From Diane Schmidt,
Your Guide to Moving.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

If you're like most people, you can't resist a garage sale. There's something about going through someone else's stuff or maybe it's the hunt, the hunt for a bargain. No matter what the reason, garage sales are a great way get rid of some stuff - to lighten your move - and make some money, money that can be used to haul the rest of your belongings to your new place.

Sorting and Gathering

As you've begun packing, you've probably already covered this step, having sorted through your things and decided what to move and what to leave behind. But if you're like me, your first go through really didn't cut down too much of the clutter. In fact, your "move" pile is awfully big, while the "leave behind" pile can fit into a small box.

I usually end up culling at least two more times. I do my second and third attempt near the end of a long day, when I'm feeling tired and not exactly excited about sorting through my things. When I'm feeling like this, I tend not to be as critical or as easy on myself.

On the third go around, I try to remember the last time I used this item. If it takes me longer than 5 seconds to recall, it goes into the "leave behind" pile. Just the fact that I'm asking myself this question means the item can't be too important.

And just because it has little importance to you, doesn't mean that someone else won't treasure it. Even if you only have one item left from a set, such as one glass, one plate or one candlestick, make sure you put it out for sale. People are always on the hunt for odd items and to add to their own collection. However, if you have some things that you think aren't worth selling, try putting them out as "freebies".

Some items that are popular:

• Baby items and clothing
• CDs, records and tapes
• Household items
• Small kitchen appliances
• Toys
• Books/magazines
• Craft supplies
• Linens
• Tools
• Sporting equipment

Preparing

1. Pick a day: Give yourself at least 3 weeks to prepare and advertise. Saturdays are usually the best day; however, some people will choose to hold it over until Sunday as well. Make sure you pick a day when you think the weather will cooperate and sometime other than a holiday weekend. Also check with your neighbors. If someone else has some things to sell, then gather resources and host one sale together. Or coordinate a block garage sale. The more people included, the larger the draw.

2. Choose a time: Decide how many hours you'll need to sell all your things and if you want to accept those early morning risers who like to garage-sale at the crack of dawn. If you have other members of your family or friends helping, set up four hour shifts so everyone gets involved and can have a break, too.

3. Gather materials: Every successful garage sale requires some investment. Go to your local office supply store and purchase pricing stickers, markers, materials for signs, tape or a heavy-duty stapler, balloons to draw-in the kids and extra packing bubbles to make sure any fragiles make it to their new home in one piece.
4. Recruit card tables: It's best if you keep items off the ground. If you don't have enough card tables, ask neighbors and friends if you can borrow some. Having your items displayed so they are easy to find and view will increase your sales and help you be more organized.

Advertising

The key to any successful event is getting the word out. The best means of advertising your sale is to place an ad in the local newspaper. If you have a city and neighborhood paper, make sure you advertise in both. And don't skimp on the ad size. The ad should be large enough that it stands out. It should also include information on where the sale is located with directions, the "hot" items you're selling and the time the sale will start and end. An ad should be placed at least two days before the sale then have it run until the day of your event. Seasoned garage salers will plan their route in advance; at the same time, you don't want to miss out on those last minute people who'll check for garage sale postings early Saturday morning.

Signs are another great way to notify your community. Post them in places where people gather, such as grocery stores, community centers and laundromats. And ask before you post. Some businesses have a central bulletin board, which is the best place to advertise. Other places to post are at the local college or university campus. This is especially helpful if your sale is happening in August or early September when students have returned to school and are looking for cheap finds.

Grab your heavy-duty stapler and post signs around your neighborhood. You should also place both ads and direction signs, especially if you're located on a side street without a major presence. Signs will attract and direct people. Just make sure you print in bold letters and use large arrows so people can read the information from the front seat of their car.