Easy Garage Sale Tips

Now that spring is here, you will start seeing Garage and Yard Sale signs. Now’s the time for spring “de-cluttering” and if you want to make some extra cash at the same time, check out this step-by-step list to help you prepare for a garage sale within a few days or with a few weeks notice.

Step One: Sorting Area

Find an area in the home that will become Garage Sale Sorting Central (spare bedroom, garage, basement, dining room).

Step Two: Gather Supplies

• Boxes, bags, laundry baskets to sort “like” items (toys, clothes, household etc.)
• Black sharpie, paper and tape to label “sorted items” (toy area, clothing area)
• Pricing stickers – (pre-priced, color coded, masking tape)
• Make Signs-good signs can make or break a sale!

• Start saving plastic bags/wire hangers

Step Three: De-Clutter and Find Items to Sell

• Make a list of rooms to go through – decide if you want to tackle the attic/basement.
• Go through one room at a time, drawers, cabinets, etc.
• If you are cooking dinner, putting away laundry and find something to sell – put it in the pile.
• Price items as you go.  Pricing Guidelines: 1/4-1/3 of what it cost new.  Clothes – sell less than $1.00 or consign.

• Put items to sell in Staging Area.

Step Four: Clean and Wash Items

• Make a pile of ‘garage sale clothes to wash,’ wash and then price.
• Wipe off other items as you go. Have cleaning supplies handy.
• If you have Torn/Stained Clothing – take to Goodwill and put in “bale” bin.
• If you have really nice clothing – consider a consignment store.
• Make sure it works! Add a battery if it is worth it.
• Puzzles/Games – check to see if it has all pieces.  If not, let the person know, they still might want it for craft projects.

Step Five: Plan How to Display Items

• Borrow tables if you need them.
• Gather wire hangers if you plan to hang items.
• Larger items need a larger sign.
• Sheets/Towels:  fold neatly and tie together with ribbon, twine etc.

Step Six: Where to Hold the Sale

• Garage – It is possible you might need to make room in the garage to set up for your sale! You might even have items in the garage to sell. Depending on the weather, it is good to have some room in the garage just in case of bad weather.  But personally, I prefer garage sales with most of the items set up along the entire driveway – it gives people room to shop.

Step Seven: Advertise

• Put an ad in your local paper and Craig’s List.
• If your neighborhood is having a Garage Sale, email Springfield Moms the dates and location for inclusion in the Garage Sale Directory.
• Make sure you have plenty of signs to put out on the street corners.

Step Eight: Last Minute Supplies

• An apron for change is safer because you can walk around with it or you can have a box for change.  Make sure someone is in charge of keeping an eye on the box at all times.
• Put up the signs the night before.
• Get out plastic bags.

Step Nine: Ready, Set, Sell!

Hopefully, you will enjoy good weather and shoppers will come out in droves!  Make sure everything is ready to go, neat and clean and pleasing to the eye.

Don’t forget!  Make sure you have plenty of coffee for yourself!

Submitted by Springfield Moms reader Amy Peterson who is mother of three.