CLEAR THE CLUTTER
Clear the Clutter
5 tips for throwing a fun and successful garage sale
It happens every year. As soon as the weather starts warming up, the urge to purge the junk begins. This summer why not put the “someone else’s treasure” adage to the test and throw a garage sale? It’s a surefire way to get rid of the stuff you don’t need, help someone else find that perfect-something and make a little pocket change to fund your summer vacation. Read on for our 5 steps to make your garage sale a success.
1) Prep Your Wares Search through drawers, throw open your closets and hit the attic, basement and garage for potential stock. Working tools and electronics, baby clothes, books and toys in good condition, housewares and paintings are always a hit, so keep that in mind when deciding what to sell. Before you put your wares out for sale, make sure they’re clean. Nothing will ward off a potential buyer quite like a spider web or the smell of mothballs.
2) Properly Promote The success of your garage sale will hinge on how many people show up. Promote your sale by creating bright and graphic posters clearly explaining where you are located, when the sale is and a couple items up for grabs. Once they’re printed, hit the streets and post your signs at the supermarket, post office, drug store and library. Another great, and free, way to promote your sale is to post it online on Kijiji, Facebook or Craigslist. You can even upload a few photos of some of the items you’re selling to create some interest.
3) Get Organized Once you know what you’re selling and when, it’s time to set it all up for the sale. A couple days before the date, pull out tables and bins you’ll use to display your goods and go to the bank to take out small bills and change. Use stickers to clearly price all your items and remember to price attractively and be prepared to haggle, which is part of the garage sale fun.
4) Set It Up Get ready for an early morning. As most avid garage sale hunters come pre-start time for first crack at the goods, if you’ve posted an 8 a.m. start, try to be ready to go at 7:45. When setting up your sale, keep similar items grouped together so shoppers can easily navigate. Also try to avoid displaying items too low or too high—everything should be at eye level with price tags clearly visible. If you’re selling electronics or tools, have an extension cord or plug handy so buyers can test them out.
5) Have a Good Time Look at a garage sale as a great excuse to spend the day outside, meet members of your community all while clearing the clutter from your home. Get the kids involved and encourage them to run their own lemonade stand or sell some of their old toys and donate their earnings to a children’s charity. Invite your neighbours and encourage them to get selling too. Play some music, put up some balloons and keep the atmosphere fun and light and you’re guaranteed to have a good day.
