Take a map if you are going into unfamiliar areas. If you are taking the kids, be sure to take snacks and water. And don t forget to stop by the ATM for cash, since most yard sales won t take checks. The hottest items at garage sales seem to be quality toys and tools, but these sell very quickly. So if these are on your list, plan to start early.
Many people drive around to the most promising sales even before the advertised starting time.
They are called early birds. While sellers try to discourage them, I think the early birds often get the worm. Sales in nicer neighborhoods tend to yield nicer items, though not always. Look for sales which say they are multi-family or neighborhood sales. These sales provide more choices with less driving around.