Guest Author - Donna Coogan

If you are decorating on a budget, then you have to visit a flea market at least once. They are great places to find interesting finds for your home at a price you can afford.

Flea markets are often available year round, but they really become active in spring and summer when the weather warms up. If you have never shopped a flea market prepare yourself for a treat.

But, before you do that, you need to prepare yourself for the day. Below is a list of things to include when getting ready for your excursion.

1 – Sleep well the night before and eat a good breakfast. You will be spending the day walking around among crowds and in all sorts of weather. You want to be rested and full of energy.

2 – Get there early. The earlier you go in the day, the less crowded it will be. By the time noon rolls around, expect the market to be full of people.

3 – Know the details. Have a map of how to get there, the hours of operation and the price of admission or parking, if applicable. Also be sure to get a map of the market if one is available. Learn early on where bathrooms, eateries and ATM machines are located.

4 - Bring a friend! It's more fun to explore a flea market with someone else & you can help each other stick to your budgets and carry things to the car.

5 – Dress comfortably and in layers. This is not the place to be fashionable. Wear clothing that allows you to move around easily and shoes that you can wear all day without getting blisters. Remember that you may be sorting through dusty bins, too, so don’t be afraid of getting your clothes a bit dirty. If the flea market is outside, include a hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion. I also like to include little packets of anti-germ lotion to use periodically after touching lots of items.

6 - Bring a list of things you are looking for. A flea market will seem like a gigantic treasure trove and it’s easy to get sidetracked. If you are on a tight budget, you don’t want to end up coming home with things you don’t really need. A list will help you stay on track.

7 – Know your measurements. If you are shopping for large items, make sure you have included measurements of the space where you want these pieces to go in your home. Also know the measurements of your entrances, hallways and ceilings where you will have to maneuver these items. Don’t forget to bring a tape measurer so that you can size up the piece you are thinking of buying, too.

8 – If you love it – buy it. Even when you are decorating on a budget, it’s better to spend your money on one thing that you absolutely love than a dozen other things. Remember - you want your home to be filled with the things that reflect your personality. Don’t pass up something if you think you’ll regret it later. At a flea market, you need to buy it right away, too. Vendors don’t like to hold items and someone else might come along and buy it if you don’t. You can’t expect it to be there later in the day.

9 – Bring lots of cash, including small bills and change. Many vendors won’t accept checks or credit cards. Plus you can do your best haggling if you have cash on the spot.

10 - Be polite. The best way to find out a vendor’s best price is to ask. “Is that your best price” or “How low can you go.” Don’t expect everyone to wheel and deal with you, either. If a vendor won’t budge on a price, don’t be offended. Either accept his terms or move on with your hunt.

11 – Bring a bag, cart, wagon, stroller, dolly or something with you to hold your items. Make sure your vehicle can hold them, too. Throw in extra ropes or tie-downs and padding. Have extra boxes on hand filled with old newspapers or something to cushion and prevent breakage. Don’t expect vendors to wrap items for a journey home. Many won’t even provide a bag like you might expect at a regular retail store.

12 Record your day. It's great to keep a written journal when you get home of your thoughts and ideas from your trip. Include cards from favorite vendors, receipts and inventories of your purchases, too.

Did you like your experience? If so, then great! You’ve been bitten by the flea market bug. But, if you didn’t like it, don’t give up too soon. Flea markets vary from one to another. Try a few more before you throw in the towel. Because if you learn how to use a flea market to your advantage, then you can find incredibly deals to furnish your home inexpensively.