Throwing a Garage Sale? Use this Foolproof Checklist

Whether you’re downsizing to a new house or simply looking to dejunk your current home, throwing a garage sale is an excellent way to cut back on clutter. Not to mention, you’ll make a few extras bucks in the process. While no one ever got rich by hosting a yard sale, it definitely doesn’t hurt to get some of what you paid for back in your pockets. To help you stay better organized, we’ve put together a simple and structured checklist for a successful garage sale. Good luck!

A month before the garage sale

• Decide on a date – When you’re ready to let go of your things, choose a date for the garage sale a month or two out. Rule of thumb: it’s always better to choose a weekend (preferably a Saturday) morning. People will be off from work and therefore, more inclined to go to a nearby garage sale. Make sure you also choose a date that works for your friends and family, so that they can attend and help out. Choose an alternative rain check date as well, just in case the weather doesn’t hold up.

A week or two before the garage sale

• Determine prices – About a week before the garage sale, sift through your inventory list and determine the starting price for each item. It’s also a good idea to group together belongings, such as books, and sell them all for the same price. For instance, place the books in a box with a sign that reads “All Books $2 Each.” Keep in mind that shoppers will be paying with cash, so make sure that your pricing system is as simplistic as possible. If you choose to not place price stickers on individual items, it helps to have a general idea of what they cost – at the very least. Also, remember that no one comes to a garage sale to spend big bucks. Be reasonable (and flexible) when setting prices. If you own something truly valuable, try consigning it or selling it online instead.

The day before the garage sale

• Have small bills on hand – One thing you’ll definitely need at your yard sale is plenty of change. So make a pitstop at your local ATM on the way home from work Friday night. It’s a good idea to have small bills, such as $1s, $5s, $10s and $20s on standby.

The day of the garage sale

• Set it up – First thing’s first: start setting up your yard sale as soon as you wake up. The earlier you can begin your yard sale, the better.

Planning to move after the garage sale? Find a reputable and reliable moving company in your area by checking Moving.com’s extensive network of licensed and insured movers. Good luck and happy decluttering!