Spring has sprung and, depending on your part of the country, that means garage sales—or yard sales. In a garage, on a yard, or spread across the driveway, you can find unique stuff for little money, and I’m addicted! If you’re hooked, too, forget the 12-step program. I’ve got something much better: seven steps to make your garage sale excursions more fun and fruitful.

1. Plan your route in advance: Map out your destinations so you aren’t driving back and forth all day long. You probably already know that neighborhood sales can be super-sized, holy grail sales that allow you to fill your vehicle in record time (so you can head out for multiple rounds!).

2. Don’t forget the cash: Most sellers won’t take a check or other types of payment, and you’ll wanna die if you miss out on the to-die-for lamp because you have to run to the ATM. Setting out with your cash allowance for the day is a great way to stick to your budget and gauge your purchasing power throughout your journey.

3. Do a drive-by before you stop: Take a slow, casual pass or two to see if the sale looks to be worth your time. If someone else is driving, then you can really hone your look-out skills. Nothing looks promising? Keep moving because there are many more sales and you’re burning precious daylight.

4. Pre-determine your max price for big-ticket items: For bigger purchases, know the top price you’re willing to pay and have the discipline to walk away if sellers won't negotiate. You may lose out sometimes, but over time you’ll become a savvy garage-saler who often gets the items you're after.

5. Negotiate with a smile: Sellers build some cushion into their pricing, so strap on your shoes and enjoy the negotiation dance. Just please don’t be that person. You know the one—outraged that the baby toy is a quarter instead of 20 cents. Authenticity and charm are key factors to negotiation success.

6. Let the clock run down when sellers won't budge: If you really want an item but it’s priced too high and the seller won’t budge, drive back (multiple times depending on location) to see if time softens the seller’s rigid stance. Often it will, especially for larger items such as furniture. Make sure to remind the seller that selling it to you means no hassle disposing of the item or trying to sell it again.

7. Look beyond “as is” to what “could be": Often you can ignore the color and style of a piece because you can redo it to match your needs! This is especially true with accessories—lamps, vases, pots, candle holders and so on. Some new fabric, some cleaning or a fresh coat of paint can turn that overlooked item into a prized possession. Repurposing is a noble pursuit.

I’ve found many hidden gems over the years and I know you can too. It’s a modern-day treasure hunt, so tap your inner pirate, get your map and seek your adventure! When people come to your home and compliment you on your beautiful, one-of-a-kind __________, you’ll feel smug knowing how much you paid for your masterpiece.

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?