With the warmer weather finally upon us, many people will feel a burst of energy to begin cleaning and organizing their living spaces.  This cleaning spree may also reveal the accumulation of too much "stuff"...extra tools, knick knacks, exercise equipment sadly never used, dishes and utensils, sporting equipment the kids have outgrown, toys, perfectly good baby furniture (even though your child is now eight)...the list goes on.  These unused items have become a permanent fixture in your basement, garage, or storage closet, and will likely remain there....unless you do something about it.  It is a widely accepted fact that getting organized and freeing oneself from clutter is good for your mental health, not to mention the practical and esthetic benefits it can hold.  So, if you realize you really are hanging on to items you will never use again, but they are still in good condition, you may want to consider holding a garage or yard sale to free up your space and make a few extra dollars at the same time.

Holding a successful garage sale takes a bit of time to organize and prepare for, but following these few suggestions can help take the guess work out of it, and will improve the success of your sale.  Being well prepared will prove to be well worth the effort invested.

1.  Select, Clean, and Sort.  I know you've heard that "one person's junk is another's treasure".  While this may be true to some extent, some junk is just that...junk.  Be at least somewhat selective in what to include in your sale.  A broken vase, or a game missing half the pieces really won't be of much use to anyone.  Remember that people are taking time out of their day to stop at your sale, and if all they see at first glance is a bunch of useless garbage (sorry to be so harsh), they will be very disgruntled and perhaps not take the time to look through it all to find the one treasure they may like.

Remember to dust or wash your items so that people will feel comfortable handling them...no one wants to pick up a dusty lampshade with a cobweb inside it.  If you are including clothing in your sale, be sure to freshly wash them and display them on hangers if you can.  Next, sort and arrange your items in a logical manner:  tools, household, kitchen, decorative items, children's things, books, etc.  Having all your goods neatly organized is much more conducive to making a sale, while leaving things jumbled together in the bottom of an old, dusty box will more likely deter people from buying.

2.  Display Attractively and Conveniently.  Another thing to consider is to use tables to display your goods (even if it means borrowing or renting some), rather than placing them on blankets on the lawn (as I have often seen done).  No one wants to stoop over to get a closer look at something, and will more than likely pass right over these items.  Larger items (tires, skis, fishing poles, and other sporting goods, for example) are usually fine if left freestanding, or leaning against a wall or support.  Also, ensure there is sufficient room for people to browse comfortably without bumping into one another, or knocking over your display with their over-the-shoulder handbag! Following this general guideline will protect your goods from being damaged, and protect your patrons from potential harm (tripping, even if someone is obviously clumsy, could still be seen as your fault!...sad, but true).

3. Price it Right. You'll probably find it very tempting to ask more money for your goods than most people are willing to pay. That's because you know what you paid originally for the product, and you feel it is still in good condition. While this may be true, bear in mind that it is still used...not new-at-the-store; and, you've already gotten all the use out of it you want! Also consider that the purpose of the sale is to clean up and clear out these unused and unwanted items. Most things should be priced between 25 cents and $3.00, if you truly want to see it gone. Of course there are exceptions to this, as itemized below:

• New, never used, still in the original package (better yet, unopened): you can ask 30% - 50% of original price...depending on how old it is. If it has anything to do with trends, style, colours, or decor, (and if it is obviously dated), you won't be able to fetch that much; in fact, you should price it considerably less.
• Professional tools, used, but in good working condition: price at 10% - 25% of original cost, depending on the condition and quality.
• Automobile tires, sporting goods, bicycles, small musical instruments, etc.: usually go for 5% - 15% of original, again according to condition and quality.
• Antiques: Do you really want to sell these at a garage sale? Consider listing them in the newspaper, on eBay, or with a consignment store or auction where you can specify a reserve-bid price. Or, you could also post a sign at your garage sale indicating you have antiques available, for serious inquiries only.
• Collectables, sets, jewellery, quality furniture, original artwork, or anything you deem still has considerable value: This will have to be weighed on an individual basis. A good rule of thumb for this is to give it your best guess, and then watch your customers' reactions during the first hour or so, and if they seem interested -- until they look at the price, but then quickly put it down -- the chances are you'll need to lower the price, at least somewhat.

4.  Advertise Your Sale. To make it worth your while, you should advertise your sale...otherwise, who will know you're having one? Most local newspapers will have a section devoted to garage and yard sales (at least in the summer months). For a very reasonable fee, you will get to list your address, days/hours of the sale, and a few words to describe what you have. Popular items that draw people to your sale are tools, bicycles, collectables, like-new baby items, books, sporting equipment, and quality furniture; so be sure to mention any of these items if you have them.

You'll also need to make or purchase signs to post up around the neighbourhood and along main thoroughfares to direct traffic to your home.  By-laws may vary from city to city, so be sure that you have the right to place these signs up; also, remember to take them down immediately after your sale ends (make a list of all the places you have put them).

So, what signs should you use? Good signs! The single, biggest mistake people make is using poor signs to direct traffic to their sale. To help you sort it out, here is a guide for making your signage:

• Make it large! 1 1/2 feet x 2 feet minimum (0.4m x 0.6m).  An eight inch sign (20cm) cannot be read by someone travelling in a car.
• Use bold, block letters...not your own handwriting, as pretty as it might be.
• Print your address large...as large as the letters you use for Sale (or Garage Sale, or Yard Sale, or whatever you decide to call it). This is very important!!!
• Also include the days and times of the sale, but this can be in slightly smaller print.
• Use high contrasting print and background:  white on black, or vice versa; black on neon yellow; or red on white.  Do not use cardboard alone...it won't be noticed.
• Use arrows to indicate the direction people need to go (as not everyone will consult a map).  Combine this with colourful balloons, especially at the entrance to your driveway and at the turn-off to the road in front of your home.
• Make sure that your signs are sturdy enough to withstand potential wind, and are secured well.

5.  Go the "Extra Mile".  Consider having a fresh pot of coffee brewing, ice water, perhaps some cookies or mini-muffins (to sell or just to offer), or enlist the kids to put up a lemonade stand...they can sell it for 25 cents a cup and feel a part of the sale, also.  Have plenty of plastic bags for people to carry home their new treasures, and ensure you have an adequate float to provide exact change for your customers.  Most importantly, put on a smile and have fun!

Holding a garage or yard sale does indeed take some work and organization.  But, it can also reap the rewards of some extra cash in your pocket, and, most importantly, you will be able to reclaim your garage, basement, and closets.  If you are unable to sell all of your things (and you most likely won't), consider offering them free during the last hour, or donating them to a local charity (some charities have trucks that will even pick up donations at your home).  Hopefully, by following these few ideas, you will be able to hold a very successful garage sale. 

Photo source: Stock.xchng

Copyright May 23, 2010; all original material, written by Sharla Smith