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The stuff that makes the hunt easier. Every storage unit, estate sale, and garage sale has taught us something, and usually it's "I wish I'd brought a flashlight."
So here's the kit for finding treasure, cleaning it up, and getting it sold. Plus a section of things Gary says we don't need. (He's wrong. He's always wrong.)
Heads up: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the storage-unit habit funded. Full disclosures.
The Hunt Kit
What to bring to a storage unit, estate sale, or garage sale.
30x Jeweler's Loupe
Maker's marks, hallmarks, signatures, and "Made in Japan" stamps are tiny. A loupe turns "no idea" into "wait, this is signed."
See options on Amazon →UV Blacklight Flashlight
Uranium glass glows green. Repairs and newer paint glow differently than the original. Small enough to keep in a pocket.
See options on Amazon →Pocket Magnet
Solid brass and sterling silver aren't magnetic. Plated stuff usually is. It takes two seconds and saves you from overpaying.
See options on Amazon →Headlamp
Storage units don't come with lights. Neither do estate sale basements. Keep both hands free for digging.
See options on Amazon →Work Gloves
Dust, broken glass, mystery sticky stuff. You will touch all of it. Wear gloves.
See options on Amazon →Folding Wagon
For estate sales where parking is three blocks away and the good stuff is heavy.
See options on Amazon →Clean It, List It, Ship It
Turning dusty finds into sold listings.
Melamine Sponges
The first thing to try on grimy ceramics and figurines. Test a hidden spot first, because they can take paint off too.
See options on Amazon →Soft Detail Brushes
For dust in all the little cracks of carvings, figurines, and music boxes. Gentler than anything with bristles that scratch.
See options on Amazon →Microfiber Cloths
Glass, mirrors, and polished wood. You'll go through a bunch of them, so buy the big pack.
See options on Amazon →Photo Light Box
Clean, even light makes a $5 find look like a $50 listing. Good photos sell things.
See options on Amazon →Digital Shipping Scale
Weigh the box before you price the shipping, not after. Your profit margin will thank you.
See options on Amazon →Bubble Wrap & Mailers
Vintage breaks. Ceramics break. Wrap it like Gary is going to drop it.
See options on Amazon →Gary Said No
Things Gary says we don't need. Gary said no. Gary was wrong.
Clear Stackable Bins
Gary says we don't need more bins. Gary also can't find anything in the garage. These two facts are related.
Prove Gary wrong →Garage Shelving
The official position is that the garage is "full." Shelving says the garage is just organized horizontally. Let's go vertical.
Prove Gary wrong →Hand Truck Dolly
His mouth says no. His back says yes. Let the dolly carry the heavy end for once.
Prove Gary wrong →Label Maker
Every "where did you put the..." ends here. Gary will pretend not to love it. He'll love it.
Prove Gary wrong →Folding Camp Chair
Auctions run long. Estate sale lines start early. Gary calls it "unnecessary" until he's been standing for an hour.
Prove Gary wrong →Moving Blankets
For the dresser that "won't fit in the car." It fits. It just needs padding and a little faith.
Prove Gary wrong →New to treasure hunting?
Grab the free Treasure Hunter's Checklist, then come back for the tools.
Get the free checklist Shop our vintage findsAffiliate disclosure: Every "See options on Amazon" and "Prove Gary wrong" button on this page is an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay is the same either way. These are the types of tools we recommend for treasure hunting; check reviews and pick the option that fits you. Read our full disclosures.