If you have lived in one home for a while, there are probably many things that have accumulated over the years. So, if you are about to relocate your home, those items could be a bit problematic. Items that we don’t need and use, and just sit around your home can really waste your time and energy while packing. Furthermore, those could significantly affect your moving costs. So, before you start packing, be sure to go through your home and see what items you could say goodbye to. And the perfect way to do this is sell. That’s why you need to learn how to organize a garage sale and make some money!
Collect your items before you organize a garage sale
Even though they’re old, someone may still find them purpose
As we mentioned, relocation is a great moment to declutter your home. Also, even if you are not moving, it’s good to make some space in your home from time to time. Our advice is to do the decluttering systematically. Bring out your boxes and go room by room. Also, while selecting the items, make sure to separate them into groups of similar types, so it is easier to sort them out later for your yard sale. These items may also include the items you don’t find valuable at all. Don’t underestimate them – old CDs, vases, even cables and chargers you don’t know what are for. Someone may find them useful and be happy to buy them from you. If you have some special and valuable items you don’t want to get rid of, be sure to move them with care. The best way is to contact professional movers to help you out with specialty items like mirrors, antiques, pool tables, or pianos. If you are moving a piano, our expert piano movers NJ will use the high-quality supplies and professional techniques to relocate it.
Know exactly what you are selling
While sorting out the items you are about the sell, it is good to make an inventory list with the pricing. That way it will be easier for you to track and sort out the items, and know what you sold and what you have left.
Pick a good date
One of the key factors when trying to organize a garage sale is definitely the season and date. The most common yard sale days are Friday and Saturday. However, you can also choose Thursday and Sunday, or organize a garage sale that will last for a couple of days. When it comes to the time of the day, it is best to start early. People will come to your sale and have plenty of time to continue with their day. Most importantly, you need to choose a nice weather day. Of course, it is not possible to know the exact temperature, but avoid winter days and hot July and August days as well.
Make sure to pick the best date
Check if you need any permits to organize a garage sale
Some cities don’t allow having a yard sale without a special permit. Luckily, it is easy to get it at your town hall or even online. Of course, you may live in a city where you don’t need one, but be sure to check it, either way, to avoid problems.
Attend a yard sale or two
Before you organize a garage sale for the first time, it is good to visit a couple of yard sales in the neighborhood. This way you will learn about common prices of certain items, and maybe pick up some ideas – or learn from their mistakes.
Put up signs and let people know
As the most common shoppers on your yard sale will be your neighbors, it’s good to let them know about the garage sale. The best way to do this is to put up signs around the neighborhood. Make signs that are attractive and easy to read. And as one of the signs of a good neighborhood is the solidarity between the neighbors, you can expect them to help you out with the sale by spreading the news among others who live there. You can also invite your friends from social networks and make an announcement over there. Use Facebook to create an ‘event’, inviting your friends and neighbors to your garage sale.
Gather and organize the tables
Yes, the easiest way to present your items is putting them on the floor. But if you want to organize a garage sale that is successful – make your shoppers feel great about spending their money. Borrow (or rent) a couple of plastic, foldable tables, so your ‘customers’ don’t need to bend for every little thing.
Have things nicely organized
Prepare the basic garage sale supplies
When you want to organize a garage sale, be sure to have the following items on that special day:
- small bills – since you are selling items that are mostly cheap, don’t expect that your shoppers will have the exact amount to pay. Be sure to have enough bills of $1, $5 and $10 so you can easily give the change.
- plastic bags – buy a packet of plastic bags to put the sold items and prepare them for their new owners.
- old newspaper – garage sales are full of fragile items, That’s why it’s good to have some old newspaper so you can wrap and protect breakables. Also, be careful when moving your fine arts or antiques or other fragile items.
What to do with things you don’t sell
When you organize a garage sale, you need to be aware that some of the items will not be sold. However, don’t give up on them. One option is to try to sell them online – on Craigslist, for example. However, there is another option – you can donate some of the items to charity. The last option should be throwing them away – and even then you can do some recycling, too!
It’s time to move
Once you sorted out the items and downsized your home, it’s time to move. You need to start packing in advance, so you can do it properly. Next, be sure to pick the right, trustworthy movers Hackensack NJ. Then you will be sure that your relocation will be smooth and easy. As you can see, it is not that difficult to organize a garage sale, and it can be really helpful when moving house. Fewer items to pack, lower moving costs, more space in your new home – isn’t that a great reason to organize a garage sale?
