Garage sale tips to turn spring cleaning into spring cha-ching!
Q: Help! Toys, knickknacks and other treasures we’ve collected over the years are taking over our house! What’s the best way for us to sell some of them?
A: First, pat yourself on the back. I speak for myself when I say it’s hard letting go of belongings. But if there’s something that I can’t see myself ever using, no matter how much I love it (like my collection of dashboard hula dancers!), I set it aside for a yard sale. Over the years I’ve learned a lot of tricks for convincing other people to buy my cast-offs—and earned some extra cash in the process. I bet that no matter what you’re selling, the tips below will help you plan—and pull off!—your own sale.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
8 garage sale tips and tricks
1. Tag-team it
If you don’t think you have enough stuff to draw a large crowd to your yard sale, join forces with a friend or neighbor. You’ll lessen your own prep work and make the event more fun.
2. Sell as if you’re a store
Group things by texture and color to make them look their best. Bunch together some single pieces—like old picture frames or mismatched plates—and sell them as a unit.
3. Bribe friends to help
Promise each one a free item or two from the sale, and you’re sure to get lots of help moving heavy objects, wrapping sold pieces and answering shoppers’ questions throughout the day.
4. Advertise
It’s easy to make your own flyers and then hang them in coffee shops and the grocery store. Consider posting a listing in local papers and online classifieds like craigslist.com. And if you’re hanging signs by a road, make sure the print is large enough for drivers to see.
5. Encourage savvy shopping
Everyone likes a deal, so set up a special sale area, such as a three-for-one table. It can also be enticing to offer a box that’s filled with an assortment of items. Set a starting price, let people bid on the box and its contents, and watch the hodgepodge from your attic go home with a new owner.
6. Add nice touches
Clean, simple price tags that are neatly written look good and lessen the pressure of having to answer the “How much will you take for this?” question. And pops of color like a red ribbon tied around a few books can go a long way!
7. Feed your customers
Bite-size nibbles do wonders to build goodwill (save by buying in bulk from your local wholesale club). Free sweets make people happy. And happy people buy more!
8. Donate the leftovers
Arrange for a local charity to pick up whatever doesn’t sell—and be sure to get a tax receipt!
You may also like
See more-
Baby Gifts for new parents: Thoughtful things to give and do
We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and dads?...
-
Easter Easter basket ideas for all ages: DIY decorations, gifts and more
Excited to get hopping on those Easter baskets? We love to see it. And we love to inspire it, too! So we’ve put toget...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY Free printable classroom posters to brighten the school day
Are you a teacher, or do you know a great teacher? (Um, who doesn’t?) Here’s a simple way to encourage kindness and c...
-
Valentine's Day DIY Valentine's Day treat bags for kids
One of the best things about kids valentine treat bags is the surprise element—there could be anything in there! But ...
-
Gift Wrapping 4 cute and creative ways to wrap gifts for kids
There’s something extra fun about wrapping gifts for kids. Maybe it’s the look on their faces when they’re handed a r...
-
Christmas DIY cookie decorating ideas: How to make your own sweet family and friends
Delicious, versatile and fit for nearly any dessert occasion, it’s no secret that cookies are pretty awesome. And whe...
-
Kids DIY Activity Spinners for Kids
Help kids come up with little ways to change the world.
-
Drinks Spiced appletini
Mix, shake and sip your way to spiced-apple goodness. Our Spiced Appletini recipe uses star anise cloves and vanil...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY Día de Muertos crafts to celebrate with family
The sweet smell of pan de muerto baking, colorful decorations and pictures selected with care, special memories being...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY Punch needle embroidery: Cute, cozy projects for cold nights
There’s something satisfying and deeply therapeutic about needle punch crafts: They’re easy, repetitive and immediate...
-
Back to School Back to school with creative lunch bag decorating ideas
As a kid, being handed a packed lunch full of my favorite snacks before school was the first step to having an awesom...
-
Back to School Our favorite back-to-school ideas for parents
For kids, back-to-school season can be bittersweet. Getting shiny new school supplies and seeing your friends every d...
-
Kids DIY teacher appreciation gift: personalized zine
For Teacher Appreciation Day, you want a gift that says “thank you” for all their hard work, patience and general awe...
-
Back to School DIY back-to-school zine: free download to personalize
While kids are counting down the last days of summer, parents are gearing up for the first days of school. We’re shop...
-
Back to School Back-to-school craft: Make your own magnets
This time of year, moms are looking for every chance they can get to offer a few encouraging words. Download and prin...
-
Back to School Free printable lunch box notes to send them back to school with love
We all love sending our kiddos off to school with just a little extra love. Or a few encouraging words. Or sometimes ...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY How to make a DIY money lei for graduations, weddings, birthdays and more
In Hawaii, people give leis to celebrate lots of different occasions. A money lei is a great way to celebrate a gr...
-
Gift Wrapping 3 creative ways to reuse gift wrap scraps
Picture this: You’ve just finished wrapping a gift, you’re admiring your hard (but fabulous) work, and suddenly reali...
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY 8 tips on how to take great photos with your iPhone
Photos have been a huge part of capturing memories ever since cameras were invented. And these days, with advanced ca...
-
Graduation Graduation cap decoration ideas to help you stand out in a crowd
In what seems to be an endless sea of your school’s colors, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. And while you...