and sustainable which in the long run is better for our environment (Whilst also being a lot more economical for us as consumers AND tax payers) Not to mention the fact that secondhand items are generally built better and last longer, making repairs possible. The fact they look great is just an aesthetically pleasing bonus.

The other reason I absolutely love the trail is the people. In a time where we are so far removed from each other, having a garage sale allows us to get back to the core of being human. To connect with someone face to face, to share stories, to learn from each other. The simple act of sharing tea. Being able to talk to someone face to face brings us back to the very basics of communicating that often feel lost in the busy days we lead.

This year will be the sixth time I have hosted a garage sale as a part of the Garage Sale Trail, and it’s easy to say I was hooked from the start. I mean, I like a good garage sale at the best of times but this was different. The entire community came out in droves to find something special whilst being able to chat and connect. It’s amazing being able to open up our space and learn about our community and the people that inhabit it.

For more information on the Garage Sale Trail head over to their website where you can also map out your trail for the day and be sure to add our sale to your trail page here.