GARAGE/YARD SALE TIPS

Are you thinking of moving somewhere new? Spring is one of the best times to hold a garage or yard sale and a great way to environmentally get rid of items you no longer want or need. This will also help you to make money, get organized and lighten the load. Try and hold your sale far enough in advance so your moving consultant can make the most accurate estimate for you.

Location

Try and choose a location that has easy access and places to park. Ask a friend or family member if you could use their property if they are in a more ideal spot. Or even better yet, encourage your neighbors to have a sale the same time as you. This will encourage more people to come to your neighborhood.

Permit

Check with your local municipality to see if you need a permit to host a garage or yard sale. Also find out if there are any restrictions as to where and when you can post signs to direct customers your way.

 Clean

No one wants to buy dusty, dirty or broken items. Clean everything before you put it out and make sure it is sale worthy.

Organize

Try and keep similar items together. Put all your kitchen items on the same table, tools on another, games and toys on another and so on. Try and keep items up off the ground if possible and displayed nicely. Rearrange items throughout the day to keep things tidy. Put your big ticket items out front so that people driving by will want to stop. 

Advertise

Advertise in as many ways as possible. See if you can put an ad in your local newspaper for free, post on social media, post on Kijiji and tell all your friends. Don’t forget to put out signs if you are able and mention that it’s a moving sale. This will bring more people out to see what you have.

Pricing

Make sure you put a price on everything. The general rule is 50% off retail for new or unused items, 30% off for gently used and 10% off for used. For movies, CD’s, books or other small items, try a package deal like buy one get one free for example. This will make your customers feel like they are getting a bargain. When your sale is half over, slash your prices. You want to try and sell as much as possible.

Extra Tips

- get a locked cash box and have a float with lots of smaller denominations, an apron is handy too

- save up your used grocery bags to put people’s purchases in

- plug in an extension cord and have extra batteries on hand so items can be tested

- donate anything leftover to your local thrift store