If you’re getting ready to pack up and move to a new home, chances are you have a household full of old furniture, outgrown clothes, discarded toys, and unused tech. The things we accumulate over a lifetime never seem quite as overwhelming as they do when getting ready to pack up a house and start over someplace new.
The most cost-effective way to dispose of these items is to hold a garage sale. Not only will someone else be hauling the items away for you, but they’ll pay you for the privilege! Hosting a garage sale takes some time and coordination on your end, so start planning early. Here’s some helpful garage sale tips to get you through the process.
Create an Inventory
In order to hold a garage sale, you need items to sell. The more you have (and the better your big-ticket items are), the more successful your sale will be. If you haven’t used an item within the last five years, it is probably safe to sell. If you don’t have enough to hold a garage sale on your own, consider partnering with family members, friends, or neighbors.
Consider any items you may no longer need after your move. If moving from a cold climate, you may be able to ditch the snowblower and cold weather gear. You can also sell many items (lawnmowers, for example) if you are downsizing from a house to an apartment.
Find the Anchor Pieces
When you advertise a garage sale, there are certain items that will pull people out faster than others. “Block” sales or “multi-family” sales are great because they promise so much more inventory. Certain pieces of furniture (like beds or dining sets) are also big draws. You can even highlight that you have lots of kids clothes and toys (always popular) or sporting equipment. The more specific you can be, the better.
Popular Items to Sell at a Garage Sale
There are many popular items that are sought after at garage sales. As long as your items are in good condition and useful, you may be able to easily sell them. Popular items include:
BooksLarge and small appliancesBaby furniture and toysAll kitchen itemsFurnitureRecords, CDs and videosGarden toolsGamesSports and exercise equipmentLawn and patio furnitureIt’s also important to make sure your items are not banned or recalled before selling.
Research Pricing
If you have some items that are considered more valuable than others, do some research to make sure you get the maximum dollar. While not everything you own is worth big money, it’s good to know if you’re accidentally sitting on a goldmine.
In general, you should charge around 20 percent of the original price if the item is in excellent condition. Leave some room for negotiation and make sure everything is clearly marked with a price or a Best Offer invitation.
Set a Date
Most garage sales take place during summer weekends, as this is when people have free time and a willingness to explore outdoor shops. Avoid holiday weekends or very hot weekends, as people tend to be busier then—and make sure you have enough advance warning to advertise properly.
Advertise Properly
Newspaper ads, online postings (like Craigslist), neighborhood periodicals, social media, and word of mouth are all great ways to advertise a garage sale. You’ll also need to put up road signs on main roads directing people to your street. Although you don’t have to spring for professional signs, investing in quality signs that won’t blow away can help drive traffic your way.
Have Change and Bags
Most people will pay in cash, and nothing will make sales evaporate like being unable to break a twenty or a fifty. Have plenty of singles on hand, and if you’ve priced smaller items less than a dollar, get a roll or two of quarters. You should also start saving shopping bags and boxes for your future customers.
Prepare for a Long Day
Unless you’re lucky enough to sell everything early, chances are you’ve got eight hours of “keeping shop” ahead of you. Ask friends to help, make shifts for family members, and provide yourself with entertainment. And don’t forget to hydrate.
You should also have a plan for getting rid of any excess after the garage sale is over with. Those items you don’t sell can be put out with a “Free” sign, you can donate them to a local charity, or you can put them in storage until a later date. Either way, don’t forget to have fun and spend your proceedings wisely.
Sign in to leave a comment.