How To Have a Great Garage Sale

Have you ever wanted to clean out some of your unwanted items and make a little cash in the process. If so, then a garage or yard sale is a great option. It will allow you to clean out things you don't use while allowing you to make a little money at the same time. Be prepared to work hard and have fun in the process.

Planning ahead can help your garage sale become a success.

- Set a box aside during the winter months and place unwanted items in the box as you find them. That way, you won't forget them on the day of the sale.

- Some towns and cities require a permit for a yard sale. Be sure to check in advance to make sure you are in compliance with all city rules. If your home is part of a homeowner's association, check with them to see if they have any rules or restrictions regarding yard sales.

- Advertise your sale in advance. Put flyers out, advertise in the paper, and tell your friends. This will help you get a great turnout. Many people also advertise on Craig's List and other websites.

- Does the town you live in have a "city wide garage sale" day. If so, take advantage of it. Lots of people will be out looking for deals on that day.

- Make it very clear in your flyer that you don't want "early birds" (unless you don't mind them). You really don't want people coming around at 6:00 a.m. looking for a great deal if your not ready for them yet.

- Have plenty of change and small bills on hand. You'll find that more than one person will pay for a $0.50 item with a $20.00 bill. Be prepared.

- Make sure you have plenty of grocery sacks on hand for the sale.

- Make sure your yard or driveway is in good shape before the sale. You don't want anybody stepping in any unseen holes or other hazard and suing you.

- Check pockets in clothing, compartments in purses, and anywhere else things might hide. You don't want to sell a pair of jeans for $1.00, only to find out later that you left a $10.00 bill in the pocket.

- Price your items realistically. People are looking for bargains, they won't pay full price for a used item, no matter how nice it is.

- If possible, have plenty of table space available. It will keep your items nicer and the customers won't have to bend over as much.

- Make sure your items are clean and displayed attractively. Dirty items discourage shoppers.

- Do you have a lot of junk that probably won't sell, but you don't want to throw away. There's nothing wrong with a "free" box. It's amazing what people will take home when it's free.

- Towards the end of the sale, mark everything down. People love a great deal. Consider pricing everything at a quarter, or selling everything they can fit into a shopping bag for $1.00.

You want to make a little money with your sale, not lose money to theft. The following suggestions will help you stay safe.

-Make sure the money box is never unattended. If you are working by yourself, keep the money in a fanny pack you wear around your waist.

- If you want to accept checks, only take them from people you know.

-Don't let anyone in your home for any reason. Keep the doors locked.

-Try and have a couple of people helping with the sale. This will deter shoplifters.

A garage sale can be a great way to teach the kids the value of hard work and give them a chance to earn some money for themselves.

- Let the kids sell some of their toys they've outgrown. Let them keep their profits.

- On a hot day, let the kids sell lemonade or soda pop.

- Be sure and clean up your yard and garage area.

- Take down any signs you've posted.

- Consider donating unsold items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. It keeps perfectly good items out of the landfills and helps a good cause.