If you're like most people, you can't resist a garage sale. There's something about going through someone else's stuff or maybe it's the hunt, the hunt for a bargain. No matter what the reason, garage sales are a great ways to get rid of some stuff - to lighten your move - and make some money, money that can be used to haul the rest of your belongings to your new place.
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Baby items and clothing
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CDs, records and tapes
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Household items
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Small kitchen appliances
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Toys
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Books/magazines
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Craft supplies
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Linens
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Tools
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Sporting equipment
Preparing
- Pick a day: Give yourself at least 3 weeks to prepare and advertise. Saturdays are usually the best day; however, some people will choose to hold it over until Sunday as well. Make sure you pick a day when you think the weather will cooperate and sometime other than a holiday weekend. Also check with your neighbors. If someone else has some things to sell, then gather resources and host one sale together. Or coordinate a block garage sale. The more people included, the larger the draw.
- Choose a time: Decide how many hours you'll need to sell all your things and if you want to accept those early morning risers who like to garage-sale at the crack of dawn. If you have other members of your family or friends helping, set up four hour shifts so everyone gets involved and can have a break, too.
- Gather materials: Every successful garage sale requires some investment. Go to your local office supply store and purchase pricing stickers, markers, materials for signs, tape or a heavy-duty stapler, balloons to draw-in the kids and extra packing bubbles to make sure any fragiles make it to their new home in one piece.
- Recruit card tables: It's best if you keep items off the ground. If you don't have enough card tables, ask neighbors and friends if you can borrow some. Having your items displayed so they are easy to find and view will increase your sales and help you be more organized.
Advertising
The key to any successful event is getting the word out. The best means of advertising your sale is to place an ad in the local newspaper. If you have a city and neighborhood paper, make sure you advertise in both. And don't skimp on the ad size. The ad should be large enough that it stands out. It should also include information on where the sale is located with directions, the "hot" items you're selling and the time the sale will start and end. An ad should be placed at least two days before the sale then have it run until the day of your event. Seasoned garage salers will plan their route in advance; at the same time, you don't want to miss out on those last minute people who'll check for garage sale postings early Saturday morning.
Signs are another great way to notify your community. Post them in places where people gather, such as grocery stores, community centers and Laundromats. And ask before you post. Some businesses have a central bulletin board, which is the best place to advertise. Other places to post are at the local college or university campus. This is especially helpful if your sale is happening in August or early September when students have returned to school and are looking for cheap finds.
Grab your heavy-duty stapler and post signs around your neighborhood. You should also place both ads and direction signs, especially if you're located on a side street without a major presence. Signs will attract and direct people. Just make sure you print in bold letters and use large arrows so people can read the information from the front seat of their car.
Pricing
Before you start, if there is an item that you're unsure of its value, try to get it appraised before you place a $10 ticket on it. You could be giving away something valuable.
If you have a lot of stuff to sell, try to pre-price your items, using stickers. Don't ask too much; remember you're trying to find a new home for your things.
The general rule of thumb is that if an item is still in its box or you still have the box and instructions, for things such as kitchen appliances or kids toys, it's safe to ask one quarter of the original price.
Make sure all electronics have cords or extensions and that there's an outlet available for testing.
Kids' clothes should be greatly reduced and adults even more since there won't be a place for people to try on items.
If you don't have time to pre-price items, place similarly priced pieces on the same table then mark the table with a posted price. This works especially well for small trinkets and children's toys.
- Have a fully charged cell phone on hand.
- Place signs on all doors stating that they are "off limits". If someone asks to use a washroom, direct them to a local store or restaurant. You don't want strangers wandering through your home.
- Use a money belt and keep at least $50 of change on hand. Cash boxes are too easy to steal.
- Keep high-ticket items closer to the house where you can keep an eye on them.
- Set up your tables outside the garage so you can be seen easily from the street. Have plastic sheets on hand in case it rains.
- Don't leave children or teens alone; make sure at least two adults are always present and visible.
Post Sale
Count your earnings, donate any leftovers, and then thank your neighbors and friends.
And don't forget to take down all signs! Don't leave paper on posts or direction signs for late garage salers to find. Be kind to the environment and your neighbors and clean up afterward.