25 Garage Sale Tips

Hi folks, it’s me, Julie from redheadcandecorate.com with 25 Garage Sale Tips! If you’re not too interested in garage sales these days, you can check out my latest DIY project here: DIY Rustic Indoor Wood Sidelight Shutters.
I sure hope your Summer is going nice and S-L-O-W. Mine is speeding by like lightening, but when I look back I realize how much fun we have had already. I’ve also accomplished quite a bit around the house, including a huge “purge” garage sale in the beginning of June. We earned a whopping $519.00 during a 2 day sale and I’m pretty proud of that number. The kids were proud, too.

You may be thinking, ohh…a garage sale is so much work. Why should I go through all of that trouble? Well, I agree. It is a lot of work. If it’s going to cause too much stress, I completely recommend skipping it and just donating it all. Remember though, it’s not just about the money. Garage sales have many benefits including: exercise, cleaning up the house and getting rid of things you no longer use,helping the community, recycling, good old fashioned team work building amongst family members, and even your garage gets cleaned. Oh, and you may even make a few friends.
So, if you are thinking about having a garage sale, yard sale, or whatever sale, I have 25 easy, smart garage sale tips that I have learned after now having 6 garage sales under my belt.

• I have found the best time of year to have a garage sale is Spring/Fall when it’s cool, and not hot.
• Best time of the month is at the beginning. People are out of money at the end of the month.
• Best day is Friday during the hours of 8am-2pm. Next is Saturday.
• Begin purging 2 months prior to sale so you don’t feel rushed. Go through one room a weekend and have the kids help. Bag everything and put in a designated area in your garage or basement.
• Advertise on Craig’s List, Gsale.com, and on Facebook (tell your family & friends too!).
• I didn’t advertise in my local paper, but that is a great idea.
• Put signs out 2 days prior and make sure your handwriting is very large. Add a balloon to all of the signs and don’t forget to put one on your mailbox (you can find signs/balloons at dollar store).
• 2 weeks prior ask neighbors if they have a card table or two you can borrow.
• Give yourself at least 1 week to set up the sale in your CLEAN & CLEARED GARAGE. Cover up items that are not for sale with a sheet.
• Label EVERYTHING with a price (I used blue paint tape or dollar store stickers).
• Never have a garage sale alone. Have 3 or more people there at all times.
• Designate an area for you to sit, and to keep your supplies such as tape, stickers, plastic bags, etc.
• Make sure you have $100 in change. Some people have offered me a $100 bill.
• Keep change on you in a fanny pack or in a secured location on you. Don’t pull out all of the $ at once. Have a helper transfer $ indoors.
• Sell water, coffee, lemonade, muffins, donuts (kids love to do that part).
• CLOTHES SELL! Sort all clothing by gender and size. Label each box so it is clear. I usually put a rug on the floor so folks can kneel down to sort through boxes. I make most of my $ on clothes & shoes. You can also hang nice outfits up just like they do in stores. I also use ladders to hang the clothes on.
• Set up the sale so it’s cozy and welcoming. Add Christmas lights, or lamps to set the mood. Music is fine, but keep it low and soft.
• Put valuables such as jewelry and video games on one table near you so you can monitor it at all times.
• Categorize and label EVERYTHING. Put holiday decor on one table, kitchen supplies on another.
• Greet your customers, and thank them for coming. (Sometimes they come back for more!)
• Go 1/2 off on day 2 and make a sign so everyone knows when they are there on the first day.
• Put large items out by mail box to attract attention.
• Be ready to negotiate.
• Give some things away for free. I gave away stuffed animals for free. Ahhhh…
• Donate everything at the end and do not put it back in your house. Most donation centers or churches will come and pick up what is left over.

Any questions for me? Just leave them in the comment section and I’ll be sure to get back to you asap. I wish you great success on your next garage sale and so appreciate you meeting me here at the fence!

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