7 Garage Sale Tools of Success (Guest Post)

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Interested in having a Garage Sale? A successful one – I presume.

Aaah, no problem. Let me share with you my little secrets to a Slammin’ Garage Sale!

I admit – I am one of those drive-by lookers. The kind where you peek to see what they are selling and if there is nothing interesting past the driveway, it’s not worth my time stopping by. It’s kind of sad because I have learned that all the nitty gritty cool stuff is usually sitting on those tables in there – but, like many people – I am in a hurry. Don’t want to waste 10 minutes on a garage sale with baby stuff when I am looking for antiques and unique items. I have the secrets to get those people to park their car and come to look at your “treasures” hidden up in the garage!

Here’s My 7 Garage Sale Tools of Success:

1. The Date is Key. Weekends are Best! Do not schedule your garage sale on a Holiday weekend. Many people are too busy with their families and will not be roaming around town looking for something to do. Also, pick a date that is good for your neighbors as well. The more garage sales in a certain location – the more likely shoppers will park their car and walk around! And start early – go ahead and open your door for those early birds – they are there to buy and you just may have the thing they are looking for!

2. Keep your prices low! These people are looking for a bargain and you are desperate to get rid of your stuff, right? So, if someone makes you an offer – negotiate with them – don’t let them leave without the sale. Just get rid of it already… you don’t want to lug it to the donation box at the end of the day anyway.

3. Have a variety of items to pick from. You don’t want to limit your garage sale to “just tools” or “just kids stuff”. Start collecting your items that you want to sell months in advance. Everything in your home that you haven’t used in less than 1 year – you don’t need – get rid of it and make room for more stuff! J Here are a few items you may have lying around that someone wants to take off your hands. Framed Art, Mirrors, Placemats, Blankets, Bedding, Dishes, Small Kitchen Appliances, Old Electronics, Books, Music & DVDs, Craft Items, Home Décor Items, Yard Tools, Tools, Furniture, Office Supplies, Children’s Clothing, Toys, & Adult Clothing.

4. Display your items nicely, neatly, & CLEAN! No one wants to buy your dirty, old coffee maker when it is covered in coffee stains. All bedding, clothing and household items need to be in the best condition possible if you want it to sell at top prices. Make sure your items look attractive and are organized on display. It is best to have the pricing sticker visible on top of the item, not under the bottom. Also, hang your clothing on clothing racks. It is easier for people to sort through and looks neater as well. If you have a group of one type of item – you can use general signs like, ALL SHIRTS $2.00, or THIS BOX $1.00. Position your large household items out on the driveway, closer to those driver-by’s. Display a Large Price sticker on it as well – so they can see they are going to get a value at your garage sale.

5. Advertise, Advertise, And Advertise. The best place to advertise in most towns these days in on Craigslist. It is really easy to add a garage sale on there – so don’t be intimidated. On the Main screen click post to classifieds, located at the top left hand corner. Then click on for sale, which will bring you to a list of categories – choose garage and moving sale – and then your nearest area. Include a brief description of the items you will be selling along with your address and sale dates. If you have pictures, you can include those too! Also include an ad in your local newspaper with the date and location. And don’t forget signs! Your signs should be displayed in prominent corners near your home and should be Large and Neatly written. If your signs look NEAT – your garage sale will be more attractive!

6. Don’t Forget the Details. Grocery bags for people to carry multiple items home with them. Have cash and change – early people usually show up with larger bills, so be sure to have plenty of 10’s and 5’s, but mostly ones. Carry your cash on you in a fanny pack or apron. If you have electronics to sell – have an extension cord ready for them to test the item on. Have someone there to help you. People usually have questions and it is difficult to handle money and answer questions at the same time. And one last thing… A freshly mowed and manicured lawn makes your home even more attractive for those drive-by lookers as well.

7. And Finally, Include Lunch or a Small Snack Stand! I like to pull out my grill and fire up some toasty hot dogs. Sell a dog with a can of soda for a buck! It is easy, gives your husband something to do, and you can make money doing it as well! Or get your children involved – set up a cute lemonade stand out front with small snacks for shoppers to enjoy. They are usually hopping from one sale to another and would rather grab something from you than waste valuable Garage Sale time at McD’s.

There you have it! Are you motivated to start cleaning house of all that unused merchandise?

I encourage you to follow the instructions above – these have worked for me in the past and I have had many successful sales, and I had fun doing them!

Don’t be intimidated by people coming to your home – I am always amazed at the diversity of people garage sale-ing. Many are people just like you and me, looking for specific items for their collections, for their home, or to save a few bucks because they are thrifty!

Brenda writes at Peek At My Paper, a blog devoted to sharing Creativity & Happiness. Think of Peek At My Paper as a Reference Book – filled with inspirational craft, home decor & photography ideas, along with uplifting stories of Family & Homemaking.  Prepare to be inspired.

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