Fantastic Jumble Sales and Where to Find Them: Shopping & Saving Money

I've been wanting to make this list for my YouTube channel as it works really well for me and if you haven't subscribed to it, then you really should!

You can find out how I did the interior design in my dining room on a budget because of jumble sales and second hand shops.

However, this is my blogpost first in case I want to add to it later and has been one of my most requested video too when I've done an Outfit of the Day.

My YouTube channel is little place where I have fun sharing my bargain finds and you'll be amazed how much money I've saved on branded clothes, furniture I can up-cycle and generally anything handy I've wanted or needed.

So I am sharing my top tips on how to find Jumble Sales that should ideally work all over the UK for you, I just hope you don't live too close to me but hopefully it will encourage more charities to think of a jumble as their next money raising event.

They're cheap, fun and often sell teas, coffees and cakes for when you're shopped out!

I will say briefly though, that there is still a fair amount of snobbery when it comes to hearing the term 'Jumble Sale'.  This can work in your favour, meaning less competition on the day for a bargain, but if you have this feeling too and want to save money, you need to brush this stigma off quick to reap in the rewards.  On the other hand, some charities think the name cheapens their brand which I think is absolute tosh; it's good publicity and is more likely to be found by people who want or need a bargain.

Anyway, grab yourself a notepad and pen and let's get down to it;  that's why you're hear, isn't it?

1. Google Alerts
   This is by far the most one of the most important.  You can set up a search that will automatically notifies you by email with the results you asked it to look for the moment it gets published on a website.  Quotations are vital for this, so say I still lived in Doncaster, I would set up google alerts like this:"Jumble sale" + "Doncaster". And I wouldn't stop there.  They don't just happen in towns themselves, so I'd get a map out and would set up new ones for each surrounding village etc, such as "Jumble Sale" + "Edenthorpe", "Jumble Sale" + "Bentley", "Jumble Sale" + "Wadworth" and if you have time, use the term "rummage sale", too.  Note it isn't totally foolproof as on the odd occasion, I've been notified about a couple of hours after it started, or sometimes it misses a few, but if you only want to go to the odd one, then this is perfectly.  I just want to go to every one!  Also, I've never watched Peppa Pig, but I know there's a Jumble Sale episode, so be prepared for some misinformation from time to time.
2. Gumtree and other selling sites
   As most charities don't want to waste their profits by paying to publicise and rightly so, this is another good way to find out about jumbles.  It's not as effective as number one, but bear in mind, this may be the only way a jumble communicates to the public.  Once you go to the jumble, however, find out how often they have them.  Some don't advertise whatsoever and may hold them on the first Friday of each month for example.
3. Local Radio "What's On" sections
   I've had great luck with this format and most radio sites have a "What's On" page.  This is an important one to bookmark as it may get updated just a few days before the event.
4. Shop Windows & Noticeboards
   This is also an important one to keep your eyes peeled at all times, wherever you go.  There's one in my village that don't advertise at all, but only in my local newsagents' shop window and on that note, ask around; I go to one monthly and there is not a scrap of evidence on the internet that they even have a jumble.  Also, don't be confused by "Table Top" as they are really just private sellers like an indoor mini carboot, where they have paid the charity to have a stall on the day.  You can grab a bargain, but they won't be jumble sale prices.
5. Newspapers
   Sadly, I've found this is the most time consuming way to find them, but it really does depend on your town or village.  It's still worth a look to scour a local rag and don't forget, most can be downloaded online now in a PDF without purchasing.  Don't just look at the ad-section of the paper as there are often pleas in the form of a story, where charities are asking for bric-a-brac for their jumble sale in a couple of months.  Take note of the dates and plan ahead.  If I were a charity (and being a Journalist), I would definitely take this route to advertise without paying.  I do think it's less favourable now as less people read newspapers and that generation of readership is unfortunately dying.

And finally, a word of warning.  If you are travelling a fair way to a jumble sale, try to call the charity or venue in advance.  On the odd occasion, a jumble has been cancelled due to weather conditions and once had a lucky escape by deciding not to drive through terrible snow (turned out a church had been flooded when it melted).  Also, it goes without saying, note the date carefully - I have turned up a couple of times a day too late (doh!) and if the date doesn't match with the day, question it as most jumbles usually land on a Saturday.  Another point is, avoid going with a friend; you may get jealous of each other's finds and if you're there to seriously save some money, you won't have time to talk.  However, Mums are great companions as you can look out for each other's best interests.

Good luck & please let me know how you get on!  If you have any tips of your own, then feel free to share them below too or if you're just plain old excited about what bargain you found, tell me that too!  And don't forget to visit my YouTube Channel here!