Moving is the perfect time to sort through your belongings and purge those items you no longer use. Many things, however, may have value for others, and you could pick up some pre-moving cash by holding a garage or yard sale.
If you are preparing for a residential move, here are some tips for a successful pre-move sale.
Choose the Best Day
Be smart about the day and time. Usually, a weekend day is best. Avoid days when other significant events are happening in your town, such as a parade or sports event.
Start in the morning and plan to continue until evening. Be prepared for early bird shoppers arriving before the posted time.
Check on Local Rules
Most localities are lenient about garage sales. But, to be sure, call your town hall for any applicable rules.
Invite Neighbors
Shoppers are more likely to come if you are having a multi-family sale. Ask your neighbors if they’d like to participate. If so, advertise it as a community yard sale.
Make an Inventory
Make a list of all the items you’d like to sell. Then, organize the items in one place until the big day. The inventory will help you stay organized and may help you answer specific questions from potential buyers.
Market
The more people who know about your sale, the better. Put signs up on the main thoroughfare nearest your home a few days ahead of the date. Also, post an announcement on your social media and community pages. Post fliers at local businesses. If you have special items, list those to boost interest.
Gather Supplies
You’ll need plenty of pricing stickers, which you can buy at the dollar store. You’ll also need a table and chairs for checking people out and tables to display your items.
One security tip: Consider wearing a fanny pack instead of using a cash box. With a fanny pack, you can always keep the cash you’ve earned with you.
Make Items Attractive
Make your items as attractive as possible. Clean and dust them. Fill bicycle tires. Put batteries in items that require them. Have an extension cord handy to let buyers test out electrical appliances.
Price Your Items Well
Pricing is a crucial factor in the sale’s success. Of course, you want to make money, but you also want to avoid scaring buyers away. So here are some pricing tips:
- Research items on online sites such as eBay and Craigslist. Consider choosing a median price if you see different prices for the same thing.
- A good rule of thumb is to price items at 5 percent to 10 percent of their original retail price. Used clothes prices are different. Baby clothes generally are $1 to $3; adult clothes are $3 to $5. Shoes are $5 to $7.
- Group smaller items and offer a deal for buying the whole grouping.
- Make pricing easily visible.
- Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t overprice. Buyers will walk away if the prices are too high rather than make an offer.
- If your item is worth more than you can get at a garage sale, consider taking it to a consignment shop or selling it online.
Moving Done Right
Choose your mover as carefully as you’ve prepared for your yard sale. Contact us for attention to detail and excellent service. We can help you with a stress-free move.