Host a Successful Yard Sale this Summer

Everything You Need to Know to Get Rid of Unwanted Stuff

Is your garage, basement or closet overflowing from the heaps of stuff you’ve been saving? Do you rationalize this hoarding with a just-in-case scenario? If so, these times of self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic may offer the ideal chance to prepare to put those languishing piles to good use in someone else’s home. Yard sales are a great way to clear out, recycle and make some extra cash. Plan now for a summer yard sale and have fun bringing the whole family into the process.

Follow these suggestions for a successful yard sale, and a clutter-free home.

The Storefront

A garage is usually the best place to hold a sale. It offers shelter and requires little setup and tear down. If your garage is hard to access, hidden from view or contains valuables that can’t be easily concealed, use a covered porch, patio or your yard instead.
Be sure to have tarps available to protect your goods from rain and for covering up at the end of the day.

All in the Timing

Plan your sale when temperatures are between 60 to 90 degrees outdoors. Typically, the best days to hold sales are Thursdays through Sundays, with Fridays and Saturdays providing the most traffic. Mornings bring the most significant flow of shoppers, and the earlier you’re ready, the better. If you open by 7:30 or 8 a.m., early birds will flock.

Displaying Your Wares

Don’t pile your merchandise on tables or leave it in boxes to be rummaged in. While some don’t mind digging through messy stacks, most people won’t bother.

Hang as much clothing as possible. Use a laundry pole, portable closet or install two support brackets and a closet rod. If you only have a few clothing items, a clothesline will do.

Plenty of table space is also a must. Borrow folding tables, and if you run out, make a table by resting a sheet of plywood over sawhorses, or prop spare planks of wood between chairs. Keep all but big items off the floor for better visibility.

Neatly fold and stack clothing that you can’t hang on tables, and label stacks according to clothing size.

Organize good toys and complete sets where parents and grandparents will easily spot them.

Set up a table for the guys with hand tools, gadgets, electronics and home repair items.

Place small articles such as jewelry in easy-to-view divider containers or egg cartons.

One exception to the disorderly rule is for small toys. Stick all these little goodies in boxes on the ground where young children can dig for treasures to take home. Label boxes according to the price per item or allow kids to choose one as a prize.
Finally, make sure batteries and electricity are available so you can show shoppers that items are in working condition.

Like New Sells

Appearance plays a big role in the sale of used goods. Wash and dry all clothing and linens, then fold or hang immediately to prevent wrinkles. Wash dust, dirt and grime from toys, tools and household items. Also, repair broken merchandise when feasible.

Price to Sell

Don’t overprice or, at the end of your sale, you’ll pack up nearly as much as you started with. For big items, look through Craigslist or eBay for average resale prices. Keep in mind that online pricing often isn’t comparable to what people will pay at a garage sale. Some quality items in like-new condition can bring 25-35% of the replacement cost at rummage sales. Occasionally, tools, equipment and other things in small supply can be priced higher and sell for 50-60% of replacement cost, depending on age and condition. Most used merchandise will bring 5-10% of replacement cost at best.

Advertising

Facebook and Craigslist, as well as the more popular online garage sale locator websites, usually bring the best results. The exception is if you live on a main street or a heavily traveled highway. In your ad, be sure to include your address and main cross streets, dates and time of your sale, and items you’ll be selling. List big items individually as well as the categories of things you’re selling, such as tools or toddler clothing.

Also, post fliers on the grocery store or laundromat bulletin boards. If there are no regulations against doing so, posting signs on nearby corners is a must. Get busy now, or get the kids busy, making the flyer and a bright sign for the front of your house.

Tips for Success

• The bigger the sale, the more traffic you’ll get. Go in with family, friends and neighbors and hold one big sale rather than several small ones.
• Move large items such as furniture or appliances into the driveway to attract passersby.
• Finally, have your items priced. Many people will walk away from a sale when items aren’t priced. They don’t want to make an offer that’s too low and risk offending you. They also don’t want the hassle of having to ask the price for every little thing they might consider buying.