What is a jumble sale?
Also called: jumble · Used in United Kingdom and Ireland
A jumble sale is a charity sale of donated goods, traditionally run by a church, school or scout group in a parish hall, with proceeds going to the organisation. It is the British equivalent of a church rummage sale, and the same scramble-at-the-bargain-stall format.
What it actually means in practice
Historically the entry fee bought you fifteen minutes at the tables before the general public was let in, which is why 'jumble' became associated with the pushing rather than the goods.
They still run for the same reason: donated household items with no individual seller to price them, so everything must go before the hall is cleared.
Related terms
Find one near you
Every jumble sale posted nearby is on one map, sorted by distance, with dates, hours and photos. Hosting one yourself? Posting is free and takes about two minutes.
Need the rules rather than the words? Permits and signage by state. Back to the full glossary.
