Spring is in the air, and for many people, that means it’s time to start cleaning out the clutter in their homes. One great way to declutter while making a bit of extra cash is by hosting a garage sale.
However, in order to have a successful one, it’s important to be well-prepared. Here are the key steps you can take to ensure your event is safe, profitable, and hassle-free!
Collect, Organize, and Price Items
The first step to having a successful garage sale is to go through your home and find items you no longer need or use. Sort them into different categories — for example, you might have boys’ clothes, girls’ clothes, adult clothes, toys, books, and household items.
The goal is to group items logically so your customers will have an easy time finding what they need. Finally, it’s time to price items. This can be challenging because you want to sell most of the items, but you also want to make money.
Remember that people are looking for deals, and you can expect to bargain with your customers. With that in mind, you might set prices with enough room to negotiate but not so high that people won’t consider the purchase.
Advertise the Sale
You don’t want to go through all the trouble to set up a garage sale only to have no one come! It’s essential that you advertise. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to spread the word!
Promote your upcoming event by sharing the details on social media, online buy and sell groups, and by posting flyers in your local area. Include the date, time, and location, as well as a few pictures of your best items. Yes, the old-fashioned route of putting up signs around your neighborhood does still work!
Start advertising at least a week in advance so people have time to see the information and make plans to come so you’ll have a great turnout!
Make Sure You’re Ready for the Big Day
When the sale day arrives, make sure that you have everything in place, including supplies like tables, chairs, price tags, a cash box, and even bags for customers to use when taking their purchases home.
Be ready for any question or situation that may arise. Have a plan in place for accepting payments, dealing with returns, and handling leftover items.
Anytime you plan to have a large number of strangers walking about your property or in and out of your garage, you’ll need to make sure to be prepared if someone gets injured.
Have a first aid kit available in case someone trips and falls. Keep some ice handy for any sprains or bruising. Make sure your home insurance is current so you have someone in your corner if there are medical bills or, worse, someone sues you.
It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to find out the details of your coverage so you’re comfortable. If you are ready to toss your current company just like your garage sale items, shop around to find a better price. For example, Freeway Insurance is known for helping customers find the best coverage at affordable rates.
Have a Great Garage Sale!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful garage sale. Not only can you earn extra cash, but it also allows you to declutter your home and connect with your community all at once.
Good luck and happy selling!
