Rhoda Montgomery, who writes the Southern Hospitality blog, suggests having either a mental or written list of what you want or need.
"I can't tell you how many times I've found just what I was looking for at a yard sale just by being patient and not rushing to the store to buy it," says Montgomery, who has shopped neighborhood sales for more than 15 years.
If you wait, the item usually shows up, she says. In the past, she has found home decor items, office supplies, small furniture pieces and clothes without ever entering a retail store.