April showers bring May garage sales. Maybe that’s not quite how the expression goes, but organizing while spring cleaning can produce an orderly and efficient spring or summer garage sale.
Clean Out Unused Items
Many families complain of accumulation during the winter months. As children grow, clothing and toys are replaced with age appropriate models. Rather than throwing unused household items away, think of the possibility of a yearly garage sale to purge items and make a little money. Particularly for a neighborhood garage sale, organizations like the Salvation Army will pick up unsold items for donation. So, neighbors can not only make money, but also contribute to a good cause.
Before each family member eliminates clothing and personal possessions, designate a spot for items to be stored for a garage sale. But, don’t stop there. As family members move items into the garage sale spot, give them the responsibility of tagging the items as they are removed from circulation. Keep a package of colored stickers or tags and markers handy. Finally, remove batteries and personal markings from and clean the item, as it is being placed in the assigned area.
Taking these steps on the front end of a garage sale eliminates the need to run around at the last minute trying to tag items as early birds descend on the garage sale property. This way, family members can concentrate on placing the sale items, rather than pricing and cleaning. Don’t underestimate the early bird – they like to snap up the deals before the competition has a chance to get out of bed. So, the earlier the sale can be organized, the easier it is to make a nice profit.
Organize the Community
Some communities organize neighborhood garage sales, attracting more interest from shoppers who travel from house to house filling up wagons and cars with treasures. Some effective strategies for planning a neighborhood garage sale involve enlisting a couple of neighbors to help plan and promote the event.
Distributing flyers to neighbors a month in advance of the projected date can give them time to plan. Provide a date for participants to respond by e-mail or phone to the invitation. When neighbors have indicated their desire to be involved, place their addresses on a map to distribute to shoppers. In addition to generating business in the neighborhood with the use of flyers, list the sale as a neighborhood sale on Craigslist.org or other community websites and classifieds to see attendance skyrocket.
Prepare for the Big Day
The week prior to the sale, volunteers should sign neighborhood entrances and exits with the time and date of the sale to attract passing traffic and direct shoppers to a nearby participant. Remember to get change in the form of tens, fives, singles and coins to make transactions easy. Then, get comfortable and ready to sell.
By starting preparations along with spring cleaning and tagging all items before they are stored in the garage sale area, the organization of a garage sale is made much less confusing and time consuming. Also eliminated, is the confusion of trying to figure out how much Dad’s bowling ball is worth if his intention is already on the ball. Garage sales can, indeed, be fun and productive, especially with some front-end organization. So organize early and often for a hassle-free garage sale.
Lara Hammes - A mother of a 6 year-old daughter with high energy and an inquisitive nature, Lara utilizes creative ideas and resources to inspire ...
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