So you've decided that you want to have a garage sale (or yard sale) and you don't know where to begin. Here are some Quick Tips to create A Better Space in your home by getting rid of those items you no longer want, but wish to get a little money for them.
First, don't save things to sell at a garage or yard sale unless you have set a definite date for that sale. Donate those items instead.
However, if you have determined a date (sooner as opposed to later), be aware that your time is valuable. It takes a lot of time and energy to plan and hold a successful garage sale so be prepared to spend the time.
Advertise in the local paper - post signs in your neighborhood with arrows pointing to your home. (Just remember to go back and remove them when the sale is over!) Post signs in local stores that you frequent. My bank has a community bulletin board that I use to promote my business. You can do the same for your garage sale. Get the word out!!!
Make it a family affair. Get the kids involved. Have them select some toys or games they no longer play with and books they don't read anymore. Let them keep whatever money they make for themselves!
To get started, evaluate what you have and categorize it. Use boxes for smaller items and a large blanket or drop cloth for larger items. Visibility is key so make sure everyone can see what you have.
Once items have been categorized, you can use the box to indicate the price of the items or mark it "Priced As Marked" and then individually tag each item within that category.
Be reasonable. Remember, it's a garage sale and customers are looking for bargains. Don't attach your sentiments to the item to determine it's worth. Think about what someone would be willing to pay for the item. You will make out better if you sell a lot of items cheaper as opposed to charging more for one large item. You want the customers to buy a lot of things. The goal here is to get rid of the stuff!
Make sure you have a cash box on hand for dollar bills and coins to make change. Sometimes people bring large bills to a garage sale and you don't want to lose a sale because you can't make change.
Have some paper grocery bags or plastic bags for your customers to carry their purchases. If you have fragile items, make sure you have some tissue paper or bubble wrap on hand. Your customers will appreciate the extra effort you are taking to wrap up their precious belongings.
Negotiate. If someone really wants something, let it go for a bit less than you originally priced it. It's not worth holding onto for just a bit more money. There is a chance you might not sell it at all!
Have fun! Talk to people. Be a salesman (or woman). See if you can help them find what they are looking for.
At the end of the day, let the stuff go. Don't put it back in the garage or in the house. Donate it to a local charity or post the items on freecycle.org. Someone will make use of what you no longer want and you will keep it out of the landfill.
Take the proceeds from the day and do something fun with them - go to dinner with the family - buy something that you actually need. And look around, you now have A BETTER SPACE!
For more information and assistance on any organizing issue you may have, feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to help you reach your organizing goals.
Wishing you a good week!
