If you want to know how to have a successful garage sale and earn some extra cash to help you out with your moving expenses, you should get familiar with the best garage sale tips. The proper organization makes all the difference, and we will show you how to plan everything so you have less stuff to take with you on your moving day.
There are many garage sale ideas out there, and you can choose your favorites, but some standard guidelines on the garage sale organization should be followed. If you plan this wisely, not only will you get rid of stuff you no longer use, but you can make a lot of money. You would be surprised how much you can get for the stuff that’s been sitting in your home for years.
How to Have a Successful Garage Sale?
Selling your belongings in a yard is a standard part of the moving experience, especially if you have a lot to declutter and you must find a way to move efficiently. If you don’t want to end up wasting a whole day and not selling anything, we suggest you keep reading and find out how to get people to buy random items that were laying around your home.
Pick the Date for Your Upcoming Garage Sale
Once you decide on the date, you should stick to it – it will give you the motivation to declutter, and we all know that you’re going to need it. People usually organize these types of events on the weekends. Saturday or Sunday, it doesn’t matter, but it should begin early. Those who scout these DIY yard shops like to start spending money in the morning, and many people lose interest after noon. So, we suggest you open your yard for customers around 8 AM – yes, you’ll lose a bit of sleep that weekend, but trust us when we tell you that selling will help with your moving stress, and additional cash will cheer you up.
Advertise Your Event
If you want people to come, they must know when and where to come. Place ads on Facebook, Instagram, or Craigslist, and be sure to use photos. Also, specific websites are dedicated to these kinds of sales, such as Yard Sale Search and Garage Sale Finder. It would be wise to advertise here since those who plan on buying stuff around Philadelphia neighborhoods like to check these sites. We can recommend one more thing that can boost your event – consider organizing multi-family, neighborhood, or community sales. That attracts more buyers because they know there’s more stuff to choose from. Ask around the neighborhood to see if your neighbors want to join you.
Do You Need a Permit?
Great news – no permit is required for selling your stuff on your property in Philadelphia. But that applies if you do this once or twice – if it becomes a regular thing, you will have to get the license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Declutter and Clean the Items You Plan on Selling
Decluttering the house is an essential part of your moving to-do list, and you will have to put a lot of effort into this. Sort your items, room by room, and see what’s in good condition and can be sold. Of course, people won’t buy dirty, dusty stuff, so you will have to make time to clean and wash everything. Since you’re decluttering, don’t forget to get rid of items movers won’t move to your new house.
Here Are Our Best Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
How to prepare for a garage sale? Besides cleaning things you will sell, you will have to make your yard look just like a little store, with signs for everything. Feel free to arrange stuff neatly, divide them into categories, place everything nicely on the tables, and hang clothes on racks. You should have plastic bags ready to give with sold stuff – some folks may forget to bring their own. Additionally, make sure you have change to give. Prepare small bills and coins, and be prepared to bargain.
Of course, you don’t have to lower the price so much you’ll be giving out free stuff, but it’s often better to just get rid of things, no matter how much cash you’ll get. Pro tip: put signs in your street that can lead the way for customers and have signs that show where to park. In the video below, you’ll find some tips to help you organize things in the most excellent way possible for your selling day.
What Things Sell Best at Garage Sales?
Some things sell better than others, and some aren’t suited for these sales. You should make time to learn what can bring you cash and what not to bother offering. Here’s what should make your list of stuff to get rid of:
- Toys and games – These are the things your kids have outgrown, and if you have to pack to move in a hurry, it’s better to get rid of them.
- Clothes, accessories, and shoes in good condition – Even if you learned how to pack clothes, you can’t take it all with you. Some stuff you just have to get rid of – trust us, you’ll feel free. Kids’ clothes are in high demand, and you can get a lot for fancy pieces.
- Furniture and books – Bookshelves have an excellent price, and they often bring a lot of money. You can also get a few bucks selling books. Packing books will take a lot of your time, and you don’t need all of them.
- Tools (including garden tools) – They are likely just taking your free space, and you use them rarely, so get an excellent price for them.
- Camping gear, bicycles, and exercise equipment – These are expensive, so be sure to get a good deal on them.
- Kitchenware – Why spend a whole day packing dishes when you can declutter some of them and have less fragile items to pack?
What Should You Not Sell at a Garage Sale?
Some things just can’t or couldn’t be sold. Sure, everything that isn’t in good condition should be thrown away, but some stuff is not sanitary to share, even if they are in good condition. It’s time to see what not to offer customers.
- Underwear,
- Swimming suits,
- Socks,
- Used cosmetics,
- Souvenirs,
- Shoes or clothes that aren’t in good condition
- Outdated electronics (if they’re not vintage).
How Do You Price Items for a Garage Sale?
The essential rule for pricing is that you should ask for the lowest price you possibly can. It sounds counterproductive, but it will get a lot of stuff sold. Customers won’t feel like buying expensive, used things, and many of them won’t be comfortable bargaining. Your excellent organization and shiny signs that point to your home won’t be of any use if you ask for prices higher than usual.
Small Prices Will Get You the Most Money
So, how do you set the correct number? Generally, you should ask for 50 cents to a dollar per item. This goes for baby clothes, books, dishes, or toys. Of course, larger stuff will be more expensive, but we wouldn’t suggest going for more than $15 per piece or $20 in some cases. You can put similar things in bulk and ask the same number for them. Remember to label every piece you’re selling because most won’t approach you to ask how much it is – they will simply walk away. Colorful, easily visible stickers are the way to go for labels.
What Is the Best Month to Have a Garage Sale?
Early spring is the top choice, but spring, in general, is a good idea. Summer also works, but it mustn’t be boiling outside. Late summer and fall may bring less good results than you imagined, but it could be okay because there won’t be many other similar events during that period. However, it’s essential that the weather is nice – otherwise, no one will show up, despite your signs or ads on Facebook. Since you’re planning a move, you will probably have to do this whenever you can allow yourself a break from packing, but try to organize the event when the weather’s nice.
You’ve Successfully Gotten Rid of Your Stuff – Now You Need the Most Professional Philadelphia Movers to Help You Move
Residential moving is an easy thing if you have Philly movers from our Philadelphia moving company. Whether you require labor-only services or you need a lot more help for your local moving to be successful, you can count on us. We can offer you the most experienced and qualified movers in Philadelphia, PA, for both house and apartment moving. If you’re worried about packing furniture and other large things, our packers and movers are ready to assist you. All you have to do is book our packing assistance.
Do you have an office relocation scheduled, but you have no idea how to pull that off on your own? No problem, we also do commercial relocation. It’s a perfect solution for those who can’t pack computers – our Philly movers can do that in the blink of an eye and transport all devices safely to your new office. We can also move your things to the storage if you hire us for storage in- and-out-of relocation. Whatever moving-related service you need, we have your back. It’s all easy if your movers know all the moving hacks. No reason to look for a better Philadelphia moving company – you won’t find better than us. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to book your move!