How to Organize a Garage Sale in 8 Simple Steps
Having a garage sale is a great way to bring in some extra cash while also allowing you to declutter your home. Over time, we accumulate items we no longer need or use, and a garage sale can really motivate you to clear out clutter and create a more organized home. We created this post on how to organize a garage sale to help you get rid of your old stuff…and you’ll make some extra cash in the process too!
Garage sales also have a way of bringing the community together. They provide opportunities for friends, family, and neighbors to engage in conversations, creating new friends and relationships in the process.
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How to Organize a Garage Sale...
If you are thinking of planning a garage sale, this post is for you! These are the steps that I have taken to organize and execute my garage sales…I do hope this helps you!
1. Choose a Date and Time
- Consider weekends – generally the best days to host a garage sale are Saturdays and Sundays as most people are off work. Saturday or Sunday mornings are the most popular time for garage sales however afternoons are not out of the question either.
- Check the weather – check the forecast and try to find a warm, sunny day to run your sale
- Get an early start – most garage sale hunters are early risers and head out sale hopping early in the morning. 7-8am are popular start times for garage sales
- Allow time for preparation – you’ll need time to complete steps 2-8 so pick a date you are sure to be ready for
2. Gather and Sort Sale Items
- Declutter – start decluttering your space. Go through each room, find items you no longer want or need.
- Sort Items – sort your unneeded items into categories such as kitchen, clothes, books, etc.
- Prepare Items for Sale – make sure clothes are clean, kitchen appliances are washed, games and puzzles are not missing pieces, etc. You want to sell items that are in good shape to bring shoppers back for your future sales!
3. Price Items
- Do your research – check out items similar to your online or at other sales to determine what a fair price is
- Apply prices – use stickers or tags to identify item prices
- Prepare for bartering – shoppers will often try to bundle items or negotiate a lower price, keep this in mind when pricing. What is the lowest price you are willing to sell each item for?
4. Gather Supplies
- Displays – find tables, racks, baskets and other items needed for displaying your sale items
- Stickers and tags – grab some stickers to price items.
- Signs and markers – you will need to advertise your sale! Posters and signs can be put up in the neighborhood to advertise your sale. Don’t forget to advertise online too!
- Plastic bags or boxes – consider purchasing these if you wish to provide shoppers with a bag for transporting their purchases home
- Change – be ready to provide change to those paying with large bills.
- Calculator – be ready to calculate purchase costs and change required
- Cash box – a fanny pack will also work for this. You’ll need somewhere to keep your earnings and change
This all-in-one set will provide everything you need for your sale! From pricing stickers to garage sale signs, this kit has it all!
18 sheets of brightly colored, pre-priced labels are included in this set for a total of 4050 stickers. It has blank stickers to for customized pricing too!
This cash box is easy to use and comes with a combination lock to keep your money safe and secure. It has change compartments as well as bill slots so you'll be ready for cashing out your sale customers.
5. Advertise
- Online – sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local community sites are great places to advertise your sale
- Social media – share information about your sale on your social media accounts. Ask friends and family to share too!
- Signs – post signs around the neighborhood to advertise the date and time of your sale. Remember to include the date, time, and address of your sale. If you plan to reschedule in the event of rain, you can include an alternate “rain date” too
6. Set Up
- The day before – have tables and items organized by category and ready for quick set up the morning
- The morning of – set up tables, display items, create a checkout area, find a safe but accessible spot for the cash box
7. Its Sale Time!
- Be ready early – some shoppers will show up before the start time, be ready for them!
- Chat with customers – be friendly and welcoming. Engage with those visiting, be ready to answer questions.
- Be flexible with pricing – be ready to negotiate prices. Garage sale shoppers are always looking for deals!
- Secure your cash – make sure cash is well guarded yet accessible.
8. Wrap it Up
- Clean up – gather unsold items, consider donating them or save them for another sale
- Return borrowed items – tables and racks that were borrowed should be returned to their owner
We hope you found this post on how to organize a garage sale helpful!
Looking for more?
Looking for help decluttering for your sale? Check out this post on how to declutter your bedroom or this one on how to start decluttering when overwhelmed.
If you are looking to save some money, check out our mindful spending challenge!
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