How to Have a Successful Garage Sale
Posted on Friday, May 13, 2016, 09:47 AM, by Monica Dufour, under
Before Your Move
Whenever you start packing for a move, you start to realize how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Sometimes you can’t bring everything to your new place. A great option is having a garage sale. You’ll be able to make money and you’ll have the peace of mind that your items are still being used, instead of being thrown out. You’ll also have to pack less items when you go to your new home. It’s best to plan ahead so you’re not stressed the day of your garage sale. Here are some tips to guarantee you’ll have a successful garage sale.
Legal Requirements
In Canada, you’re only allowed to sell items that are safe and meet current regulatory requirements. If the item has been recalled, you’re not allowed to sell it.
Health Canada has created a list of items that you can’t sell and items that need to meet regulatory requirements. Make sure the items you want to sell meet the requirements. You wouldn’t want to do all this work for it all to be shut down and even fined.
Pick a date
Picking a date gives you a goal to be prepare by. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the most common days to have a garage sale. Since most people work during the week, having it during the weekend will ensure that people could easily attend. Keep a time of day also in mind. Most garage sales are from early morning and last until late afternoon.
Gather your items
If you are getting ready to move, you’ve probably began
putting your items in boxes. Gather some boxes specifically for the garage sale. Make sure to label the boxes so you don’t confuse them. Then go room to room and get together items you’d like to sell. Don’t forget about closets and attics.
Get supplies
You’re going to need some supplies before set up your garage sale.
- Markers. So you can write prices of your items.
- Stickers. The prices will go on the stickers and then on your items.
- Tables. This will keep items off the ground and display them better.
- Chairs. Your legs are going to get tired from standing for long periods.
- Plastic bags. If someone buys a lot of items, bags will help them carry the items.
TIP: Make sure to have change. This includes smaller bills and coins. Most items at a yard sale are cheap and sometimes people only have large bills.
Advertise
You’ve gotten your supplies and gathered your items. The next step is to make sure people know about your garage sale. There are some easy and inexpensive ways to advertise.
- Put an ad in a local newspaper. The classic option is putting an ad in your local newspaper. Most have a garage sale section.
- Advertise online (i.e. Craigslist). There are many garage sale specific websites or online classifieds. They are usually a small price or even free to advertise.
- Signs around the neighborhood. Another classic advertisement it to write about your garage sale on a giant poster board and tact them around the neighborhood. Make sure your write big, clear, and neat.
- Social media. Social media is free to use and it’s a great way to advertise. There are even groups you can join where you can post.
Garage sales are a great way to make extra money. The money could go to repairs or new items for your home. Even if you don’t sell all your items, you can donate them. It also saves you time and energy. All the items you sold or donated, you’re not lugging them into the new house. If you’re hiring a moving company, if could save you money since they charge by weight. Having a garage sale is a great idea and we hope these tips help you have a successful one!