by E K Stapleton

Created on: July 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 22, 2010

You've cleaned out your basement, attic, garage and children's bedrooms. So what do you do now? It's the perfect time to organize a yard sale. Turn those unwanted treasures into a few extra dollars in your pocket. Here are some tips to help you plan your yard sale.

1. Setting a date

Don't be too anxious and set a date for too early in the spring. The weather is too unpredictable and it could end up being a very cool day. Cold weather will result in a poor turn out. Set a date for the summer months when even the mornings are warm.

A Saturday at the beginning of the month is prime time to hold a yard sale. Most people have received their paycheck and the pensioners have just received their monthly checks. Everybody's pockets are full and they're ready to spend.

Don't plan your sale on a holiday weekend. Many people go out of town or are attending parties and celebrations. Your yard sale should start no later than 8:00 a.m. Bargain hunters like to get an early start on the day.

2. Location

The location of your yard sale plays a big factor in it's success. If you live in a remote location, on a dead end street or a place with no parking for customers, you won't see a high volume of shoppers. Seek an alternate location. I live on a dead end street so I hold my yard sales at my uncle's house, on a main street. This is a great location as even people who didn't see the advertisements spot my sale as they are driving by.

Also ask neighbors if they would like to hold a yard sale on the same day. Multi-family yard sales do exceptionally well. The prospect of browsing at several sales with one stop is very appealing to prospective buyers. This will also lower your advertising costs as they can be shared by all families taking part.

3. Advertise

Advertising is crucial to ensuring a good turn out. Many local newspapers allow you to advertise your sale for little or no cost. The larger newspapers may be a little more expensive, but it may be worth it to get more exposure. Have your ad appear in the paper a few days before your yard sale. Most people, such as myself, scour the ads and make a list of the sales they plan to visit on the weekend.

Post ads anywhere you can find a community bulletin board such as the grocery store, banks, laundromats, corner stores or shopping malls. Post large signs on poles around your neighborhood. Include the date and time and have an arrow show the right direction.

In all of your advertising make mention of any items that may be a

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