Moving is a great reason to create fresh start for yourself, to trim the fat from your household, so to speak.  The more you get rid of now, the less you’ll have to pack, the more room you’ll have in your new place, and the less money your move will cost.

While there are many ways to get rid of your unwanted, unneeded or unusable stuff, having a yard sale is the most enjoyable way, and it’ll provide you with some spare cash!

Requirements for a good yard sale:

• Organization – before the sale, sort your belonging into like groups and make them presentable so that people will want to buy them.  Also, discuss what you are selling with your family so that things of sentimental value aren’t accidentally given away for $1.

• Materials - You’ll want several cardboard boxes in which to put items. You’ll also want permanent markers, masking tape or stickers for pricing (always label!), poster board for signs, balloons for flagging your location, and possibly tarps if you’re lying things on the ground.  You’ll also want a decently-sized, locking cash box.

• Pricing - you can price similar items collectively, but generally make sure that each item has a price.  Haggling is fun, but it can become burdensome if you have to do it with every customer.  Using labels is the best way to price things.

• Cash and Change – make sure you get lots of quarters, ones and fives before you start your garage sale.

• Manpower - Don’t try to have a garage sale alone! Invite family and friends.

• Advertise - Pick a day that most people are off work, usually Saturday and Sunday, and a day when the weather is agreeable. Then put out the word on Craigslist and by placing signs at nearby intersections.

• Cookies, Coffee & Other Services – People like free stuff, so offer coffee, bottled water, lemonade, crackers and/or cookies. It is also a good idea to have a mirror so people can try on clothes, and an electrical outlet so people can try the electrical devices, and wrapping for fragile items.

Above all else, have fun.  A yard sale is a good way to meet people, converse with neighbors and share a valuable experience with friends and family.

Return to: Getting Rid of Unwanted Stuff