Tips for Conducting a Yard-Moving-Garage Sale
Yard sales are a great way to recycle your "stuff" and allow others to give it new life. Remember: one person's junk is another person's treasure! Here are some tips to maximize the impact of your yard/garage/moving sale!
Yard Sale Basics:
- Set up in your driveway, garage or on the lawn. Look for large flea markets in your area that allow families to set up their own tables.
- Take the time to clean your dusty/dirty items so they look desirable again.
- Use pre-priced tags available at stores. Price ALL items low, but fair and do this ahead of time (if in new condition, price at ¬ to 1/3 of what it would sell for new); price all large items; group small items on tables with one set price for all; reduce prices at noon.
- Use tables to display items (not the ground); set up by price/type of item.
- Clothing looks great and sells best on racks and grouped by categories.
- Sell food such as coffee, doughnuts, lemonade or cans of soda. During a multifamily yard sale, food brings people to your table.
Yard Sale Advertising:
- Post large, bright, waterproof signs at least four days ahead of time. List date and arrow pointing the direction.
- Send an advertisement to your local newspaper (Reading Eagle, 610-376-1527) and the Merchandiser at 610-670-2595.
- Start as early as possible for early birds. Early shoppers are more serious and willing to spend money.
- Encourage your neighbors to have a multifamily yard sale, especially in a development. Split the cost of the ad.
- List your location first. This is how many shoppers plan their day.
- Start as early as possible (early birds can come at 6:30!) and end at 1-2 p.m. One day is best.
- List attention grabbing items: unusual antiques, big items, use ?bargain?.
- Provide directions if necessary.
Get the kids involved!
- Engage your children by having them selling their own items or staff the food table.
- It's a fun learning experience and you can allow them to use the money for their own spending or donate the money to their favorite charity.
- Use the money for a family treat or buy an item the whole family can use such as a camera, DVD player, recreational equipment, or a family outing.
After it's over: Box up the remaining items, make a list of the items, estimate the market value, and take directly to a nonprofit agency. Use the receipt for your taxes. Don?t put your items back in the house!
About the Author
By Vali G. Heist, Owner-The Clutter Crew http://www.thecluttercrew.com. Organize your home?take control of your life!
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