Clean out the Clutter: the Best Garage Sale Tips
A visit to the market may be gloomier than usual these days with the hike in food cost. However, simply going back to the basics and using a gardening green thumb provides an abundance of nutritious food on the dinner table. A bountiful garden not only saves on food cost, it is also a therapeutic opportunity to provide peace of mind knowing where your food is coming from and how it is grown.
Do you feel like there isn’t enough space in your home? Is your wardrobe overflowing with clothes you haven’t worn since Culture Club topped the charts? Is that garage of yours packed to the max with boxes containing books, scuba diving gear or Christmas decorations from the mid 90’s? It is time to do something about it. Having a garage sale is a great way to recycle old items such as sporting gear, furniture, books, clothes etc. Take a look at our garage sale tips and clean out the clutter!
Laws and Regulations
First of all, contact your city and ask if you need to purchase a permit for your garage sale. Some cities have restrictions on hours of operation and sign placement, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What Do You Sell?
When it comes to garage sales, it is easier to point out what not to sell. You will have a hard time selling dirty or broken items, swimsuits, make up and perfume.Sometimes it can be difficult to part from things, but if you haven’t used it since 2008 you probably won’t miss it.
Inventory
Making an inventory list with prices assigned to each item will give you a nice overview and help you answer customers’ questions during the day of your garage sale.
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise
Advertise your yard sale on social media such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as in your local newspaper. An ad on craigslist that includes a map is also a good idea. List some of the most attractive items you have for sale and upload pictures on the social media sites. A couple of days before the event, it is a good idea put up large, easy-to-read signs with arrows pointing in the direction of your yard sale. If you have a lot of items, you should consider dividing the sale up over two days (preferably between Saturday and Sunday).
Price Tags
Mark colorful stickers with your desired price on each item. If you have many items of the same kind that are also the same price (i.e. magazines or books), you can just put them in a labeled box.
A Couple of Days Before the Sale
Make sure you have lots of change. Quarters and one-dollar bills are hot commodity in the yard sale business! A fanny pack is a great way to keep the money safe and easily accessible during your sale. Also, it is a good idea to mow your lawn and tidy up in your yard.
The Big Day
Set up your items early in the morning. Group similar things together (think “department store”) and place your best items up front. Make sure your display is organized with price labels clearly shown. A box labeled “free” up front is a great way to lure customers in (and you will get rid of the things you thought nobody would pay for!). Greet your customers with a smile and be flexible and willing to negotiate on the price. Offer package and two-for-one deals in order to sell as much as possible.
When the Sale is Over
Take all your signs down and place an ad online where you offer the remaining things for free. All people has to do is to come by and pick up what they want from your yard!
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