With spring quickly approaching, it’s almost time for families to change wardrobes to accommodate the much anticipated warmer weather.

Families with growing children know it can be a daunting and pretty expensive task a couple times a year.  Luckily, there are many opportunities for finding great deals on gently used clothing, as well as toys and other baby necessities, at many area consignment sales. 

These semi-annual sales tend to be held in early spring and again in early fall every year.  Moms and dads have been able to find a wide variety of treasures from shoes to strollers, blankets to bathing suits, maternity wear to mattresses, and so much more. 

With the rising popularity of these sales, keep in mind that there will be crowds, and shoppers often line up early at the door waiting for it to open. It is generally easier to keep your young ones home if possible, and make sure to check out the sale online ahead of time, as many only accept cash.

Not only are consignment sales a great place to shop, they are also a great place to sell. You can do your spring cleaning and make some money back on items your kids have outgrown but are still in good shape.  Should you want to be a seller, contact the organization for specific information and rules, as every sale is structured differently.

To kick off the spring and summer seasons, there are local two sales coming up this weekend. 

On Saturday, March 5, from 8 a.m. to noon, the Mom2Mom Consignment Sale will take place at Branch Creek Community Church on Sumneytown Pike in Harleysville.  This sale is organized by and benefits the MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group that meets monthly at the church. The cost for admission to the sale is $1. 

North Wales Elementary will also host its Mommy Market Saturday, March 5,from 9 a.m. to noon at the school, located at 201 Summit Ave., North Wales, and admission to the sale is $1.

There are a few other great nearby sales in the coming weeks to add to your calendar.  On March 19, Towamencin Fire Hall on Bustard Road in Kulpsville hosts the Buttons and Bows Consignment Sale. On March 26, Trinity Lutheran Church on Main Street in Lansdale hosts the Bucks-Mont Moms Spring Rummage Sale. And on April 2, The Upper Gwynedd Fire Department hosts The Upper Gwynedd Fire Department Mommy Market on Garfield Avenue in Lansdale.

For a more complete listing of consignment sales in the area, check out these two sites:

http://mamaslittlehelper.org/consignment-stores-sales/consignment-sales/

http://www.playgroundbuzz.com/Consignment.aspx