How Was Your Week? Car Boot Sale

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that last Sunday, despite the threat of showers, I’d reserved a spot at the local car boot/flea market (what’s the difference?), an event I’d relentlessly campaigned to our local residents’ association to reinstate after they’d cancelled it several years ago…. I can’t remember the finer points as to why, but I guess after one of the bigger markets down south was raided by the authorities for, only God knew why… maybe licenses? insurance? drugs? It was a shame because although I never participated as a seller, I loved to go along to see what bargains I could snap up and catch up with friends and acquaintances!

Anyways, having sorted our saleable junk or as we call it, toot, as part of my efforts to ‘declutter’ see

I MUST DeClutter I Mutter…

I was not going to let the threat of rain dampen my enthusiasm … although being held prisoner at the event from 10am till 16.00 with no onsite refreshments as they did not have a food license was not quite the same as in previous years when there were homemade cake stands and other refreshments. Thankfully, Mr P came to the rescue and brought along a fresh flask of coffee and, later, some toasted sandwiches.

Sadly, when we arrived, despite being one of the first people to reserve, my allocated space was in a muddy location at the far end and not on the concrete football/games area as promised. Needless to say, I was NOT a happy piglet, especially as I had to trudge back and forth through a large puddle (with Mr P’s help) to unload the car. Luckily, I’d packed everything in plastic crates, and in addition to bringing a small table, I’d packed a large plastic tablecloth, which I used as a groundsheet.

Once settled in my fold-up beach chair and using an old golf umbrella for shade (yes, the clouds cleared, and we were rewarded with wonderful blue skies), with my motley selection of wares on display, I waited for people to make their way over to my pitch. I’d priced every item so they could make the all-important buying decision without fear of having to engage with an over-eager seller. Don’t you just hate it when you go to a market and the moment you touch anything the stall holder pounces on you and goes into a full sales spiel?

I did manage to sell quite a bit of toot, bagging about 60 euros! Which was excellent considering the footfall died off at around 13.30 -14.00ish. Who knew that PS2 games were compatible on the PS5? The kids did, and at a euro each, Mr P’s old games sold like hotcakes. The only sad part– someone stole one of the discs out of its case. My stash of fun jewellery also proved popular as did a few household items. Clothes not so much. Just three items. Maybe I will try my luck on Vinted. We will see.

Overall, it was a good day: I cleared some space in the garage. Found homes for items we no longer used and made enough money for a nice meal out, more plants or some more painting supplies. AND, much to Mr P’s surprise, I only spent four euros. Two on a variegated succulent and another two on a spinning hostess plate, which I need for my artwork. I daren’t look at more stalls in case I come home with more toot than I started with.

I’m glad it is not this Sunday, as I woke with the Mother and Father of a migraine

How do you dispose of items you no longer need? Market, Charity or Trash?

My thanks to Natalie for hosting weekend coffee share