Why Millennials and Gen Z are loving estate sales

If your algorithm has slowly shifted from fast furniture hauls to “vintage score” and “thrift flip” videos, you’re not alone. Estate sales – once seen as niche or intimidating – are quickly becoming a design goldmine for Millennials and Gen Z looking to furnish homes with character, longevity and stories behind the pieces. Think of them as the ultimate IRL treasure hunt, where the payoff can be anything from a sculptural 1970s burl wood coffee table to a retro Murano glass mushroom lamp.

According to Lale Boz, founder of Normal New York, today’s estate sales are evolving beyond simple liquidation events. “A modern estate sale is less about liquidation and more about stewardship and building a connection,” she explains. “Normal New York's Modern Estate Sales honor the stories behind every collection while creating pathways to new chapters.”

Boz says the shift reflects a generational move toward intentional living. “Because estate sales are one of the few places where people can learn how to buy for longevity,” she says. “We see them as living classrooms, where shoppers can understand craftsmanship, materials, scale and history in real time.”

Identifying quality to build a unique home style

For shoppers new to the scene, experts recommend focusing less on the thrill of scoring a deal and more on spotting long-term value. Boz suggests prioritizing fundamentals. “Solid construction, quality materials and pieces that serve a real function in your home” tend to deliver the best investment, she says. She adds that shoppers should avoid impulse buys driven by trends or heavy damage without a clear restoration plan.

Interior decorator and content creator Carlotta Cisternas agrees that estate sales offer unique value compared to traditional retail. “Shopping at estate sales makes it possible to furnish your home with one-of-a-kind pieces even if you don’t have a big budget to work with,” she says. “Estate sales often happen in homes that people have lived in and curated for decades, and as a result, the selection of items you can find there transcends whatever is trending that season at big box stores.”

Expert advice for finding the best items (and saving big)

If you want maximum design impact for your dollar, Cisternas recommends starting big. “The biggest design impacts on your home will almost always come from big pieces of furniture, like credenzas, rugs and bookshelves,” she says, noting that larger items often come with deeper discounts because they’re harder to transport.

Still, estate sale shopping requires a strategy. Cisternas advises making a game plan before stepping through the door. “If you’ve never been to an estate sale before, think of it like shopping at a thrift store, but you get to explore a cool house at the same time,” she says. Keeping a running list of desired items, measuring your space in advance, and checking for damage can help prevent regret purchases, since most sales are final.

Behind-the-scenes estate sale marketer and vintage expert Quinn Fiona Garvey, says preparation can make or break the experience – especially if you’re chasing a coveted find. “If you want the full experience, the drama of it all … you should go extremely early,” she says. “If you’ve got 20 bucks burning a hole in your pocket and you’re curious what an estate sale is about, go midday.”

Garvey also stresses the importance of using your senses when evaluating items. “You have to touch it. That’s step one,” she says when assessing quality pieces, adding that shoppers should also watch for warning signs. “If a leather bag smells like a gas station … I would pass.”

Sustainability efforts and emotional connection

Beyond aesthetics and affordability, sustainability is another major driver behind the estate sale boom. “Estate sales extend the life of existing objects, which is inherently more sustainable than producing new ones,” Boz explains. “Buying this way supports circular design while preserving craftsmanship.”

Perhaps the biggest appeal, however, is emotional. Garvey says estate sales offer something retail simply can’t replicate: connection. “Estate sales should feel like a celebration of someone’s life,” she says. “You’re walking through this display of someone’s life, to search for a piece that moves you.”

For a generation redefining how – and why – we shop, that combination of story, sustainability and style may be the real treasure.

Estate sale checklist for first timers:

✔ A Wish List

Know what you’re looking for to avoid impulse buys.

✔ Room Measurements and Space Photos

Helps you quickly decide if a piece will fit your layout and style.

✔ Tape Measure

Vintage sizing varies – always double check.

✔ Payment Options

Bring cash and a card. Not all sales accept both.

✔ Comfortable Clothing and Shoes

Expect crowds, stairs, and lots of walking.

✔ Transportation Plan

Have a pickup or delivery option ready for large items.

✔ Inspect Before You Buy

Check for damage, odors, missing hardware and stability. Most sales are final.

✔ Timing Strategy

Go early for rare finds. Go later for potential discounts.

✔ Open Mind

Look beyond presentation – focus on potential.