Spring is in full bloom, and countless homeowners have already started chipping away at their massive spring-cleaning ‘to-do’ list. For many, this includes planning and executing a garage sale to get rid of old merchandise and make room for all that the new season has to bring. Approximately 35.1 million Americans move every year, but anyone who’s ever planned a garage sale for any reason can tell you that it’s no walk in the park. It takes serious effort, planning, and coordination to pull off the perfect garage sale, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s our quick and easy guide to help you plan the perfect spring garage sale.
Pick a Date and Procure Your Permit (If You Need One)
First, you should set a solid date and time for your garage sale. Preferably, it should take place on a sunny afternoon. Try to aim for a weekend as well, and feel free to extend your sale over multiple days.
On the other hand, some say that weekdays may result in better results due to the limited competition.
“Weekend mornings are the traditional time for garage sales, so consider a different time to have less competition. One neighborhood may have dozens of garage sales on Saturday morning, but how many do they have on a Tuesday morning? Timing a sale during early morning or late afternoon commuting hours could help grab the eye of commuters, parents taking their kids to school and others looking to snag a deal,” writes Kristen Pope on The Penny Hoarder.
One final scheduling tip is to align your sale with a nearby event. That way, you’ll already have a leg up on attracting local shoppers. But however you choose to schedule your sale, make sure to give yourself time to get the proper permits, if they’re needed.
Display Valuables Properly
If you’re selling a number of fine jewelry pieces or watches, you’ll want to give them extra care. Start by cleaning them thoroughly, then arrange them in a pleasing manner in a display case or another protective container. Don’t forget to highlight any big name brands — Rolex produces over 2,000 watches per day, and even after years of use, a Rolex maintains its durability with proper care, making them and other high-quality brands a can’t-miss opportunity for countless shoppers.
Get Crafty With Garage Sale Signs
Once you’ve sorted and arranged your sale items into categories, shift your attention to sign-making. An eye-catching sign is all it takes for customers to remember the date, time, and location of your sale, so don’t take any shortcuts in making them as visible and widespread as possible. Then, make smaller signs for each category of merchandise or price rate. After all, several studies, including one from Brigham Young University, showed that merchandise with a sign outsold merchandise without a sign by 20%. Make sure your signs are visible from the road, and you’re good to go.
Take to the Internet to Advertise Larger Items
Finally, if you have any major items to sell, like a boat, it’s best to advertise your sale on Craigslist and other similar sites. Afterward, make sure all big-ticket items are cleaned and properly prepared for use. For example, there are six steps to de-winterizing a boat: check the oil, check the battery, drain cooling system and hoses, top off fuel tank, check belts, and check safety equipment (anchor, floatation devices, radio, fire extinguisher, etc.). If you’re selling a boat and can’t manage these steps, communicate it clearly and reflect it in the price. Don’t underestimate how effective the Internet can be in advertising your merchandise and getting it exchanged for cold hard cash.
We hope these tips help you to plan the spring garage sale you’ve always dreamed of!