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Tips to Host a Pre-Moving Garage Sale
Clear the Clutter on National Garage Sale Day
Break out the bargain bins and tidy up the knickknack tables — National Garage Sale Day is August 10th! Our real estate agents encourage you to invite your thrifty friends and family members to celebrate National Garage Sale Day in the Twin Cities. This is also the perfect time for you to host a sale before your big move.
Moving from house to house can feel like a hassle, especially when you stop and wonder if certain items need to follow you to your new home. Instead of spending the time, money, and energy boxing up these things and letting them clutter up your new space, have a garage sale instead! Here are a few of our favorite tips for hosting your pre-moving garage sale.
- Separate Items Before the Sale
Consider all of the items you want to get rid of and separate them into three groups: sell, donate, and trash. The items in the best resell condition should be saved. Items that likely won't be purchased, but can still reasonably be used, should be donated to a local charity. Things that are damaged, broken or stained should go straight into the trash. - Advertise the Sale
You may have the best items in the world, but if no one knows about your sale, you won't sell a thing! Be sure to advertise as much and as cost-effectively as you can. Create road signs leading cars to your home. Post an ad in the local paper or bulletin board and share your event online with your social media followers. Spread the word however you can to ensure you have a great turnout. - Organize the Items Neatly
The term 'rummage sale' doesn't mean your customers should have to rifle through bags and boxes to find what they're looking for. Use tables, bins, racks, and even lawn tarps to organize and label your items neatly. Dividing them into categories or by price is a great way to help your customers quickly locate the things they seek. - Price Items Fairly
No one wants to feel overcharged, especially for used merchandise. Price everything you own accordingly. Clothing, books, and movies can probably fall below ten dollars. Furniture, however, may warrant a higher price point depending on its condition. - Invite Your Neighbors to Join
Getting friends, family members, and neighbors involved is a great way to draw attention to your sale. They will help spread the word, and you'll help them make a few bucks. Just be sure to clearly mark each person's items so there is no confusion when it's time to divide the earnings. - Make it an Enjoyable Environment
Customers want to feel welcome and comfortable when they shop, especially when they're shopping at your home. Be sure to be polite, friendly and helpful to anyone who comes to your garage sale. You can even give out free refreshments like lemonade or cookies to help your customers relax. - Be Ready to Bargain
People come to yard sales looking for a bargain so don't be afraid to give it to them! It's perfectly fine to lower your price on some items if asked. Losing a dollar or two is better than being stuck with clutter that you'll likely end up throwing away. - Have a Post-Sale Plan
You'll also need a plan for the items that do not sell. You can once again divide these items into categories: sell, donate or throw away. If can sell the item online or in a consignment store, you may want to try it. If not, donate it or send it to the dumpster.
For more helpful pre-moving tips and assistance buying or selling homes in the Twin Cities, contact us today!