By Kimberly Blaker | Contributor
Is your garage, basement, or closet bursting at the seams with items you’ve been saving “just in case”? If so, it might be time to declutter and let someone else benefit from your excess. Hosting a garage sale is a fantastic way to organize your space, recycle items, and earn a little extra money. Here are some tips to ensure your sale is both successful and effective in clearing out clutter.
Choosing the location
The garage is typically the ideal spot for a sale, offering shelter and minimizing setup and breakdown effort. If your garage isn’t easily accessible or contains valuables that you cannot move, consider holding the sale on a covered porch, patio, or in the yard. Always have tarps on hand to protect your items from rain and to use for covering them at the end of the day.
Timing is key
Select a day when outdoor temperatures are comfortably between 60 to 90 degrees. Generally, Thursdays to Sundays are the best days for garage sales, with Fridays and Saturdays attracting the highest number of visitors. Mornings are ideal for sales, so start as early as 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. to catch the early birds.
Showcasing your items
Keep your merchandise organized instead of piled on tables or left in boxes. Many shoppers prefer not to sift through clutter. Hang as many clothing items as possible, using a laundry pole or a portable closet; alternatively, you can set up a clothesline or use a ladder for support if you don’t have many items to display.
Ensure you have enough table space by borrowing folding tables, or create a makeshift table using plywood on sawhorses. Avoid having too much on the floor for better visibility.
Neatly fold and categorize any clothing that can’t be hung, and group toys and sets for easy identification. Create a dedicated ‘guys’ table featuring tools, gadgets, and home improvement items. Use containers or egg cartons to display smaller items like jewelry so shoppers can easily see them.
For small toys, consider placing them in boxes on the ground where children can easily dig through and select their favorite items. Clearly label boxes with prices, or allow kids to pick one as a free gift.
Lastly, ensure that you can demonstrate that smaller electronics and tools work, so batteries or electricity should be available.
Make it presentable
The appearance of your items significantly influences their sale price. Launder all clothing and linens, and fold or hang them promptly to avoid wrinkling. Clean the dust and grime off toys, tools, and household goods, and repair any items that can be fixed.
Set reasonable prices
Avoid overpricing your items, as this may lead to bringing home more than you sold. Research classified ads for standard resale prices. Generally, high-quality items in excellent condition can be priced at 25 to 35% of their original cost, while certain tools and equipment might sell for 50% to 60% of the original price depending on their condition. Expect most used items to go for about 5 to 10% of their initial price.
Spread the word
Utilize local newspaper classifieds or Craigslist for effective advertising, unless your location sees a lot of foot traffic on its own. Clearly state your address, major cross streets, sale dates and times, and a list of what you’ll be selling. Highlight noteworthy items alongside general categories like “home goods” or “toys.”
Additionally, post flyers on community bulletin boards in stores or laundromats, and if possible, hang signs at nearby intersections. A bright sign in your front yard and balloons tied to your mailbox or near your house will help attract attention.
Strategies for success
*The larger your sale, the more traffic you can expect. Collaborate with family, friends, and neighbors to combine efforts for a more substantial sale.
*Consider organizing a neighborhood garage sale. This approach often draws in shoppers from nearby areas.
*Position larger items like furniture or appliances in the driveway to catch the eye of those passing by.
