BEFORE - Consider a “street” sale, you can share costs and will attract more buyers; look for ways to advertise effectively both ahead of the event: online, in local newspapers or by word of mouth (call us and with sufficient notice we will place an ad in our Neighbourhood Newsletter) and during, which will include signage and may incorporate balloons or banners; solicit help, the more hands and eyes available the easier; borrow tables, portable shelters, hangers etc as needed; save bags, boxes etc; obtain or make “GARAGE SALE” signs; have sufficient cash/change on hand, merchandise: bundle less attractive items with more saleable items; put similar items in the same area; clean and polish, wash clothing and hang; list and price/tag items. If you are moving a distance, it may be wise to sell plants and more economical to sell and replace certain items, than transport them. A good rule of thumb is to charge 15-20% of the original cost for items in good condition with the exception of used clothing and books which are usually priced lower;

DURING - Strategically place signs, balloons etc to entice drive-by traffic; expect to negotiate, buyers love a bargain (remember to SMILE and let go or at the end of the day you will still own the item); always have two people present, one to keep an eye on things; do not allow buyers into your home; be prepared to make change on the spot.

AFTER - In an ideal world everything would be sold and the coffers full. Realistically you probably have some left over’s. Load up the boxes you saved and either donate or trash the remainder; return all borrowed items, count the proceeds and take a well deserved rest.
Well Done!

WHAT CAN I SELL? - Consider selling anything of value including but not limited to: large and small appliances, kitchen items, electronics in working order (or identify those which to not work as they may be a valuable source for parts), books, DVDs, records, furniture, jars and vases, baby/childrens’ clothing & toys, (complete) games and puzzles, sports and fitness equipment including bicycles, plants and gardening items, tools, mirrors, frames, art, lamps, patio and lawn furniture and decorations, indoor and outdoor carpets, musical instruments, used clothing, linens and if you have energy to spare (or it’s a cold day), muffins/coffee/tea/juice.