How To Plan A Pre-Moving Garage Sale

How To Plan A Pre-Moving Garage Sale

Moving brings many opportunities. One of those opportunities is minimizing some of the “stuff” that might have accumulated over the years. If some of the acquired items have monetary or sentimental value, it might be worth moving these with you to your new home or selling them individually. If you have items of less value that are no longer needed, holding a pre-moving garage sale could give these pieces a new life in a new home, and help when it comes to Downsizing Your Home.

"One man’s trash is another man’s treasure"

Legalities

  Prior to advertising and preparing the garage sale, check with your local city to see if there are any laws or rules regarding garage sales. You may be required to apply for permits or follow guidelines when hosting and advertising your garage sale.

Date And Time

  When planning the date of your garage sale, don’t plan for it to take place during a weekday or a holiday. Weekends are the best days to hold a garage sale. You will need to choose a time for the sale to begin. Garage sales tend to start early in the morning, around 8am, sometimes earlier. You will need to allow yourself time to set up for when the first bargain hunters arrive. You might want to inquire with your neighbors if they would like to hold a garage sale as well. Having multiple residential garage sales on the same street will attract more people.

Advertise

  Advertising is the key to drawing attention to your garage sale. Place an ad on local classified websites, such as Craigslist or your social media page. Before advertising, know The Differences – Garage Sales, Yard Sales, Estate Sales. You can add images and descriptions of some of the items that will be for sale. A few days before the garage sale, post some signs around your neighborhood. Make sure to include the date and time in all the advertisements.

Decide What You’re Going To Sell

  If you have been de-cluttering in the build up to your moving date, you may have been following the keep, discard and donate method. Any items not making the move with you can potentially be sold. Remember, items that are dangerous or prohibited cannot be sold. Once the garage sale is over, anything remaining, can be donated.

Price Your Items

  Having an idea of what you’ll charge for each item prior to the day of the sale is a good idea. You can either put prices on each item using stickers or tags, or let people know when they ask. Be fair with what you ask, keep prices simple and if you have time you could visit other garage sales or research online auction sites to get an idea of what to charge. Many people go to garage sales to find a bargain and like haggling. Being flexible on the price can be part of the process of having a garage sale and for some an enjoyable experience.

Display Your Items

  You want to capture people’s interest and to attract potential buyers. This can be achieved by displaying your items attractively. Create enough space that customers can comfortably walk around and browse without fear of knocking something over or tripping.

• Large items of quality should be placed in the front, where they can be seen from the street. Make sure these items have signs showing that they are for sale. Otherwise, if there are no signs, passersby might think they’re waiting to be picked up.
• Watch out that your items are not vulnerable to theft, especially the larger pieces at the front, near the street.
• It’s always nice to know that any electronics being bought actually work. Having a source where they can be tested would make many a person happy. If any electronics are damaged or broken, make sure you inform any interested parties.
• Clothes should be clean and nicely presented. They can be hung on racks or neatly folded on tables. Having a place where people can try on items is a good idea.
• If you will have toys to sell, placing these at a low level allows children to see and play with them.
• Having a box of Free stuff is always a winner.

Welcoming Your Customers

  Once people arrive to your property, welcome them and let them know you’re available to answer any questions. Make them feel comfortable to browse.

Safety

  Safety for you, your belongings and your customers must be considered when planning your garage sale.

• Do not hold a garage sale alone.
• Have a cell phone with you in case of an emergency.
• Keep the doors and windows to your house locked. Thieves can take advantage of you being distracted during a garage sale.
• Keep all walkways clear, no extensions cords etc.
• Keep any sharp objects separate.
• If your selling baby items, make sure they are still in good condition and will not cause a safety hazard. It’s also a good idea to check any items have not been recalled.
• If your using a cash box, make sure someone is responsible for it throughout the duration of the sale. Keeping the cash on you may be a better idea. Money belts are a good option. The day before, make sure you are prepared with some smaller bills and change.

The great thing about a garage sale is that you’ve lightened your load, found your items a new home and had the chance to meet some great people!