Forum Topic

Yard Sales in Acton

The editor very kindly put something on the front page last week about a website I have set up promoting the idea of yard sales across London.If you don't know what that is, it's like a car boot sale but in your own front garden or communal space. (http://www.londonyardsale.co.uk)Next weekend (May 14th), and the weekend after that there are going to be a few yard sales in Acton where the idea seems to be taking off quite quickly. If you have stuff you're saving for e-bay or a car boot sale, why not give it a try. Or if you've been prevaricating instead of having a clear-out, then fix a date and you'll have no more excuses. All listings are free during May plus we're donating to the Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund for every listing received this month.We'd love to know what people think of the site and of the idea so all comments, good or bad, gratefully received.

Clare Gittins ● 5614d37 Comments

Beware, there have been many recent reports of burglaries, followed by people cruising around offering items for sale, make sure you know who you are dealing with.

Chris Bell ● 5614d

I have been to many in the USA over the years and have got some great bargains for my daughter who lives there but i believe they are regulated by the state....you have to apply to have one and are limited on maybe just 2 per year and have to be advertised in the local newspaper. Only one small area (a few streets) can have them on the same day.Great idea though...Good luck

Ellie Rose ● 5614d

This is odd.. I got a helpful letter from the relevant department at Ealing Council - they told me there were no by-laws covering yard sales but read more here: http://www.londonyardsale.co.uk/how-to/Or are you referring to USA regulations?Just had a new listing for a yard sale in Cumberland Park tomorrow in case anyone is interested.

Clare Gittins ● 5614d

Yes, sorry, i was referring to USA regulations. I think it has a lot to do with traffic movement/parking on the sale days there in residential areas. Some i have been to, have had large amounts of vehicles trying to park and, blocking access to surrounding streets and homes.Shhhh..........Don't tell Doris !!

Ellie Rose ● 5614d

I think it's a great idea. Less trouble than taking stuff to a boot sale, and you get to know your neighbours.

sam james ● 5614d

Ellie - I am hoping Doris will approve (less for landfill); Sam - thanks. We think so too - and the one we did last summer was great fun.PS: Cumberland Park advertised tomorrow have postponed until next weekend (May 14th) so anyone who was going, please take note..

Clare Gittins ● 5614d

Clare, absolutely no problem with me - I usually plonk things out front with a note on them saying 'help yourself' and they are usually gone in a couple of hours....!! Possibly encouragement should be given to those coming to the sales to come 'by foot' in the advertising.

Dee Cook ● 5614d

ClaireI have a lot of books that could do with being included in a yard sale. I'm in Baldwyn Gardens and could take them around to anyone in the vicinity who might like to include them on a table top. Plus handbags...

Jocelyn Ridley ● 5612d

Hi JocelynSorry I can't help: there isn't room in my front garden for more than two of us plus tables and - hopefully - a few customers. Why not have a yard sale in Baldwyn Gardens? There are 6 in Acton Central on Saturday. The more the merrier - or two more sales in Acton the following weekend. We're trying to start a trend for people to have yard sales in London. It really is fun and if you try it you may be surprised... Do send me an email if you like: theteam@londonyardsale.co.uk

Clare Gittins ● 5611d

Good to see it featured in the Evening Standard today and hope that brings lots of customers.I wonder what sells really well at these things

Sara Nathan ● 5609d

Come over to the other side of Horn Lane (around the corner of St Vincent & Springfied Gardens) to the yard sale on Sunday from 11.00 till 16.00 at 26 creswick road with plants, bric a brac, lego, kids shoes etc.

Ireen Esmann ● 5608d

There's another one signed up in Goldsmith Avenue on Saturday isn't there - no 33 I think. that must be half a dozen - practically a market.

Sara Nathan ● 5607d

It's more than that!Full listings here http://www.londonyardsale.co.uk/west-london-2/ but at the last count there are a total of 9 in Acton with 6 of those in Goldsmith Ave/Road; then one in Lynton Road, one in Cumberland Park and one in Cumberland Road. The Evening Standard called it an 'epidemic'!

Clare Gittins ● 5607d

Oops! Into double figures now - just received another notification from a late-comer in Goldsmith Ave..

Clare Gittins ● 5607d

Have posted a promotion on the Chiswick site for you (cos I feel guilty at not being able to come and join in) Will I get struck off - even though I have no "interest"?

Sara Nathan ● 5607d

All promotion is good promotion! What's wrong with Sunday?Are we the only Sunday yard sale? Saturday seems swamped! Good thing we are with doing it with 6 of Acton's Most Marvelous Ladies.  At least we make up in numbers, just got the scone ingredients to go with the cuppas and might even have a sneaky pimms!!!  Must iron the home made bunting whcih got a bit creased during the Shakespear Road Wedding Street Party!!!!    ps. Still need more small plant pots for Derwentwater School. Have had other request, so bring them along!!!!

Ireen Esmann ● 5607d

No chance!

Clare Gittins ● 5606d

Sorry that was answering Sara's post asking me whether she had been struck off. Obviously not a good idea to stay up so late.

Clare Gittins ● 5606d

Big day ahead Clare - Was it the exthitement kept youawake?

