1. There will be “junk”, plenty of junk.
Here come the waterworks.
Nobody ever told me how much junk I had accumulated over the past 6 years of living on my own. My list composed mostly of old appliances, outdated clothing, worn out toys, and decor from 3 different homes. However, every box I opened came with a new memory. I found pictures of high school flings, Christmas cards from my grandpa, and souvenirs from vacations past. I no longer considered all of these items boxed up, junk for long. I soon found myself sitting in a pile of memories and with those memories came tears and laughter.
2. Advertise your sale!
“Oh crap, should I advertise this in our newspaper?”
No business can be successful without advertisement. Luckily, we are born in the generation where social media is our main platform of communication. Take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist, and whatever you can get your hands on! If want to go the extra mile, call your local newspaper or buyers guide and ask about rates for posting an ad. My best advice is to post about the sale at least twice, once in the beginning of the week before your sale, and another on the actual day of the event. Your advertisement should be simple and sweet but include pictures of items that will lure people in. Furniture and appliances are always hot items.
3. Ask for help.
It takes two to tango, maybe even three.
There will be plenty of items you may not be able to move yourself! Ask a family member or friend to help you a few hours before the sale. Offer breakfast or maybe beer while the sale is going on as an incentive for their generosity. If you have kids, find a babysitter now! I say this from sole experience; they will only be in your way. Look at it as a mini-vacation to make money. You will also be spending a few hours beforehand labeling prices. Invite someone over with a bottle of wine and make it a fun game such as the Price is Right. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
4. Prepare yourself.
Don’t forget the stickers. Everyone loves stickers.
Here’s where we get serious. This is one the most important steps to execute a successful garage sale. Prepare a list of things you’ll need BEFORE the sale.
Here’s a simple one to get you started:
- Pricing stickers—you can find these almost anywhere!
- Permanent markers
- Garage Sale signs
- Tape
- Boxes
- Plastic grocery bags
- Change bank of quarters, dimes, nickels, and dollar bills
- Small plastic tote—used to hold money
5. Be willing to negotiate.
“Can I buy this for 25 cents?”
People are going to haggle you. I promise you this. Be flexible. If someone were to offer me $5 for a lampshade I priced at $7, I’d sure as hell take the money. It’s only a couple of dollars away from what I’m asking and it’s one less thing I’d have to box up and take to Goodwill. However, be somewhat firm the beginning of your sale. There will be plenty of buyers and you want to make some profit. Let the end of your event be the time to negotiate with everyone. Dollar bills can add up when you let people fill a bag for $3. Besides, this is stuff you don’t want! Let someone else have it and be satisfied with the thought of someone loving that item as much as you may have at one point!
