Tips & how-tos

4 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale

Nextdoor 4 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
Written by Emma Smith

In honor of National Garage Sale Day on August 10th, here are some helpful tips on how to host a successful garage sale of your own! Garage sales are a perfect way to declutter your home while reducing waste – so use these preparation and organization tips to make some extra cash before the end of the summer!

  1. Be honest with yourself
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When cleaning out your home, it can be difficult to part ways with some of your belongings. A great rule of thumb is to ask yourself – have I used this item in the past month? The past year? If the answer to both of these questions is “no,” it usually means this item is taking up unnecessary space in your home, and it could serve a greater use in someone else’s hands! A great strategy when sorting through your belongings is to divide your things into a keep, sell, and donate pile. 

2. Price your items reasonably

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As you sort through the items you wish to sell, donate, or keep, it might be easiest to price things as you go. Make sure the price tag is visible and that the price is reasonable. Keep in mind that too high of a price might deter buyers, so try not to factor any sentimental value into your estimation of what something’s worth. It might be a good idea to ask a friend or a neighbor how much they believe your items are worth.

3. Stay organized

It’s important to stay organized when setting up your garage sale! Shoppers will be less intimidated and more likely to find something they’d like to purchase if everything is displayed in an accessible and orderly way. Consider sorting your items into categories and arranging them on long tables. 

4. Advertise and spread the word

Finally, let your friends and neighbors know that you are hosting a garage sale! For an effective and easy way to alert your neighborhood about your sale, post on social media networks like Nextdoor! Make sure to include the date, time, and address of the sale. Perhaps include a picture or two of some of the items you are selling. Another good tip to attract more attention to your street is encouraging your neighbors to host a garage sale of their own. Rally the whole neighborhood for a fun day of shopping and making new friends!

Do you have any other helpful tips on how to organize a successful garage sale? Let us know in the comments!


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11 Comments

  • Place most valuable items, high priced items and must go items closest to street for passersby. Knickknacks and don’t care items in back. Keep your attention at front. Don’t stand in front.
    Customers will expect to bargain, so you can ask for offers. Take names of interested non-buyers to contact at end. Dealers may want to bid on it as a “lot” for everything left.

    • Gwen, I hear you and feel your pain. Have plates/screws in my neck. (Frankenwoman) and a progressive Neurological disorder. Maybe we should call the Hoarders show and have them do all the work for us. LOL.

  • Very well written article. I just logged on to announce my small but lucrative garage sell I’ll be hosting tomorrow/ today 9/8/19. And im super proud of myself for covering all bases discussed in this article and then some. Im intentionally marking things a bit low (I think) because honestly I just want it gone! So im thinking nothing will be over $5 and most items will be between $1-$3. Maybe a handful of things that cannot be 5 or less but please if you’re in or around camanche pkwy later today please come grab something. I have a variety of things and if you send me messages and ask questions prior to me announcing the time I’ll be sure to answer. Anyhoo…. I’ve also just started a small cleaning business which I’ve affectionately named Brandee & Sons and we have a min of $125 to clean depending on sq ft and the severity of cleaning but we will charge our minimum to come clear out your garage and clean it. Dust cobwebs, and sweep. Etc. Extra for organizing , setup, and replacing all items in garage. Happy Sunday!

  • I’m looking forward to my garage/moving sale this Saturday, November 9th, 9am-12pm, if anyone is interested in stopping by: 70 Henning Terrace, Denville,NJ (Forges Townhouse complex). Many great items for sale!!

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