VINTAGE: Differences Between the US & UK

Hunting for vintage goodies is a huge pastime on both sides of the Atlantic. But the methods and ways of finding them couldn't be any different - from car boots to estate sales lets have a closer look.

The car boot [pictured to the left] - the car boot sale appears to be very much a British pastime whereby individuals come to sell their items typically within a field or carpark through an organised selling. People park up, use their car boot [trunk to Americans] or tables and sell, sell, sell. Normally selling off former possessions they are similar to a flea market in seeing everything from antiques, collectibles to second hand clothing. But generally cheaper, a lot cheaper. This isn't to say they don't exist here in the US but they are much less heard of.

Yard/garage sales [also known as tag/porch/barn/basement/roof/carport sales] - you could say a yard sale is the somewhat American equivalent to the car boot although on a smaller scale and very much undertaken by the individual, multifamily or with the neighbours. Drive along any urban street once Spring hits and you'll see sign after sign directing you towards yard/garage sales - they are HUGE in the US. We've stopped at a couple but they tend to be more geared and ideal if you're after toys, baby items, clothes and things you'd traditionally find in a garage. The worlds longest yard sale in fact starts [or ends depending on which way you're driving] in Michigan - at 630 miles long it runs along Highway 27 whereby people just set our their tables along the road. 

Estate sales - these tend to dominate the American side of finding vintage stuff and are certainly a big hit in larger cities. Perhaps us British folk are  too passive and not wanting to be seen as nosey but it's a wonder they haven't made a mark on the UK scene. Estate sales tend to occur after the former owner has died or they are moving and need rid - some of the houses can be in bad states to other being in perfect condition - which often reflects on the prices you'll be paying. Sometimes they can be so busy, especially on the first morning that you have to wait to be allowed in.

Charity shops - while they certainly both exist both sides of the pond there are certainly differences. In the UK at least there are far more smaller, independent local charity shops for the local hospice then say in the US [or at least that is the case within metro Detroit]. As with many things the US goes to town and the stores tend to be a lot larger with more national brands like The Salvation Army and Goodwill. They also tend to be a lot more used too.

The similarities between the two nations certainly exist when it comes to antique and flea markets where you can either find yourself grabbing a great deal or being seriously over priced. Sometimes there's just no difference!

Where are your favorite places to go vintage picking?!