Sara Nathan ● 5606d

How did it all went in your way guys ? A very nice steady stream of people most of the afternoon on Lynton RoadNice to meet lots of locals and very freindly peopleTo be reapeated I hope !

Philippe Bruyer ● 5606d

yes, it was great!  Met loads of people and decluttered. Perhaps we could make Acton the Yardsale capital of London - one weekend a month?

Michelle Laurie ● 5606d

I wonder if all did well and whether an individual yard sale is liekly to do better or worse if there are several others in the area on the same day - if the former than a concerted effort sounds a good idea.

Sara Nathan ● 5606d

While clearing front garden for tomorrow's sale which is now 5 ladies and a lad at least 15 people screeched to a halt expecting to see a sale.  Did point out our sale was tomorrow ,on sunday (11-4) and sent them on to West Acton Primary Boot Sale. Hope they have some cash left for our warers!!!!

Ireen Esmann ● 5606d

Hope yours goes well today Ireen.We had a great day - around 40 people came. Brownies sold extremely well (including the gluten-free ones!) and we made a respectable amount - sold a hoover (if you  bought it and are reading this, can you drop round and pick up your hoover bags which you left behind?). Lots of neighbours joined in on the day. My neighbour opposite decided at the last minute to set hers up, made £100 and has given it to me to donate to the Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund!The children, particularly, seemed to enjoy it and it was altogether a lovely community event. And weren't we just so lucky with the weather?Lots of requests for more yard sales from customers and stall holders, but we certainly won't be doing it every week! Thanks to everyone who took part. Next weekend I'm sure more people will join in with the one in Perryn Road, hopefully in Lexden Road too.

Clare Gittins ● 5605d

Was it worth the effort?

Sara Nathan ● 5605d

Much less effort than a car boot (apparently - I've never done one). Do you mean worth it in the financial sense or for soul department?

Clare Gittins ● 5605d

Overall - the amount of work, hassle, pricing, standing about waiting for customers against the good things about it: decluttering and maybe raising a bit (though I suspect not much) cash

Sara Nathan ● 5604d

Well I enjoyed it. The friend who brought her stuff over to make the most of the Goldsmith Ave yard sale event was thrilled. She made quite a bit. So did I. The quiet moments were few and far between (a steady stream of 40-50 customers takes up a surprising amount of time) but when they happened we had time for a gossip and a cup of tea and a wave and a two-minute trip to the yard sale over the road. And we both made a nice amount to donate to charity. And Emmaeus House seemed delighted with the bags of my husband's secondhand clothes which I took down there today.Next weekend, yard sales in Perryn Road and Lexden Road. The Perryn Road one looks like it might expand to other houses, too.I suspect if the CCA wanted to raise some money, it would be a perfect way to run a community event. In fact, my Dad is thinking of running one where he lives to raise money for the RNLI.

Clare Gittins ● 5604d

"Next weekend, yard sales in Perryn Road and Lexden Road. The Perryn Road one looks like it might expand to other houses, too."At 10 Lexden Road we'll be doing a sale on Saturday, May 21 from 1-4pm.  Lots of children's games, toys, dress-up items, children's clothes, DVDs, a child's bike, plus home-made baked goods.  Hope you drop by.

Kim Bobsin ● 5603d

Well done Clare and all the others involved.........great stuff

Dee Cook ● 5602d

This sounds like a great idea! Was anybody selling books - if so, was there much of a market for them? I have loads to get rid of (but no transport) Equally happy to make them available to any bona fide charities if people can collect.......

Anne dAboville ● 5602d

Lots of books and I'd say I sold half. For interest, Oxfam Book shop is having  book drive starting this week and you can always take the leftovers there.

The Editor ● 5602d

Just a reminder of two yard sales in Acton today. 10 Lexden Road and 33 Perryn. The Perryn Road one is already up and running - and she has the most fabulous collection of vintage designer clothes. Don't miss it!

Clare Gittins ● 5599d

What is the difference between vintage and second hand?  Is vintage just a nice way of saying second hand?

Jen Morty ● 5599d

It's a good question. If I was selling a hairdryer or a hoover, I would say they were secondhand. If I was selling a Chanel frock, (not that I would, if I had one) I would say it was vintage. If I was selling some of my odd bits of kitchen crockery, I would say it was secondhand, but if it was Meissen or Wedgewood then that would make it Vintage. It's all rather confusing... I bought my son a lovely old sweater from Oxfam which was St Michael. I would class that as Vintage. But a 6 year old M&S frock? Not sure..The stuff on sale in Perryn Road was definitely a good mix of vintage and secondhand, though.

Clare Gittins ● 5599d

So you define it in terms of quality.  I suppose I thought of it in terms of age like cars,  vintage is older.  But in terms of clothes vintage seems to be used a lot these days and I think you are probably right.

Jen Morty ● 5599d

We're having another yard sale today. Starts at 12:00-3:00pm. At No 60 Goldsmith Avenue. I hope I've made enough brownies this time. There will be clothes, books, bric a brac and lots of other stuff too (including furniture!) come along and say hello even if you don't buy anything.

Clare Gittins ● 5557d