Garage sales – a treasure trove for bargain hunters, a chance to declutter your home, and potentially a goldmine for you. But hosting a successful one takes more than just throwing out boxes of stuff on your lawn. Fear not, decluttering guru and sales extraordinaire, for I’m here to guide you through the process of hosting the best garage sale your neighborhood has ever seen.

Preparation is Key

Declutter Ruthlessly: Be honest, do you really need that third juicer? Sort ruthlessly, keeping only items in good condition and with some resale value. Donate or recycle the rest. Leftover items can be donated to charities or shelters, giving them a second life and earning you a tax deduction. Ask your real estate expert where to drop off your items.

Price To Sell: Research online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace to get an idea of fair prices. Remember, you want things to move, not gather dust. Selling for small amounts will really get things to move ... and if you do not want the item anymore, it’s not worth it to haggle. True story – my friend haggled a buyer over a doll for which she wanted $8. The buyer walked away, and guess what? She donated it anyway, not making a dime on that item.

Organize And Categorize: Group similar items together (clothes by size, books by genre) and label them clearly. This saves shoppers time and makes your sale look more professional.

Presentation Matters: Display items attractively on tables or folding racks. Iron wrinkled clothes, dust off dusty items, and make your space inviting. This may be time-consuming in the days ahead, but if you have worthy items, you will make it tenfold in return.

Spread The Word: Advertise online (i.e. Facebook groups and Marketplace, Craigslist, NextDoor, and other community forums) and offline (flyers, posters, neighborhood listservs, etc.).

The Big Day

Start Early: Be ready before potential customers arrive. Have change readily available, including small bills and coins. Trust me, those buyers will show as you are trying to shove down your morning coffee and get your comfy shoes on.

Be Friendly And Welcoming: A smile and a greeting go far. Engage with shoppers, answer questions, and be open to negotiating.

Embrace The Haggle: It’s part of the garage sale experience. Be prepared to negotiate but know your bottom line for each item.

Offer Incentives: Bundles, discounts for multiple purchases, or a “free with purchase” bin can entice buyers and clear out more items.

Stay Safe And Secure: Keep an eye on your belongings and have a friend or family member help out, especially if you have cash.

Offer Refreshments: Water, lemonade, or even homemade cookies can create a positive atmosphere and encourage people to linger. If you have a young entrepreneur, this is a great way to keep them engaged, busy, and excited about making their own money too.

Play Music: Upbeat tunes create a fun and inviting vibe. Just keep ’em clean!

Accept different payment methods: Consider using payment apps like Venmo or Cash for contactless transactions. Please, however, never accept a payment beforehand to “hold” the product they wish to purchase. There are many scams that happen and you want to stay safe. In person, however, these payment apps are a surefire way to get exactly what you want for your product and a safe way to not have so much cash on hand.

By following these tips and adding your own creative flair, you can transform your garage sale from a random assortment of stuff into a treasure hunt for eager buyers. Remember, it’s about decluttering, making some money, and having fun – so relax, enjoy the process, and watch your “trash” turn into treasure.