Now is a great time for a yard sale. Pre Spring cleaning. Spring is just too far away for me. I need the clutter gone now to relieve my claustrophobic, cabin fever. It’s true, we are blessed with wonderful winter weather, in the mid 60’s. But even in colder climates it’s possible to have a successful and fun event. Here are a few tips to ensure a worthwhile sale.
1. As I mentioned before, this should involve the whole family. It really is a chore if left to one person to orchestrate and execute. So, pick a Saturday prior to your sale date. Collect some good sized boxes if you don’t already have some. Everyone should have 2 boxes (and a trash bin). Each person sifts and sorts through his or her own stuff. Share and decide together on family items in the common areas (family room, living room) of the house. 1 box is for keepsakes (not to sell, but not wanted in the room now-can be stored in the garage). 1 box is for the sale and 1 for the trash.
2. Then everyone gets to go to the garage and go through what is already stored there. It will be a little like Christmas, when you open a box and go “Oh look! I forgot all about this! It was so cute…” Lots of fun and laughs for everyone. And don’t forget to photo journal your preparations.
3. Pack all the keepsakes back neatly and stack away. Separate the sale items into departments, ie; tools, books, cloths, cd’s, toys, games, household, linens, etc.
4. Pricing can be a tricky issue. Many people just feel their stuff is worth more than it is. The only things that should be priced more than$5 are verifiable collectors items, electronics, some power tools, appliances, furniture, china, silver. You can put a pricier item out for sale, but be realistic. Most people don’t yard sale for pricey items unless they are a collector or dealer. Nice Men’s or Women’s suits shouldn’t go for more than $10 and other clothing items usually not over a $1. (You can price items a little higher and encourage ‘haggling’).
5. Display your items for easy visibility. If you can, run a close line for all hanging clothes, jackets and dresses, etc. Any small appliances or electronics should be plugged in to a power source. People will buy something if they are able to see it working. Group like items, and for time saving and marketability, place one sale sign. All books .50 cents each or 4 for a $1; craft supplies .25 cents each or ‘baggie’ for $2.00. You may also make a deal for all of something, like the whole bag of sewing materials and notions for $10.
Here a few added tips for the day of the sale:
Roll out of the sack EARLY! People start coming the sales at daybreak.
Place your signs for good visibility and make sure you can read them from a distance.
Make sure all family members participate and they are compensated. They should profit if they sell items of their own. But you might want to make it a family reward, like the new HD Plasma TV you’ve been saving for or towards your family vacation.
Get a little healthy competition going. Take shifts ‘on the floor’ so to speak, while others get a break. Whoever sells the most on their shift, gets a bonus or commission.
Offer muffins and Hot Cocoa. (Be sensitive to your local ordinances against selling food products.)
Remember I said the folks in areas of snow and other extreme winter weather wouldn’t get off the hook? You can still have your sale, but make it comfortable too. Gather with neighbors or members of your local congregation, to hold a winter bizarre at the church. There you & your customers would stay warm and dry and you would surely be able to offer food, etc without a problem.
Remember, also, to contact your local City Hall and arrange for a permit if required. If they do, fees are usually nominal, like $10 and they give you pre-made signs to post.
The remaining items left unsold can either be brought back inside still used or can be donated to the Red Cross, Goodwill, etc.
Now it’s time to see what you’ve accomplished. WOW!
1. You cleaned your house of absolutely all the clutter! (It’s time to get more stuff.)
2. You earned your family a good wad of cash.
3. You recycled absolutely everything.
4. You provided those less fortunate, needed items.
5. You had a ball reminiscing with your family and taught the kids some lessons and tools.
You’re awesome!
P.S. Be a good neighbor, as well and remember to take your signs down.
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